diff --git a/projects/echoes-of-the-forest/staging/polished/character-state-ch-12-final.md b/projects/echoes-of-the-forest/staging/polished/character-state-ch-12-final.md
index 443b2da3..3f149549 100644
--- a/projects/echoes-of-the-forest/staging/polished/character-state-ch-12-final.md
+++ b/projects/echoes-of-the-forest/staging/polished/character-state-ch-12-final.md
@@ -1,51 +1,41 @@
-# FULL MODE: CHAPTER 12 — CANONICAL STATE EXTRACTION
+# Character State: ch-12 [POLISHED FINAL]
 
-## Character State: ch-12
-
-### Elara Vance
+## Elara Vance
 **Location:** Inner Sanctum of the Heart-Root/Threshold  
 **Physical:** Silver-white Sigil permanently bonded to right palm; moderate spiritual exhaustion; bruised ribs (lingering); mud-stained, damp clothing  
 **Emotional:** Transcendent but weary; carries heavy responsibility for forest restoration  
-**Arc Status:** 100% COMPLETE — Fully transitioned from reactive survivor to proactive Voice of the Forest; accepted sacrificial leadership role  
-**Active Obligations:** Owes Kaelen protection (ch-06) — UNPAID  
-**Unresolved Knowledge:** Council's role in Blight origin (possesses evidence) — awaiting political reckoning  
-**Permanent Status:** Core identity locked; Vessel role irreversible  
+**Active Obligations:** Owes Kaelen protection (Ch-06) -- UNPAID  
+**Open Loops:** Elara and Council [Corruption Reckoning] (Ch-12) -- UNRESOLVED  
+**Known Secrets:** CARRIED: Council's role in Blight origin (possesses evidence) -- Kaelen unaware  
+**Arc:** 100% -- Fully transitioned from reactive survivor to proactive Voice of the Forest; accepted sacrificial leadership role  
+**Status:** PERMANENT CHARACTER
 
-### Kaelen
+## Kaelen
 **Location:** Threshold of the Heart-Root  
-**Physical:** Left arm mangled/scarred; weak, pale; resting; stable but requires long-term recovery  
+**Physical:** Left arm mangled/scarred; weak, pale; stable but requires long-term recovery  
 **Emotional:** Stoic, contemplative; at peace with guardian identity  
-**Arc Status:** 100% COMPLETE — Redemption finalized; committed fully to Heart-Root/Vessel protection  
 **Active Obligations:** None  
-**Unresolved Knowledge:** Sun-Guard bloodline secret (ch-11, Elara unaware); Grove map location (ch-02, still missing)  
-**Permanent Status:** Guardian role locked; scarring permanent  
-
-### Thorne Blackroot
-**Status:** DECEASED (ch-11)  
-**Fate:** Severed from Blight; body calcified and shattered into inert dust  
-**Legacy:** Circle of Thorns influence extinguished; sanctum purified  
+**Open Loops:** None  
+**Known Secrets:** CARRIED: Sun-Guard bloodline (Elara unaware); Grove map location (Elara unaware)  
+**Arc:** 100% -- Redemption finalized; committed to Heart-Root/Vessel protection  
+**Status:** PERMANENT CHARACTER
 
 ---
 
-## World State: ch-12
+# World State: ch-12 [POLISHED FINAL]
 
-### Factions
-- **Circle of Thorns:** EXTINCT — No magical resonance; remaining scouts fled  
-- **Council of Oakhaven:** PARIAHS — Corruption exposure spreading; survivors questioning past complicity  
-- **Forest Spirits (Elderwood):** VIBRANT — Actively reshaping environment; singing new growth  
-- **Oakhaven Survivors:** CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC — Sky clearing; questioning Council authority  
+## NPCs
+- **Mira (Oakhaven):** GRATEFUL -- witnessed clearing sky; will likely support Elara against Council
+- **Council of Oakhaven:** PARIAHS -- facing political collapse; survivors questioning past complicity in Blight
 
-### Environment & Magic
-- **The Great Weaving:** ONGOING — Magical reforestation rapidly reclaiming scorched lands  
-- **Heart-Root:** AWAKENED — Pulse steady and expanding; actively healing corrupted zones  
-- **The Sigil:** Permanently bonded to Elara; primary Elderwood magic conduit  
-- **The Council's Reckoning:** EMERGING — Political tension as Blight origins become public knowledge  
+## Factions
+- **Circle of Thorns:** EXTINCT -- remaining scouts fled; magical resonance destroyed; Thorne Blackroot deceased (calcified/shattered)
+- **Forest Spirits (Elderwood):** VIBRANT -- actively reshaping environment; singing new growth
 
-### Canon Lock
-✓ All character arcs complete  
-✓ Major antagonist eliminated  
-✓ Magical balance restored  
-✓ Political consequences unfolding  
-✓ Vessel role irreversible; Guardian role locked  
+## Active World Events
+- **The Great Weaving:** ONGOING -- magical reforestation rapidly reclaiming scorched lands
+- **Heart-Root Activation:** PERMANENT -- pulse steady and expanding; actively healing corrupted zones
+- **The Council's Reckoning:** EMERGING -- political tension rising as Blight's true origin becomes public knowledge
 
-**Chapter 12 is CANONICALLY FINALIZED.**
\ No newline at end of file
+## Thematic Resonance
+Truth of corruption exposed; natural order reasserting dominion; leadership burden upon the willing; redemption through sacrifice finalized.
\ No newline at end of file