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+# 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; swaying like mist-shrouded reeds from exhaustion.
+- **Emotional:** Overwhelmed but resolute; feeling the weight of the Vessel's memories.
+- **Active Obligations:** Owes Kaelen a debt of protection (Ch-02) — UNPAID.
+- **Open Loops:** Elara and the Grove Sentinels regarding the breach (Ch-05) — UNRESOLVED.
+- **Known Secrets:** Location of the Sunstone shard; knowledge that corruption spreads from the roots up.
+- **Arc:** 55% — Successfully harmonized with the Water Aspect; accepted the Sigil's burden.
+- **Permanent:** YES.
+
+## Kaelen
+- **Location:** The Shimmering Falls.
+- **Physical:** Exhausted; minor cold-exposure/shivering from the mist.
+- **Emotional:** Protective; cynical toward the "Greater Good"; loyal to Elara over the Sigil.
+- **Active Obligations:** Owes Elara his life (Ch-02) — UNPAID.
+- **Open Loops:** Kaelen and the Seekers regarding his desertion (Ch-01) — UNRESOLVED.
+- **Known Secrets:** Stole the map to the Grove (Elara knows).
+- **Arc:** 48% — Chose to shield Elara during her trance rather than steal the Sigil.
+- **Permanent:** YES.
+
+## Mira
+- **Location:** Oakhaven medical hut.
+- **Physical:** Uninjured.
+- **Emotional:** Anxious and grieving; stepped into leadership for refugees.
+- **Arc:** 20% — Transitioning from villager to leader in Thalric's absence.
+- **Permanent:** YES.
+
+## Thorne Blackroot
+- **Location:** Ridge overlooking the Shimmering Falls (stealth).
+- **Physical:** Pallid skin, blackened veins; tracing thorn scars.
+- **Emotional:** Focused; views Elara as a "false Vessel" to be harvested.
+- **Arc:** 15% — Positioned for an ambush at the next sanctum.
+- **Permanent:** YES.
+
+# World State: ch-06
+
+## NPC Memory
+- **The Voice of the Falls:** FAVORABLE — Granted the Blessing of Tides to Elara; permitted passage to the Stone Sanctum.
+- **Grove Sentinels:** NEUTRAL — Honored the Sigil but remain watchful; monitoring the duo's departure.
+
+## Faction Attitudes
+- **The Circle of Thorns:** HOSTILE — Scouts have tracked the duo to the Falls; Thorne is preparing an ambush.
+- **The Elderwood Inhabitants:** CAUTIOUS — Distrustful but bound by ancient laws to respect the Vessel's trial.
+
+## Active World Events
+- **The Great Blight:** Intensity increasing; water spirits are agitated; flora near the falls shows early signs of grey rot.
+- **The Vessel Ritual:** Second stage (Water) COMPLETED. Two stages remaining (Earth and Air).
+- **Leadership Vacuum:** Oakhaven remains vulnerable following Elder Thalric’s death.
+
+## Key Items/Artifacts
+- **The Sigil:** Glowing on Elara’s palm; contains the memories of the Water Aspect.
+- **The Map:** In Kaelen’s possession; leads to the Stone Sanctum.
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