staging: character-state-null.md task=2c126678-b276-4c9d-a297-5c31fe3a017f

projects/echoes-of-the-forest/staging/character-state-null.md

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+# 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."