staging: polished/character-state-ch-05-final.md task=36a2fc75-179b-4dd0-80bf-ce54d6b01da9

projects/echoes-of-the-forest/staging/polished/character-state-ch-05-final.md

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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.
+- **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.