:root{
  /* WoW Classic palette — warm gold + bronze + teal, keyed off the Classic logo.
     Variable names are kept (frost/ember/molten) but now hold Classic colours. */
  --void:#0b0806;      /* warm near-black */
  --void2:#100b07;
  --stone:#17110b;
  --panel:#1e160d;
  --edge:#4d3b23;      /* bronze frame */
  --edge-soft:#33271a;
  --ember:#b07d2c;     /* deep gold */
  --emberhot:#e8c46a;  /* bright gold — primary accent */
  --gold:#f2dc94;      /* light gold highlight */
  --goldsoft:#c7a45c;
  --molten:#c8792e;    /* Warcraft orange */
  --frost:#e8c46a;     /* primary accent (now gold, not ice) */
  --arcane:#3f9ad6;    /* teal-blue from the logo globe — cool accent */
  --parch:#efe3c8;
  --text:#d0c1a2;
  --mute:#9c8b70;
  --blood:#c0402a;     /* Warcraft red */
  --green:#86b163;
}
*{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0}
html{scroll-behavior:smooth}
body{
  background:var(--void);
  color:var(--text);
  font-family:"Iowan Old Style","Palatino Linotype","Palatino",Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;
  font-size:17px;line-height:1.7;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;text-rendering:optimizeLegibility;
  overflow-x:hidden;
}
.mono{font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","JetBrains Mono","Cascadia Mono","Consolas","Menlo",monospace}
.wrap{max-width:1120px;margin:0 auto;padding:0 26px}
a{color:inherit}
img{max-width:100%}

/* ---------- shared type ---------- */
.eyebrow{
  font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;
  font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.34em;text-transform:uppercase;
  color:var(--emberhot);opacity:.85;
}
h2{
  font-weight:700;font-size:clamp(2rem,4.6vw,3.35rem);line-height:1.04;letter-spacing:-.01em;
  color:#f3ead6;margin-top:12px;
  font-family:"Trajan Pro","Optima","Iowan Old Style","Palatino Linotype",Georgia,serif;
}
h3{font-weight:700;font-size:1.08rem;color:#f0e6d2;letter-spacing:.01em}
p{color:var(--text)}
strong{color:#f3ead6;font-weight:700}
em{font-style:normal;color:var(--gold)}

section{padding:clamp(72px,10vw,120px) 0;border-bottom:1px solid var(--edge-soft);position:relative}
.sechead{max-width:64ch;margin-bottom:clamp(38px,6vw,64px)}
.sechead p{margin-top:18px;max-width:56ch;color:#b6ab97;font-size:1.06rem}

/* ---------- hero ---------- */
.hero{
  position:relative;min-height:100svh;display:flex;align-items:center;overflow:hidden;
  border-bottom:1px solid var(--edge);
}
.hero-bg{position:absolute;inset:0;z-index:0;pointer-events:none}
/* molten depths glow */
.glow{
  position:absolute;inset:-25% -15% -35% -15%;
  background:
    radial-gradient(58% 44% at 50% 118%, rgba(63,159,208,.42), transparent 62%),
    radial-gradient(42% 34% at 18% 88%, rgba(232,196,106,.24), transparent 66%),
    radial-gradient(46% 36% at 84% 96%, rgba(63,154,214,.16), transparent 68%),
    radial-gradient(60% 50% at 50% -10%, rgba(232,196,106,.07), transparent 60%);
  filter:blur(6px);
  animation:breathe 14s ease-in-out infinite alternate;
}
@keyframes breathe{from{opacity:.82;transform:translateY(0) scale(1)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(-1.5%) scale(1.05)}}
.embers{position:absolute;inset:0;overflow:hidden}
.embers span{
  position:absolute;bottom:-12px;width:3px;height:3px;border-radius:50%;
  background:radial-gradient(circle,rgba(232,196,106,.95),rgba(63,159,208,.2) 70%,transparent);
  box-shadow:0 0 8px rgba(232,196,106,.8);
  animation:rise linear infinite;opacity:0;
}
@keyframes rise{
  0%{transform:translateY(0) translateX(0);opacity:0}
  12%{opacity:.9}
  85%{opacity:.7}
  100%{transform:translateY(-92vh) translateX(var(--dx,20px));opacity:0}
}
.grain{
  position:absolute;inset:0;pointer-events:none;opacity:.35;mix-blend-mode:overlay;
  background-image:repeating-linear-gradient(0deg,rgba(255,255,255,.02) 0 1px,transparent 1px 3px);
}
.vignette{position:absolute;inset:0;pointer-events:none;
  background:radial-gradient(120% 100% at 50% 30%,transparent 55%,rgba(0,0,0,.55) 100%)}

.hero-inner{position:relative;z-index:3;width:100%;padding:118px clamp(30px,4vw,72px) 76px}
.crest{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:14px;margin-bottom:34px}
.crest svg{width:44px;height:44px;filter:drop-shadow(0 0 12px rgba(232,196,106,.4))}
.crest .name{
  font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;
  font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.4em;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:14px;color:var(--gold);
  padding-left:2px;
}
h1{
  font-family:"Trajan Pro","Optima","Iowan Old Style","Palatino Linotype",Georgia,serif;
  font-weight:800;font-size:clamp(3.6rem,13vw,9.6rem);line-height:.9;letter-spacing:.01em;
  margin:6px 0 0;color:#f5ecd6;
  background:linear-gradient(180deg,#fff7e6 0%,#f2dc94 40%,#e8c46a 72%,#b07d2c 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;-webkit-text-fill-color:transparent;
  text-shadow:0 0 60px rgba(232,196,106,.34);
}
.tagline{
  margin-top:26px;max-width:46ch;font-size:clamp(1.12rem,2.2vw,1.5rem);line-height:1.5;color:#dcd0b8;
}
.tagline em{color:var(--emberhot)}
.eyebrow-line{margin-top:8px}
.cta{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:16px;margin-top:44px}
.btn{
  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;text-decoration:none;cursor:pointer;
  font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:12.5px;font-weight:700;
  letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;padding:15px 26px;border-radius:3px;
  transition:transform .15s ease,box-shadow .25s ease,background .25s ease;
}
.btn-primary{
  color:#241804;border:1px solid #e8c46a;
  background:linear-gradient(180deg,#e8c46a,#b07d2c);
  box-shadow:0 0 0 rgba(232,196,106,0),0 8px 30px rgba(150,110,30,.34);
}
.btn-primary:hover{transform:translateY(-2px);box-shadow:0 0 30px rgba(232,196,106,.5),0 12px 34px rgba(150,110,30,.46)}
.btn-ghost{color:var(--parch);border:1px solid var(--edge);background:rgba(255,255,255,.02)}
.btn-ghost:hover{border-color:var(--goldsoft);color:#f3ead6;transform:translateY(-2px)}

.statrail{
  display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;margin-top:60px;
  border-top:1px solid var(--edge);border-bottom:1px solid var(--edge);
}
.stat{flex:1 1 120px;padding:22px 24px 20px 0;border-right:1px solid var(--edge-soft)}
.stat:last-child{border-right:0}
.stat b{
  display:block;font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;
  font-size:clamp(1.5rem,3.4vw,2.1rem);font-weight:700;color:#f3ead6;line-height:1;
}
.stat span{display:block;margin-top:9px;font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;
  font-size:10px;letter-spacing:.2em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--mute)}

/* ---------- concept cards ---------- */
.cards{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(250px,1fr));gap:18px}
.card{
  position:relative;background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(30,23,17,.92),rgba(14,11,9,.92));
  border:1px solid var(--edge-soft);border-top:2px solid var(--ember);padding:26px 26px 28px;
  transition:transform .2s ease,border-color .2s ease,box-shadow .3s ease;
}
.card:hover{transform:translateY(-4px);border-top-color:var(--emberhot);box-shadow:0 18px 40px rgba(0,0,0,.5)}
.card .ico{width:34px;height:34px;margin-bottom:16px;color:var(--emberhot)}
.card .ico svg{width:100%;height:100%}
.card h3{margin-bottom:10px}
.card p{font-size:.96rem;line-height:1.6;color:#b0a591}
.card .tag{display:block;margin-top:16px;font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;
  font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.03em;color:var(--green)}

/* ---------- five laws ---------- */
.laws{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(300px,1fr));border:1px solid var(--edge-soft)}
.law{position:relative;padding:30px 30px 34px;border-right:1px solid var(--edge-soft);border-bottom:1px solid var(--edge-soft);overflow:hidden}
.law::before{
  content:attr(data-num);position:absolute;top:-18px;right:6px;
  font-family:"Trajan Pro","Optima",Georgia,serif;font-weight:800;font-size:6rem;line-height:1;
  color:rgba(232,196,106,.06);pointer-events:none;
}
.law .rune{font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;
  letter-spacing:.22em;color:var(--gold);text-transform:uppercase}
.law h3{margin:12px 0 10px;font-size:1.14rem}
.law p{font-size:.95rem;color:#ab9f8b;position:relative;z-index:1}

/* ---------- ascension ladder ---------- */
.era-block{margin-top:56px}
.era-block:first-child{margin-top:0}
.era-head{display:flex;align-items:baseline;gap:16px;margin:0 0 20px;padding-bottom:12px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--edge-soft)}
.era-head b{font-family:"Trajan Pro","Optima",Georgia,serif;font-weight:700;font-size:1.55rem}
.era-head span{font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:10.5px;
  letter-spacing:.18em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--mute);margin-left:auto}
.rung{
  display:grid;grid-template-columns:58px 74px 1fr auto;align-items:center;gap:0 20px;
  padding:15px 18px 15px 18px;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(58,46,34,.5);
  border-left:2px solid var(--era);
  background:linear-gradient(90deg,color-mix(in srgb,var(--era) 10%,transparent),transparent 36%);
  opacity:0;transform:translateY(16px);
  transition:opacity .55s ease,transform .55s ease,background .25s ease;
}
.rung.in{opacity:1;transform:none}
.rung:hover{background:linear-gradient(90deg,color-mix(in srgb,var(--era) 22%,transparent),transparent 48%)}
/* tiers past the spiked vanilla 6 — shown but flagged as not-yet-final */
.rung.planning{opacity:.6}
.rung.planning .inst{color:var(--mute)}
.rung.planning .seg{color:var(--mute);opacity:.85;font-style:italic}
.rung .t{font-family:"Trajan Pro","Optima",Georgia,serif;font-size:1.75rem;font-weight:700;color:var(--era);line-height:1}
.rung .lvl{font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:10.5px;letter-spacing:.12em;
  color:var(--mute);text-transform:uppercase}
.rung .lvl b{display:block;font-size:1.05rem;color:#e5dcc6;letter-spacing:0;margin-top:3px}
.rung .inst{font-size:1.02rem;color:#cdc5b2;line-height:1.4}
.rung .inst i{color:var(--mute);font-style:normal;padding:0 7px}
.rung .seg{font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:10px;letter-spacing:.14em;
  text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--era);opacity:.9;white-space:nowrap;padding-left:14px}

/* ---------- ledger ---------- */
.ledger{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;border:1px solid var(--edge-soft)}
.col{padding:34px 32px 38px}
.col:first-child{border-right:1px solid var(--edge-soft);background:rgba(192,71,47,.05)}
.col:last-child{background:rgba(134,177,99,.045)}
.col h3{font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:10.5px;letter-spacing:.22em;
  text-transform:uppercase;margin-bottom:22px}
.col:first-child h3{color:var(--blood);filter:brightness(1.25)}
.col:last-child h3{color:var(--green)}
.col ul{list-style:none}
.col li{padding:10px 0 10px 24px;position:relative;font-size:.96rem;color:#b6ab97;
  border-bottom:1px solid rgba(58,46,34,.4)}
.col li:last-child{border-bottom:0}
.col li::before{position:absolute;left:0;top:11px;font-family:ui-monospace,monospace;font-size:13px;font-weight:700}
.col:first-child li::before{content:"\00d7";color:var(--blood);filter:brightness(1.3)}
.col:last-child li::before{content:"+";color:var(--green)}

/* ---------- mechanics ---------- */
.mech{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(280px,1fr));border:1px solid var(--edge-soft)}
.m{padding:30px 30px 34px;border-right:1px solid var(--edge-soft);border-bottom:1px solid var(--edge-soft)}
.m h3{margin-bottom:12px}
.m p{font-size:.95rem;color:#ab9f8b}
.wipe{margin-top:20px;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:12px}
.wipe td{padding:9px 0;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(58,46,34,.55);color:var(--mute)}
.wipe td:last-child{text-align:right;color:#e5dcc6}
.wipe tr:last-child td{border-bottom:0}
.wipe tr:nth-child(1) td:last-child{color:var(--green)}
.wipe tr:nth-child(3) td:last-child{color:var(--blood);filter:brightness(1.3)}

/* ---------- how to join ---------- */
.join{background:
  radial-gradient(70% 90% at 50% 0%,rgba(63,159,208,.08),transparent 60%);}
.steps{counter-reset:step;display:grid;gap:2px;border:1px solid var(--edge-soft);background:var(--edge-soft)}
.step{
  counter-increment:step;position:relative;display:grid;grid-template-columns:64px 1fr;gap:22px;
  padding:26px 30px;background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(24,19,16,.96),rgba(13,10,9,.96));align-items:center;
}
.step::before{
  content:counter(step);grid-row:1;align-self:center;justify-self:center;
  width:48px;height:48px;border-radius:50%;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;
  font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:1.15rem;font-weight:700;color:var(--gold);
  border:1px solid var(--goldsoft);background:radial-gradient(circle,rgba(232,196,106,.14),transparent 70%);
}
.step h3{margin-bottom:5px}
.step p{font-size:.97rem;color:#b0a591}
.realm{
  margin:26px 0 4px;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;gap:14px;
  border:1px dashed var(--goldsoft);background:rgba(232,196,106,.05);border-radius:4px;padding:20px 24px;
}
.realm .lbl{font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:10.5px;letter-spacing:.2em;
  text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--mute)}
.realm code{
  font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:clamp(1.05rem,2.6vw,1.5rem);font-weight:700;
  color:var(--emberhot);letter-spacing:.02em;user-select:all;
}
.realm .cmd{font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:.9rem;color:#9c907d}
.note{margin-top:22px;font-size:.95rem;color:#9c907d;max-width:60ch}

/* ---------- close ---------- */
.close{text-align:center;padding:clamp(120px,16vw,200px) 0;border-bottom:0;position:relative;overflow:hidden;
  min-height:min(94vh,900px);display:flex;align-items:center}
.close .glow2{position:absolute;inset:auto -20% -60% -20%;height:120%;z-index:0;
  background:radial-gradient(50% 60% at 50% 100%,rgba(63,159,208,.22),transparent 65%);pointer-events:none}
.close .inner{position:relative;z-index:1}
.close h2{font-size:clamp(2.2rem,6.5vw,4.6rem);line-height:1.02;max-width:16ch;margin:0 auto}
.close p{margin:26px auto 0;max-width:48ch;color:#b6ab97;font-size:1.08rem}
.close .cta{justify-content:center}
.sig{margin-top:52px;font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:10.5px;
  letter-spacing:.22em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--mute)}

footer{padding:34px 0 46px;text-align:center}
footer p{font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:10.5px;letter-spacing:.14em;
  text-transform:uppercase;color:#6b6153;line-height:1.9}

/* ---------- scroll "descent" bar ---------- */
.descent{position:fixed;top:0;left:0;right:0;height:3px;z-index:60;background:rgba(0,0,0,.35)}
.descent i{display:block;height:100%;width:0;
  background:linear-gradient(90deg,#b07d2c,#6fc9e8 46%,#b06fe0 78%,#eafaff);
  box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(232,196,106,.5)}

/* ---------- snow (frost ambiance) ---------- */
.snow{position:absolute;inset:0;overflow:hidden;pointer-events:none}
.snow span{position:absolute;top:-12px;border-radius:50%;
  background:radial-gradient(circle,rgba(226,244,252,.95),rgba(232,196,106,.35) 65%,transparent);
  box-shadow:0 0 6px rgba(150,210,240,.7);opacity:0;animation:fall linear infinite}
@keyframes fall{0%{transform:translateY(0) translateX(0);opacity:0}
  10%{opacity:.85}88%{opacity:.6}100%{transform:translateY(118vh) translateX(var(--dx,18px));opacity:0}}
.snow--local span{animation-name:fallshort}
@keyframes fallshort{0%{transform:translateY(-12px) translateX(0);opacity:0}
  14%{opacity:.8}100%{transform:translateY(460px) translateX(var(--dx,14px));opacity:0}}
/* aurora for Northrend + close */
.aurora{position:absolute;inset:auto 0 0 0;height:70%;z-index:0;pointer-events:none;opacity:.5;
  background:
    radial-gradient(60% 50% at 30% 100%,rgba(232,196,106,.22),transparent 62%),
    radial-gradient(52% 46% at 74% 100%,rgba(120,240,190,.16),transparent 64%),
    radial-gradient(44% 40% at 52% 100%,rgba(63,154,214,.16),transparent 66%);
  filter:blur(8px);animation:aur 16s ease-in-out infinite alternate}
@keyframes aur{from{opacity:.4;transform:translateX(-2%)}to{opacity:.62;transform:translateX(2%)}}

/* ---------- ascension tracker ---------- */
.tracker{border:1px solid var(--edge-soft);
  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(24,19,16,.92),rgba(13,10,9,.92));padding:22px 24px;margin-bottom:30px}
.tracker .top{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:baseline;gap:8px 18px}
.tracker .depth{font-family:"Trajan Pro","Optima",Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(1.2rem,3vw,1.55rem);color:#f3ead6;line-height:1.1}
.tracker .depth b{color:var(--emberhot)}
.tracker .lvlnow{font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:10.5px;letter-spacing:.18em;
  text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--gold)}
.tracker .reset{margin-left:auto;font-family:ui-monospace,monospace;font-size:10px;letter-spacing:.16em;
  text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--mute);background:none;border:0;cursor:pointer;padding:4px 2px}
.tracker .reset:hover{color:var(--blood);filter:brightness(1.35)}
.meter{margin-top:15px;height:11px;border-radius:6px;background:rgba(0,0,0,.42);
  border:1px solid var(--edge-soft);overflow:hidden}
.meter i{display:block;height:100%;width:0;border-radius:6px;
  background:linear-gradient(90deg,#3f9fd0,#b06fe0 55%,#6fc9e8);
  box-shadow:0 0 12px rgba(63,154,214,.45);transition:width .55s cubic-bezier(.2,.8,.2,1)}
.tracker .hint{margin-top:12px;font-family:ui-monospace,monospace;font-size:11px;color:var(--mute)}

.rung{position:relative;cursor:pointer;user-select:none}
.rung .chk{position:absolute;top:9px;right:12px;width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:50%;
  border:1.5px solid var(--edge-soft);display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;
  color:transparent;transition:border-color .2s,color .2s,box-shadow .3s;background:rgba(0,0,0,.25)}
.rung .chk svg{width:13px;height:13px}
.rung.cleared{background:linear-gradient(90deg,color-mix(in srgb,var(--era) 30%,transparent),transparent 58%)!important}
.rung.cleared .chk{border-color:var(--era);color:var(--era);box-shadow:0 0 14px color-mix(in srgb,var(--era) 60%,transparent)}
.rung.cleared .t{text-shadow:0 0 18px color-mix(in srgb,var(--era) 75%,transparent)}
.rung.next::after{content:"";position:absolute;left:0;top:0;bottom:0;width:2px;background:var(--era);
  box-shadow:0 0 12px var(--era);animation:pulse 1.8s ease-in-out infinite}
@keyframes pulse{0%,100%{opacity:.35}50%{opacity:1}}

/* ---------- WoW-style tooltip ---------- */
.wowtip{position:fixed;z-index:70;pointer-events:none;max-width:264px;padding:12px 14px 13px;border-radius:4px;
  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(10,8,12,.98),rgba(6,5,8,.98));
  border:1px solid var(--goldsoft);box-shadow:0 0 0 1px rgba(0,0,0,.6),0 16px 44px rgba(0,0,0,.72);
  opacity:0;transform:translateY(5px);transition:opacity .12s ease,transform .12s ease}
.wowtip.on{opacity:1;transform:none}
.wowtip .n{font-family:"Trajan Pro","Optima",Georgia,serif;font-size:1.06rem;color:#fff;line-height:1.15}
.wowtip .meta{font-family:ui-monospace,monospace;font-size:10px;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;
  margin-top:7px}
.wowtip .list{margin-top:9px;font-size:.9rem;color:#cdc5b2;line-height:1.55}
.wowtip .list b{color:#f0e6d2;font-weight:600}
.wowtip .st{margin-top:9px;font-family:ui-monospace,monospace;font-size:10.5px;letter-spacing:.06em}

/* ---------- copy realmlist ---------- */
.copybtn{margin-left:auto;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:7px;cursor:pointer;
  font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:10.5px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.14em;
  text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--parch);background:rgba(255,255,255,.03);
  border:1px solid var(--edge);border-radius:3px;padding:9px 14px;transition:border-color .2s,color .2s}
.copybtn:hover{border-color:var(--goldsoft);color:#f3ead6}
.copybtn.ok{border-color:var(--green);color:var(--green)}
.copybtn svg{width:13px;height:13px}

/* ---------- Frostmourne (close) ---------- */
.blade{display:block;margin:0 auto 30px;width:clamp(180px,40vw,320px);height:auto;
  filter:drop-shadow(0 0 26px rgba(232,196,106,.5));animation:hover 6s ease-in-out infinite}
@keyframes hover{0%,100%{transform:translateY(0)}50%{transform:translateY(-8px)}}

/* ---------- WotLK art (backgrounds) ---------- */
.hero-photo{position:absolute;inset:0;z-index:0;
  background:url(/wotlk/classic/hero-gryphon.webp) center right / cover no-repeat}
.hero-photo::after{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;background:
  linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(8,6,10,.95) 0%,rgba(8,6,10,.74) 40%,rgba(8,6,10,.32) 74%,rgba(8,6,10,.6) 100%),
  linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(8,6,10,.55) 0%,transparent 24%,transparent 52%,rgba(8,6,10,.97) 100%)}

.bg-photo{position:absolute;inset:0;z-index:0;background-size:cover;background-position:center;pointer-events:none}

/* full-width cinematic band */
.band{position:relative;height:clamp(240px,40vw,420px);overflow:hidden;
  border-top:1px solid var(--edge);border-bottom:1px solid var(--edge)}
.band .bg-photo{background-attachment:fixed}
.band::after{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;z-index:1;background:
  linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(8,6,10,.82),rgba(8,6,10,.42) 42%,rgba(8,6,10,.9))}
.band .cap{position:absolute;inset:0;z-index:2;display:flex;flex-direction:column;
  align-items:center;justify-content:center;text-align:center;padding:0 26px}
.band .cap .eyebrow{margin-bottom:12px}
.band .cap h2{font-size:clamp(1.9rem,5vw,3.4rem);max-width:20ch}
.band .cap p{margin-top:14px;max-width:48ch;color:#cdc2ac;font-size:1.05rem}

/* section photo underlay (join, close) */
.has-photo{position:relative}
.has-photo>.wrap{position:relative;z-index:2}
.join .bg-photo::after,.close .bg-photo::after{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;background:
  radial-gradient(90% 80% at 50% 40%,rgba(8,6,10,.72),rgba(8,6,10,.93))}
.join .bg-photo{background-attachment:fixed}
.close .bg-photo{background-attachment:scroll;background-position:center 18%}
.close.has-photo .blade{display:none}

@media(max-width:820px){
  .band .bg-photo,.join .bg-photo,.close .bg-photo{background-attachment:scroll}
}

/* ---------- top nav (Ebonhold-style) ---------- */
.nav{position:fixed;top:3px;left:0;right:0;z-index:55;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:24px;
  padding:13px 26px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--edge-soft);transition:background .3s ease,border-color .3s ease;
  background:rgba(8,6,10,.86);backdrop-filter:blur(11px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(11px)}
.nav.stuck{background:rgba(8,6,10,.86);backdrop-filter:blur(11px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(11px);border-bottom-color:var(--edge-soft)}
.nav .brand{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;text-decoration:none;
  font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.32em;
  text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;color:var(--gold)}
.nav .brand svg{width:24px;height:24px;filter:drop-shadow(0 0 8px rgba(232,196,106,.35))}
.nav .links{display:flex;gap:22px}
.nav .links a{font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.15em;
  text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--mute);text-decoration:none;transition:color .2s ease;position:relative}
.nav .links a:hover{color:var(--gold)}
.nav .links a::after{content:"";position:absolute;left:0;right:100%;bottom:-6px;height:1px;background:var(--gold);
  transition:right .25s ease;opacity:.8}
.nav .links a:hover::after{right:0}
.langsel{margin-left:auto;display:flex;border:1px solid var(--edge);border-radius:4px;overflow:hidden}
.langsel button{font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;
  letter-spacing:.12em;padding:7px 11px;background:transparent;color:var(--mute);border:0;cursor:pointer;
  transition:background .2s,color .2s}
.langsel button:hover{color:var(--parch)}
.langsel button.is-on{background:rgba(232,196,106,.16);color:var(--frost)}
.nav .navcta{margin-left:14px}
/* account login widget (top-right, all pages) */
.navauth{position:relative;margin-left:auto;display:flex;align-items:center}
.navauth+#langsel,.navauth+.langsel{margin-left:12px}
.navauth__btn{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:7px;font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;
  font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;cursor:pointer;
  padding:8px 13px;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--edge);background:rgba(232,196,106,.10);color:var(--frost);
  transition:border-color .2s,background .2s}
.navauth__btn:hover{border-color:var(--frost);background:rgba(232,196,106,.16)}
.navauth__btn--user{background:rgba(0,0,0,.3)}
.navauth__btn--user span{max-width:130px;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap}
.navauth__caret{font-style:normal;opacity:.7;font-size:9px}
.navauth__pop,.navauth__menu{position:absolute;top:calc(100% + 8px);right:0;z-index:60;
  border:1px solid var(--edge);border-radius:8px;background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(24,19,13,.99),rgba(14,11,8,.99));
  box-shadow:0 16px 40px rgba(0,0,0,.6)}
.navauth__pop{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:8px;padding:12px;width:230px}
.navauth__pop[hidden],.navauth__menu[hidden]{display:none}
.navauth__in{font:inherit;font-size:.92rem;padding:8px 11px;border-radius:7px;border:1px solid var(--edge);
  background:rgba(0,0,0,.5);color:var(--text)}
.navauth__in:focus{outline:none;border-color:var(--frost)}
.navauth__go{font-family:ui-monospace,monospace;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;cursor:pointer;
  padding:9px 12px;border-radius:7px;border:1px solid var(--frost);background:rgba(232,196,106,.14);color:var(--frost)}
.navauth__go:hover{background:rgba(232,196,106,.22)}
.navauth__msg{font-family:ui-monospace,monospace;font-size:10.5px;color:var(--blood);min-height:1px}
.navauth__menu{display:flex;flex-direction:column;min-width:170px;padding:6px}
.navauth__menu a,.navauth__logout{font-family:ui-monospace,monospace;font-size:12px;letter-spacing:.04em;text-align:left;
  text-decoration:none;color:var(--parch);background:none;border:0;cursor:pointer;padding:9px 12px;border-radius:6px}
.navauth__menu a:hover,.navauth__logout:hover{background:rgba(232,196,106,.10);color:var(--gold)}
.nav__burger{display:none;margin-left:14px;width:38px;height:38px;align-items:center;justify-content:center;
  background:rgba(255,255,255,.03);border:1px solid var(--edge);border-radius:5px;cursor:pointer;color:var(--parch);
  transition:border-color .2s,color .2s}
.nav__burger:hover{border-color:var(--goldsoft);color:#f3ead6}
.nav__burger svg{width:20px;height:20px}
.nav__burger .x{display:none}
.nav.open .nav__burger .bars{display:none}
.nav.open .nav__burger .x{display:block}

/* ---------- beveled frost button ---------- */
.btn-frost{color:#241804;border:1px solid #e8c46a;
  background:linear-gradient(180deg,#e8c46a,#b07d2c);
  box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.28),inset 0 -2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,.35),0 8px 26px rgba(150,110,30,.34)}
.btn-frost:hover{transform:translateY(-2px);border-color:#f2dc94;
  box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,.36),0 0 26px rgba(232,196,106,.5),0 12px 30px rgba(150,110,30,.44)}
.btn-sm{padding:10px 18px;font-size:11px}
.btn-primary{
  box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 rgba(220,244,255,.45),inset 0 -2px 6px rgba(10,40,60,.4),0 8px 30px rgba(30,100,150,.34)}

/* ---------- ornate frost-gem divider ---------- */
.divider{max-width:1120px;margin:0 auto;padding:2px 26px 0}
.divider svg{display:block;width:100%;height:30px}
section+section{border-top:0}

/* ---------- responsive ---------- */
@media(max-width:820px){
  .ledger{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .col:first-child{border-right:0;border-bottom:1px solid var(--edge-soft)}
}
@media(max-width:640px){
  .rung{grid-template-columns:46px 1fr;gap:6px 14px;padding:14px 14px}
  .rung .t{grid-row:span 3;align-self:start}
  .rung .lvl{grid-column:2;order:2}
  .rung .lvl b{display:inline;margin-left:8px}
  .rung .inst{grid-column:2;order:1}
  .rung .seg{grid-column:2;order:3;padding-left:0}
  .stat{flex:1 1 45%;border-right:0}
  .step{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:14px}
  .step::before{justify-self:start}
}
@media(max-width:720px){
  .nav{gap:10px;flex-wrap:nowrap}
  .nav__burger{display:inline-flex}
  .nav .navcta{display:none}
  .langsel{margin-left:auto}
  .nav .back{margin-left:0;font-size:0}
  .nav .back::before{content:"←";font-size:15px}
  /* links become a dropdown panel toggled by the burger */
  .nav .links{position:absolute;top:100%;left:0;right:0;flex-direction:column;gap:0;
    background:rgba(8,6,10,.97);backdrop-filter:blur(11px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(11px);
    border-bottom:1px solid var(--edge-soft);padding:6px 0;display:none}
  .nav.open .links{display:flex}
  .nav .links a{padding:14px 26px;font-size:12.5px}
  .nav .links a::after{display:none}
}
@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){
  *{animation:none!important;transition:none!important}
  .rung{opacity:1;transform:none}
  html{scroll-behavior:auto}
}
:focus-visible{outline:2px solid var(--emberhot);outline-offset:3px}

/* ---------- subpages: back link + content clearance under fixed nav ---------- */
.nav .back{margin-left:14px;font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:11px;
  letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--mute);text-decoration:none;transition:color .2s}
.nav .back:hover{color:var(--gold)}
.page-top{padding-top:clamp(84px,11vh,120px)}
.page-top section{border-bottom:0}
.subhead{max-width:64ch;margin:0 auto clamp(30px,5vw,52px)}
.subhead .eyebrow{display:block;margin-bottom:12px}

/* ---------- front "explore" grid (teasers to subpages) ---------- */
.explore{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(240px,1fr));gap:16px}
a.tcard{display:flex;flex-direction:column;text-decoration:none;position:relative;
  background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(30,23,17,.92),rgba(14,11,9,.92));
  border:1px solid var(--edge-soft);border-top:2px solid var(--ember);padding:24px 24px 26px;
  transition:transform .2s ease,border-color .2s ease,box-shadow .3s ease}
a.tcard:hover{transform:translateY(-4px);border-top-color:var(--emberhot);box-shadow:0 18px 40px rgba(0,0,0,.5)}
a.tcard .k{font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:10.5px;letter-spacing:.2em;
  text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--emberhot);opacity:.85}
a.tcard h3{margin:12px 0 8px;font-size:1.16rem}
a.tcard p{font-size:.95rem;line-height:1.55;color:#b0a591;flex:1}
a.tcard .go{margin-top:16px;font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:11px;
  letter-spacing:.06em;color:var(--gold);display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:7px}
a.tcard:hover .go{color:var(--emberhot)}

/* mobile: collapse subpage back-link to just the arrow (must win over the base rule above) */
@media(max-width:720px){ .nav .back{font-size:0;margin-left:0} .nav .back::before{content:"←";font-size:16px} }

.step-dl{margin-top:14px}

/* ---- "More" dropdown grouping the sub-pages (shared across every page) ---- */
.nav .links{align-items:center}
.navmore{position:relative;display:inline-flex;align-items:center}
.navmore__btn{font-family:ui-monospace,"SF Mono","Consolas",monospace;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.15em;
  text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--parch);background:none;border:0;cursor:pointer;
  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:5px;padding:0;line-height:1}
.navmore__btn:hover{color:var(--gold)}
.navmore__btn::after{content:"▾";font-size:.95em;opacity:.7;transition:transform .15s}
.navmore.open .navmore__btn::after{transform:rotate(180deg)}
/* top:100% = no dead gap, so hover stays continuous into the panel */
.navmore__menu{position:absolute;top:100%;right:0;min-width:210px;display:none;flex-direction:column;
  padding:8px;background:var(--panel);border:1px solid var(--edge);border-radius:10px;
  box-shadow:0 18px 44px rgba(0,0,0,.55);z-index:80}
.navmore:hover .navmore__menu,.navmore.open .navmore__menu{display:flex}
.navmore__label{font-family:ui-monospace,monospace;font-size:9.5px;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;
  color:var(--mute);padding:4px 10px 6px}
.nav .links .navmore__menu a{font-size:13px;letter-spacing:.02em;text-transform:none;color:var(--parch);
  padding:9px 10px;border-radius:6px;white-space:nowrap}
.nav .links .navmore__menu a::after{display:none}
.navmore__menu a:hover{background:rgba(232,196,106,.08);color:var(--gold)}
@media(max-width:720px){
  .navmore{display:block;width:100%}
  .navmore__btn{display:none}
  .navmore__menu{position:static;display:flex;border:0;box-shadow:none;padding:0;min-width:0;background:none}
  .navmore__label{padding:12px 26px 4px}
  .nav .links .navmore__menu a{padding:14px 26px;font-size:12.5px}
}