/*
Theme Name:        RankNScales
Theme URI:         https://ranknscales.com
Author:            RankNScales
Author URI:        https://ranknscales.com
Description:       Editorial-premium standalone WordPress theme for RankNScales — a publication on AI, SEO and ecommerce growth. Serif headlines (Newsreader), warm paper palette, deep green accent, feather-light scroll animations that respect prefers-reduced-motion. Built for Core Web Vitals, faceless authority brands, and 500+ post archives.
Version:           1.0.0
Requires at least: 6.4
Tested up to:      6.7
Requires PHP:      7.4
License:           GPL v2 or later
License URI:       https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
Text Domain:       ranknscales
Tags:              blog, editorial, minimal, two-columns, custom-logo, custom-menu, featured-images, threaded-comments, translation-ready, block-patterns, block-styles, full-width-template, wide-blocks
*/

/* ==========================================================================
   1. Design Tokens
   ========================================================================== */
:root {
    /* Palette — warm editorial */
    --ink: #0E0E0C;
    --ink-soft: #1C1C19;
    --paper: #FAFAF7;
    --paper-warm: #F2F1EB;
    --cream: #E8E2D0;
    --rule: #E2E0D6;
    --rule-strong: #C9C6B8;
    --muted: #5C5A52;
    --muted-soft: #807D72;
    --accent: #0A6E5C;
    --accent-hover: #0E8870;
    --accent-soft: #E1ECE8;
    --accent-ink: #064238;
    --amber: #C28A2A;

    /* Type */
    --font-serif: "Newsreader", "Iowan Old Style", "Apple Garamond", Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;
    --font-sans: "Inter", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
    --font-mono: "JetBrains Mono", ui-monospace, SFMono-Regular, Menlo, monospace;

    /* Scale (fluid) */
    --step--2: clamp(0.69rem, 0.66rem + 0.16vw, 0.78rem);
    --step--1: clamp(0.83rem, 0.79rem + 0.21vw, 0.94rem);
    --step-0:  clamp(1.00rem, 0.95rem + 0.27vw, 1.13rem);
    --step-1:  clamp(1.20rem, 1.13rem + 0.36vw, 1.41rem);
    --step-2:  clamp(1.44rem, 1.34rem + 0.50vw, 1.76rem);
    --step-3:  clamp(1.73rem, 1.59rem + 0.69vw, 2.20rem);
    --step-4:  clamp(2.07rem, 1.87rem + 0.96vw, 2.75rem);
    --step-5:  clamp(2.49rem, 2.20rem + 1.40vw, 3.43rem);
    --step-6:  clamp(2.99rem, 2.56rem + 2.10vw, 4.30rem);
    --step-7:  clamp(3.58rem, 2.95rem + 3.06vw, 5.38rem);

    /* Layout */
    --container: 76rem;
    --container-wide: 84rem;
    --container-prose: 44rem;
    --gutter: clamp(1.25rem, 3vw, 2.5rem);
    --radius-sm: 6px;
    --radius: 10px;
    --radius-lg: 18px;

    /* Motion */
    --ease-out: cubic-bezier(0.22, 1, 0.36, 1);
    --ease-in-out: cubic-bezier(0.65, 0, 0.35, 1);
    --dur-fast: 180ms;
    --dur: 260ms;
    --dur-slow: 520ms;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   2. Reset & Base
   ========================================================================== */
*, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }

html { scroll-behavior: smooth; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; }

body {
    margin: 0;
    background: var(--paper);
    color: var(--ink);
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-size: var(--step-0);
    line-height: 1.65;
    font-feature-settings: "ss01", "cv11", "kern";
    -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
    -moz-osx-font-smoothing: grayscale;
    text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;
}

img, svg, video { max-width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; }
img { background: var(--paper-warm); }

a { color: inherit; text-decoration: none; transition: color var(--dur-fast) var(--ease-out); }
a:hover { color: var(--accent); }

a:focus-visible, button:focus-visible, input:focus-visible, textarea:focus-visible, [tabindex]:focus-visible {
    outline: 2px solid var(--accent);
    outline-offset: 3px;
    border-radius: 4px;
}

button { font: inherit; cursor: pointer; background: none; border: 0; color: inherit; padding: 0; }

::selection { background: var(--accent); color: var(--paper); }

/* ==========================================================================
   3. Typography
   ========================================================================== */
.serif { font-family: var(--font-serif); }
.sans  { font-family: var(--font-sans); }

h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 {
    font-family: var(--font-serif);
    font-weight: 500;
    letter-spacing: -0.018em;
    line-height: 1.08;
    color: var(--ink);
    margin: 0 0 0.5em;
    text-wrap: balance;
}

h1 { font-size: var(--step-6); letter-spacing: -0.025em; }
h2 { font-size: var(--step-4); letter-spacing: -0.022em; }
h3 { font-size: var(--step-2); }
h4 { font-size: var(--step-1); }

p { margin: 0 0 1em; text-wrap: pretty; }

.eyebrow {
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-size: var(--step--1);
    font-weight: 500;
    letter-spacing: 0.16em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--muted);
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 0.6rem;
}

.eyebrow::before {
    content: "";
    width: 22px;
    height: 1px;
    background: var(--accent);
    display: inline-block;
}

.kicker {
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-weight: 500;
    font-size: var(--step--1);
    color: var(--accent);
    letter-spacing: 0.04em;
}

blockquote {
    margin: 2.5rem 0;
    padding-left: 1.5rem;
    border-left: 2px solid var(--accent);
    font-family: var(--font-serif);
    font-style: italic;
    font-size: var(--step-2);
    line-height: 1.4;
    color: var(--ink-soft);
}

code, pre { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 0.92em; }
code { background: var(--paper-warm); padding: 0.12em 0.4em; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid var(--rule); }
pre { background: var(--ink); color: var(--paper); padding: 1.25rem 1.5rem; border-radius: var(--radius); overflow-x: auto; line-height: 1.55; }
pre code { background: none; border: 0; padding: 0; color: inherit; }

hr { border: 0; height: 1px; background: var(--rule); margin: 3rem 0; }

/* ==========================================================================
   4. Layout helpers
   ========================================================================== */
.container { width: 100%; max-width: var(--container); margin-inline: auto; padding-inline: var(--gutter); }
.container-wide { width: 100%; max-width: var(--container-wide); margin-inline: auto; padding-inline: var(--gutter); }
.prose { max-width: var(--container-prose); margin-inline: auto; padding-inline: var(--gutter); }

.section { padding-block: clamp(4rem, 9vw, 8rem); }
.section-tight { padding-block: clamp(3rem, 6vw, 5rem); }

.grid { display: grid; gap: var(--gutter); }
.grid-2 { grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(min(100%, 22rem), 1fr)); }
.grid-3 { grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(min(100%, 18rem), 1fr)); }

.cluster { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.75rem; align-items: center; }
.divider { height: 1px; background: var(--rule); border: 0; margin: 0; }

/* ==========================================================================
   5. Reading progress bar (top of every single post)
   ========================================================================== */
.reading-progress {
    position: fixed; top: 0; left: 0;
    height: 2px; width: 0%;
    background: var(--accent);
    z-index: 80;
    transition: width 80ms linear;
    will-change: width;
    pointer-events: none;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   6. Header / Nav
   ========================================================================== */
.site-header {
    position: sticky; top: 0; z-index: 50;
    background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--paper) 78%, transparent);
    backdrop-filter: saturate(180%) blur(14px);
    -webkit-backdrop-filter: saturate(180%) blur(14px);
    border-bottom: 1px solid transparent;
    transition: border-color var(--dur) var(--ease-out), background var(--dur) var(--ease-out);
}

.site-header.is-scrolled {
    border-bottom-color: var(--rule);
    background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--paper) 92%, transparent);
}

.nav { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 1.5rem; padding-block: 1.1rem; }

.brand {
    display: inline-flex; align-items: baseline; gap: 0.35rem;
    font-family: var(--font-serif); font-weight: 500;
    font-size: 1.35rem; letter-spacing: -0.02em;
    color: var(--ink);
}

.brand:hover { color: var(--ink); }

.brand .mark {
    display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
    width: 1.7rem; height: 1.7rem; border-radius: 50%;
    background: var(--ink); color: var(--paper);
    font-family: var(--font-sans); font-size: 0.85rem; font-weight: 600;
    margin-right: 0.25rem;
    transition: transform var(--dur) var(--ease-out), background var(--dur) var(--ease-out);
}

.brand:hover .mark { background: var(--accent); transform: rotate(-12deg); }

.brand-word .accent { color: var(--accent); font-style: italic; }

.nav-links { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 2rem; list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
.nav-links a { font-size: var(--step--1); color: var(--ink-soft); font-weight: 500; position: relative; }

.nav-links a::after {
    content: ""; position: absolute;
    left: 0; right: 0; bottom: -6px;
    height: 1px; background: var(--accent);
    transform: scaleX(0); transform-origin: left;
    transition: transform var(--dur) var(--ease-out);
}

.nav-links a:hover::after,
.nav-links .current-menu-item > a::after,
.nav-links .current_page_item > a::after { transform: scaleX(1); }

.nav-cta { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.75rem; }

.menu-toggle {
    display: none;
    width: 40px; height: 40px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    border: 1px solid var(--rule);
    align-items: center; justify-content: center;
}

.menu-toggle span,
.menu-toggle span::before,
.menu-toggle span::after {
    display: block;
    width: 18px; height: 1.5px;
    background: var(--ink);
    transition: transform var(--dur) var(--ease-out);
}

.menu-toggle span { position: relative; }
.menu-toggle span::before, .menu-toggle span::after { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; }
.menu-toggle span::before { top: -6px; }
.menu-toggle span::after  { top: 6px; }
.menu-toggle[aria-expanded="true"] span { background: transparent; }
.menu-toggle[aria-expanded="true"] span::before { transform: translateY(6px) rotate(45deg); }
.menu-toggle[aria-expanded="true"] span::after  { transform: translateY(-6px) rotate(-45deg); }

/* ==========================================================================
   7. Buttons
   ========================================================================== */
.btn {
    --btn-bg: var(--ink);
    --btn-fg: var(--paper);
    --btn-border: var(--ink);
    display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.55rem;
    padding: 0.85rem 1.5rem;
    background: var(--btn-bg); color: var(--btn-fg);
    border: 1px solid var(--btn-border);
    border-radius: 999px;
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-size: var(--step--1); font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: 0.01em;
    cursor: pointer;
    transition: transform var(--dur) var(--ease-out), background var(--dur) var(--ease-out), color var(--dur) var(--ease-out), border-color var(--dur) var(--ease-out);
    will-change: transform;
}

.btn:hover { background: var(--accent); border-color: var(--accent); color: var(--paper); }

.btn-ghost { --btn-bg: transparent; --btn-fg: var(--ink); --btn-border: var(--rule-strong); }
.btn-ghost:hover { background: transparent; color: var(--accent); border-color: var(--accent); }

.btn-accent { --btn-bg: var(--accent); --btn-fg: var(--paper); --btn-border: var(--accent); }
.btn-accent:hover { background: var(--accent-hover); border-color: var(--accent-hover); color: var(--paper); }

.btn-link {
    display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.45rem;
    padding: 0;
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-size: var(--step--1); font-weight: 500;
    color: var(--ink);
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--ink);
    padding-bottom: 2px;
}

.btn-link svg { transition: transform var(--dur) var(--ease-out); }
.btn-link:hover { color: var(--accent); border-color: var(--accent); }
.btn-link:hover svg { transform: translateX(4px); }

.btn .arrow { transition: transform var(--dur) var(--ease-out); }
.btn:hover .arrow { transform: translate(2px, -2px); }

/* ==========================================================================
   8. Hero
   ========================================================================== */
.hero { padding-block: clamp(4rem, 8vw, 8rem) clamp(3rem, 6vw, 6rem); position: relative; }
.hero-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 4rem); }
@media (min-width: 960px) { .hero-grid { grid-template-columns: 1.35fr 0.85fr; align-items: end; } }

.hero h1 { font-size: var(--step-7); font-weight: 400; line-height: 0.98; letter-spacing: -0.03em; margin: 1rem 0 1.5rem; }
.hero h1 .italic { font-style: italic; color: var(--accent); }

.hero-deck { font-size: var(--step-1); line-height: 1.45; color: var(--muted); max-width: 36ch; margin-bottom: 2rem; }
.hero-actions { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.75rem; }

.hero-meta { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 1.5rem; padding-top: 2rem; border-top: 1px solid var(--rule); }
@media (min-width: 960px) { .hero-meta { padding-top: 0; border-top: 0; border-left: 1px solid var(--rule); padding-left: 2.5rem; } }

.hero-meta dl { margin: 0; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 1.5rem 1rem; }
.hero-meta dt { font-size: var(--step--2); letter-spacing: 0.14em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 0.35rem; font-weight: 500; }
.hero-meta dd { margin: 0; font-family: var(--font-serif); font-size: var(--step-3); color: var(--ink); line-height: 1; letter-spacing: -0.02em; }
.hero-meta dd .unit { font-size: 0.55em; color: var(--muted); font-family: var(--font-sans); letter-spacing: 0; }

/* ==========================================================================
   9. Marquee
   ========================================================================== */
.marquee {
    overflow: hidden;
    border-block: 1px solid var(--rule);
    padding-block: 1.5rem;
    background: var(--paper);
    -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #000 12%, #000 88%, transparent);
            mask-image: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #000 12%, #000 88%, transparent);
}

.marquee-label { text-align: center; font-size: var(--step--2); letter-spacing: 0.18em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 1.5rem; }
.marquee-track { display: flex; gap: 4rem; width: max-content; animation: marquee 36s linear infinite; }
.marquee-item { font-family: var(--font-serif); font-style: italic; font-size: 1.6rem; color: var(--muted-soft); letter-spacing: -0.01em; white-space: nowrap; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 4rem; }
.marquee-item::after { content: "✦"; color: var(--accent); font-style: normal; }

@keyframes marquee { from { transform: translateX(0); } to { transform: translateX(-50%); } }
.marquee:hover .marquee-track { animation-play-state: paused; }

/* ==========================================================================
   10. Section heading
   ========================================================================== */
.section-head { display: grid; gap: 1.5rem; align-items: end; margin-bottom: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4rem); }
@media (min-width: 768px) { .section-head { grid-template-columns: 1fr auto; } }
.section-head h2 { font-size: var(--step-5); font-weight: 400; max-width: 18ch; margin: 0.75rem 0 0; }
.section-head h2 .italic { font-style: italic; color: var(--accent); }
.section-head p { color: var(--muted); max-width: 38ch; margin: 0; }

/* ==========================================================================
   11. Article cards
   ========================================================================== */
.card-grid { display: grid; gap: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 3rem) var(--gutter); grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
@media (min-width: 720px)  { .card-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); } }
@media (min-width: 1080px) { .card-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); } }

.article-card { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 1.25rem; text-decoration: none; color: inherit; position: relative; }
.article-card .thumb { position: relative; aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; overflow: hidden; background: var(--paper-warm); border-radius: var(--radius); }
.article-card .thumb img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; transition: transform var(--dur-slow) var(--ease-out); }
.article-card:hover .thumb img { transform: scale(1.04); }
.article-card .thumb::after { content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0; background: linear-gradient(180deg, transparent 55%, rgba(14,14,12,0.12)); pointer-events: none; }

.article-card .meta { display: flex; gap: 1rem; align-items: center; font-size: var(--step--2); letter-spacing: 0.12em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); }
.article-card .meta .dot { width: 3px; height: 3px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--rule-strong); }
.article-card .meta a { color: var(--accent); }

.article-card h3 { font-size: var(--step-2); font-weight: 500; margin: 0; letter-spacing: -0.018em; transition: color var(--dur) var(--ease-out); }
.article-card:hover h3 { color: var(--accent); }
.article-card .excerpt { color: var(--muted); font-size: var(--step-0); line-height: 1.55; margin: 0; }
.article-card .read { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.35rem; font-size: var(--step--1); font-weight: 500; color: var(--ink); margin-top: auto; }
.article-card .read svg { transition: transform var(--dur) var(--ease-out); }
.article-card:hover .read svg { transform: translateX(4px); }

.article-feature { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: clamp(1.5rem, 4vw, 3rem); padding-block: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 4rem); border-block: 1px solid var(--rule); }
@media (min-width: 900px) { .article-feature { grid-template-columns: 1.1fr 0.9fr; align-items: center; } }
.article-feature .thumb { aspect-ratio: 5 / 4; border-radius: var(--radius); overflow: hidden; }
.article-feature .thumb img { width:100%; height:100%; object-fit: cover; transition: transform var(--dur-slow) var(--ease-out); }
.article-feature:hover .thumb img { transform: scale(1.03); }
.article-feature h2 { font-size: var(--step-5); font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.02; margin: 1rem 0 1.25rem; }
.article-feature .excerpt { color: var(--muted); font-size: var(--step-1); line-height: 1.55; }

/* ==========================================================================
   12. Topics grid
   ========================================================================== */
.topics { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(min(100%, 17rem), 1fr)); gap: 1px; background: var(--rule); border-block: 1px solid var(--rule); }
.topic { background: var(--paper); padding: clamp(1.5rem, 3vw, 2.25rem); display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0.5rem; min-height: 12rem; transition: background var(--dur) var(--ease-out), color var(--dur) var(--ease-out); position: relative; }
.topic:hover { background: var(--ink); color: var(--paper); }
.topic:hover .topic-count { color: var(--cream); }
.topic:hover .topic-arrow { color: var(--paper); transform: translate(4px, -4px); }
.topic-index { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: 0.75rem; color: var(--muted-soft); letter-spacing: 0.08em; }
.topic h3 { font-family: var(--font-serif); font-size: var(--step-2); font-weight: 500; margin: auto 0 0; letter-spacing: -0.018em; }
.topic-count { font-size: var(--step--1); color: var(--muted); margin: 0.5rem 0 0; }
.topic-arrow { position: absolute; top: 1.5rem; right: 1.5rem; color: var(--accent); transition: transform var(--dur) var(--ease-out), color var(--dur) var(--ease-out); }

/* ==========================================================================
   13. Stats band
   ========================================================================== */
.stats { background: var(--ink); color: var(--paper); padding-block: clamp(4rem, 8vw, 7rem); position: relative; overflow: hidden; }
.stats::before { content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0; background: radial-gradient(60% 80% at 80% 0%, rgba(10, 110, 92, 0.25), transparent 60%), radial-gradient(50% 70% at 0% 100%, rgba(232, 226, 208, 0.07), transparent 60%); pointer-events: none; }
.stats .eyebrow { color: rgba(250, 250, 247, 0.7); }
.stats .eyebrow::before { background: var(--cream); }
.stats h2 { color: var(--paper); font-size: var(--step-5); font-weight: 400; max-width: 22ch; margin: 1rem 0 3rem; }
.stats h2 .italic { font-style: italic; color: var(--cream); }
.stat-grid { display: grid; gap: 2.5rem var(--gutter); grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(min(100%, 14rem), 1fr)); border-top: 1px solid rgba(250, 250, 247, 0.12); padding-top: 3rem; position: relative; z-index: 1; }
.stat dt { font-size: var(--step--2); letter-spacing: 0.14em; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgba(250, 250, 247, 0.6); margin-bottom: 0.75rem; }
.stat dd { margin: 0; font-family: var(--font-serif); font-weight: 400; font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4rem); line-height: 1; letter-spacing: -0.025em; color: var(--paper); display: flex; align-items: baseline; gap: 0.15em; }
.stat dd .unit { font-size: 0.4em; color: var(--cream); font-family: var(--font-sans); font-weight: 500; }
.stat .note { font-size: var(--step--1); color: rgba(250,250,247,0.55); margin-top: 0.5rem; }

/* ==========================================================================
   14. CTA section
   ========================================================================== */
.cta-section { padding-block: clamp(5rem, 10vw, 9rem); text-align: center; }
.cta-section h2 { font-size: var(--step-6); font-weight: 400; max-width: 18ch; margin: 1rem auto 1.5rem; line-height: 1.02; }
.cta-section h2 .italic { font-style: italic; color: var(--accent); }
.cta-section p { color: var(--muted); max-width: 38ch; margin: 0 auto 2.5rem; font-size: var(--step-1); }

/* ==========================================================================
   15. Page header (blog / category / search / 404)
   ========================================================================== */
.page-header { padding-block: clamp(4rem, 8vw, 7rem) clamp(3rem, 5vw, 5rem); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--rule); }
.page-header h1 { font-size: var(--step-7); font-weight: 400; line-height: 0.98; letter-spacing: -0.03em; margin: 1rem 0 1.5rem; max-width: 14ch; }
.page-header h1 .italic { font-style: italic; color: var(--accent); }
.page-header .lede { font-size: var(--step-1); color: var(--muted); max-width: 48ch; line-height: 1.5; }

.filter-bar { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.5rem; margin-top: 2.5rem; }
.filter-chip { padding: 0.4rem 0.9rem; border: 1px solid var(--rule); border-radius: 999px; font-size: var(--step--1); color: var(--ink-soft); transition: all var(--dur) var(--ease-out); }
.filter-chip:hover { color: var(--accent); border-color: var(--accent); }
.filter-chip.is-active { background: var(--ink); color: var(--paper); border-color: var(--ink); }

.searchform-inline { display: flex; gap: 0.5rem; margin-top: 2rem; max-width: 32rem; background: var(--paper); border: 1px solid var(--rule); border-radius: 999px; padding: 0.35rem 0.35rem 0.35rem 1.25rem; align-items: center; }
.searchform-inline input[type="search"] { flex: 1; border: 0; background: transparent; font: inherit; font-size: var(--step-0); color: var(--ink); padding: 0.5rem 0; }
.searchform-inline input[type="search"]:focus { outline: none; }
.searchform-inline button { padding: 0.6rem 1.2rem; background: var(--ink); color: var(--paper); border-radius: 999px; font-size: var(--step--1); font-weight: 500; transition: background var(--dur) var(--ease-out); }
.searchform-inline button:hover { background: var(--accent); }

/* ==========================================================================
   16. Single article
   ========================================================================== */
.article-hero { padding-block: clamp(3rem, 6vw, 5rem) clamp(2rem, 4vw, 3rem); text-align: center; max-width: 56rem; margin: 0 auto; padding-inline: var(--gutter); }
.article-hero .meta-row { display: inline-flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 1rem; font-size: var(--step--2); letter-spacing: 0.14em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 1.5rem; }
.article-hero .meta-row .cat { color: var(--accent); }
.article-hero .meta-row .dot { width: 3px; height: 3px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--rule-strong); align-self: center; }
.article-hero h1 { font-size: var(--step-7); font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.03em; line-height: 1.02; margin: 0 0 1.5rem; }
.article-hero .deck { font-size: var(--step-2); color: var(--muted); font-family: var(--font-serif); font-style: italic; line-height: 1.4; max-width: 42ch; margin: 0 auto 2.5rem; text-wrap: balance; }

.byline { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.75rem; font-size: var(--step--1); color: var(--ink-soft); }
.byline .avatar { width: 36px; height: 36px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--cream); display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-family: var(--font-serif); font-style: italic; color: var(--accent-ink); font-size: 1rem; }

.feature-image { margin: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 4rem) auto; max-width: var(--container-wide); padding-inline: var(--gutter); }
.feature-image figure { margin: 0; }
.feature-image img { width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: var(--radius-lg); aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; object-fit: cover; }
.feature-image figcaption { font-size: var(--step--1); color: var(--muted); margin-top: 0.75rem; text-align: center; font-style: italic; }

.article-body { max-width: var(--container-prose); margin: 0 auto; padding-inline: var(--gutter); font-size: 1.13rem; line-height: 1.75; }

.article-body > p:first-of-type::first-letter { font-family: var(--font-serif); font-size: 4.2em; line-height: 0.85; float: left; margin: 0.08em 0.12em 0 0; color: var(--accent); font-weight: 500; }

.article-body h2 { font-size: var(--step-3); margin: 2.5em 0 0.6em; font-weight: 500; scroll-margin-top: 6rem; }
.article-body h3 { font-size: var(--step-1); margin: 2em 0 0.4em; font-weight: 600; font-family: var(--font-sans); letter-spacing: -0.015em; scroll-margin-top: 6rem; }
.article-body ul, .article-body ol { padding-left: 1.5em; margin: 1.25em 0; }
.article-body li { margin-bottom: 0.5em; }

.article-body a { color: var(--accent); border-bottom: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--accent) 35%, transparent); }
.article-body a:hover { border-bottom-color: var(--accent); }
.article-body img { border-radius: var(--radius); margin-block: 2rem; }

/* Affiliate links — auto-styled when rel="sponsored" present */
.article-body a[rel~="sponsored"] { color: var(--amber); border-bottom-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--amber) 40%, transparent); }
.article-body a[rel~="sponsored"]:hover { border-bottom-color: var(--amber); }

/* Tables in article */
.article-body table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 2rem 0; font-size: var(--step--1); }
.article-body th, .article-body td { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--rule); padding: 0.85rem 1rem; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; }
.article-body thead th { background: var(--paper-warm); font-family: var(--font-sans); font-weight: 600; font-size: var(--step--2); letter-spacing: 0.08em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); }

/* Share rail */
.share-rail { position: sticky; top: 7rem; display: none; flex-direction: column; gap: 0.75rem; align-items: center; margin-top: 0.5rem; }
@media (min-width: 1100px) {
    .article-wrap { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 4rem 1fr 4rem; gap: 2rem; max-width: calc(var(--container-prose) + 12rem); margin: 0 auto; }
    .share-rail { display: flex; }
}
.share-rail a { width: 38px; height: 38px; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; border-radius: 50%; border: 1px solid var(--rule); color: var(--muted); transition: all var(--dur) var(--ease-out); }
.share-rail a:hover { color: var(--paper); background: var(--accent); border-color: var(--accent); transform: translateY(-2px); }
.share-rail .label { writing-mode: vertical-rl; font-size: var(--step--2); letter-spacing: 0.2em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); margin-top: 0.75rem; }

/* ==========================================================================
   17. Floating Table of Contents (desktop) + inline TOC (mobile + top)
   ========================================================================== */
.toc-floating { display: none; }
@media (min-width: 1280px) {
    .toc-floating {
        display: block; position: fixed;
        top: 50%; right: 2rem; transform: translateY(-50%);
        max-width: 14rem; max-height: 70vh; overflow-y: auto;
        padding: 1.5rem 1.25rem;
        background: var(--paper); border: 1px solid var(--rule);
        border-radius: var(--radius);
        z-index: 30;
        font-size: var(--step--1); line-height: 1.5;
        opacity: 0; transition: opacity var(--dur) var(--ease-out);
    }
    .toc-floating.is-active { opacity: 1; }
}

.toc-floating .toc-heading { font-family: var(--font-sans); font-weight: 600; font-size: var(--step--2); letter-spacing: 0.14em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); margin: 0 0 1rem; }
.toc-floating ul { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0.65rem; }
.toc-floating li.toc-h3 { padding-left: 1rem; font-size: var(--step--2); }
.toc-floating a { display: block; color: var(--muted); padding: 0.1rem 0 0.1rem 0.75rem; border-left: 2px solid var(--rule); transition: color var(--dur) var(--ease-out), border-color var(--dur) var(--ease-out); }
.toc-floating a:hover { color: var(--ink); border-color: var(--rule-strong); }
.toc-floating a.is-active { color: var(--accent); border-color: var(--accent); font-weight: 500; }

.toc-inline { background: var(--paper-warm); border: 1px solid var(--rule); border-radius: var(--radius); padding: 1.25rem 1.5rem; margin: 2rem 0 2.5rem; }
.toc-inline .toc-heading { font-family: var(--font-sans); font-weight: 600; font-size: var(--step--2); letter-spacing: 0.14em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--muted); margin: 0 0 0.75rem; }
.toc-inline ol { margin: 0; padding-left: 1.25rem; columns: 1; }
@media (min-width: 720px) { .toc-inline ol { columns: 2; column-gap: 2rem; } }
.toc-inline li { margin: 0.2rem 0; break-inside: avoid; }
.toc-inline a { color: var(--ink-soft); }
.toc-inline a:hover { color: var(--accent); }

/* Tags */
.tags { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.5rem; margin: 3rem auto; max-width: var(--container-prose); padding-inline: var(--gutter); }
.tag { padding: 0.35rem 0.85rem; background: var(--paper-warm); border: 1px solid var(--rule); border-radius: 999px; font-size: var(--step--2); letter-spacing: 0.06em; color: var(--ink-soft); transition: all var(--dur) var(--ease-out); }
.tag:hover { color: var(--paper); background: var(--ink); border-color: var(--ink); }

/* Affiliate disclosure box */
.affiliate-disclosure { margin: 2rem auto; max-width: var(--container-prose); padding: 0.85rem 1.25rem; background: var(--paper-warm); border-left: 3px solid var(--amber); border-radius: var(--radius-sm); font-size: var(--step--1); color: var(--muted); line-height: 1.5; }
.affiliate-disclosure strong { color: var(--ink); }

/* Newsletter inline (in-content) */
.newsletter-inline { margin: 3rem auto; max-width: var(--container-prose); padding: 2rem; background: var(--paper-warm); border: 1px solid var(--rule); border-radius: var(--radius); text-align: center; }
.newsletter-inline h3 { font-family: var(--font-serif); font-size: var(--step-2); font-weight: 500; margin: 0 0 0.5rem; }
.newsletter-inline p { color: var(--muted); margin: 0 0 1.25rem; font-size: var(--step-0); }
.newsletter-inline .newsletter { margin: 0 auto; max-width: 26rem; background: var(--paper); border: 1px solid var(--rule); }
.newsletter-inline .newsletter input { color: var(--ink); }
.newsletter-inline .newsletter input::placeholder { color: var(--muted); }
.newsletter-inline .newsletter button { background: var(--ink); color: var(--paper); }

.continue-reading { border-top: 1px solid var(--rule); margin-top: 4rem; padding-block: clamp(3rem, 6vw, 5rem); background: var(--paper-warm); }
.continue-reading .section-head h2 { font-size: var(--step-4); }

/* ==========================================================================
   18. Footer
   ========================================================================== */
.site-footer { background: var(--ink); color: var(--paper); padding-block: clamp(4rem, 8vw, 6rem) 2rem; margin-top: clamp(4rem, 8vw, 7rem); }
.footer-grid { display: grid; gap: 3rem var(--gutter); grid-template-columns: 1fr; padding-bottom: 3rem; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(250,250,247,0.1); }
@media (min-width: 720px) { .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: 1.4fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; } }

.footer-brand h2 { color: var(--paper); font-size: var(--step-4); font-weight: 400; max-width: 14ch; margin: 1rem 0 1.5rem; }
.footer-brand h2 .italic { font-style: italic; color: var(--cream); }
.footer-brand p { color: rgba(250,250,247,0.65); max-width: 32ch; }

.newsletter { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 0.5rem; margin-top: 1.5rem; background: rgba(250,250,247,0.05); padding: 0.4rem; border-radius: 999px; max-width: 24rem; }
.newsletter input { flex: 1; min-width: 12rem; padding: 0.7rem 1rem; background: transparent; border: 0; color: var(--paper); font: inherit; font-size: var(--step--1); }
.newsletter input::placeholder { color: rgba(250,250,247,0.5); }
.newsletter input:focus { outline: none; }
.newsletter button { padding: 0.7rem 1.4rem; background: var(--paper); color: var(--ink); border-radius: 999px; font-size: var(--step--1); font-weight: 500; transition: background var(--dur) var(--ease-out), color var(--dur) var(--ease-out); }
.newsletter button:hover { background: var(--accent); color: var(--paper); }

.footer-col h4 { color: rgba(250,250,247,0.55); font-size: var(--step--2); letter-spacing: 0.16em; text-transform: uppercase; font-family: var(--font-sans); font-weight: 500; margin: 0 0 1.5rem; }
.footer-col ul { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0.85rem; }
.footer-col a { color: rgba(250,250,247,0.85); font-size: var(--step-0); transition: color var(--dur) var(--ease-out); }
.footer-col a:hover { color: var(--cream); }

.footer-bottom { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: 1rem; padding-top: 2rem; font-size: var(--step--1); color: rgba(250,250,247,0.55); }
.footer-bottom a { color: rgba(250,250,247,0.75); }
.footer-bottom a:hover { color: var(--cream); }

.footer-disclosure { grid-column: 1 / -1; margin-top: 2rem; padding-top: 2rem; border-top: 1px solid rgba(250,250,247,0.1); font-size: var(--step--1); color: rgba(250,250,247,0.55); line-height: 1.55; max-width: 60ch; }

/* ==========================================================================
   19. Pagination
   ========================================================================== */
.pagination { display: flex; justify-content: center; gap: 0.5rem; margin-top: 4rem; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.pagination a, .pagination span { min-width: 42px; height: 42px; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; padding: 0 0.85rem; border-radius: 999px; border: 1px solid var(--rule); font-size: var(--step--1); transition: all var(--dur) var(--ease-out); color: var(--ink-soft); }
.pagination a:hover { border-color: var(--accent); color: var(--accent); }
.pagination .current { background: var(--ink); color: var(--paper); border-color: var(--ink); }

/* ==========================================================================
   20. 404
   ========================================================================== */
.error-404 { text-align: center; padding: clamp(5rem, 12vw, 10rem) var(--gutter); max-width: 44rem; margin: 0 auto; }
.error-404 .code { font-family: var(--font-mono); font-size: var(--step--1); letter-spacing: 0.18em; color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 1rem; }
.error-404 h1 { font-size: var(--step-7); font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; color: var(--accent); line-height: 1; margin: 0 0 1.5rem; }
.error-404 p { font-size: var(--step-1); color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 2.5rem; }

/* ==========================================================================
   21. Animation utilities
   ========================================================================== */
.reveal { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(28px); transition: opacity 800ms var(--ease-out), transform 800ms var(--ease-out); will-change: opacity, transform; }
.reveal.is-visible { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }

.reveal-stagger > * { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(20px); transition: opacity 700ms var(--ease-out), transform 700ms var(--ease-out); }
.reveal-stagger.is-visible > * { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
.reveal-stagger.is-visible > *:nth-child(1) { transition-delay: 0ms; }
.reveal-stagger.is-visible > *:nth-child(2) { transition-delay: 90ms; }
.reveal-stagger.is-visible > *:nth-child(3) { transition-delay: 180ms; }
.reveal-stagger.is-visible > *:nth-child(4) { transition-delay: 270ms; }
.reveal-stagger.is-visible > *:nth-child(5) { transition-delay: 360ms; }
.reveal-stagger.is-visible > *:nth-child(6) { transition-delay: 450ms; }

.word-fade { display: inline-block; opacity: 0; transform: translateY(0.4em); transition: opacity 700ms var(--ease-out), transform 700ms var(--ease-out); }
.is-visible .word-fade { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }

/* ==========================================================================
   22. Mobile menu drawer
   ========================================================================== */
.mobile-drawer { position: fixed; inset: 0; z-index: 60; background: var(--paper); padding: 6rem var(--gutter) 2rem; transform: translateY(-100%); transition: transform 420ms var(--ease-in-out); visibility: hidden; overflow-y: auto; }
.mobile-drawer.is-open { transform: translateY(0); visibility: visible; }
.mobile-drawer ul { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 1rem; }
.mobile-drawer a { font-family: var(--font-serif); font-size: var(--step-4); font-weight: 400; color: var(--ink); line-height: 1.1; letter-spacing: -0.02em; }
.mobile-drawer a:hover { color: var(--accent); font-style: italic; }

/* ==========================================================================
   23. Responsive
   ========================================================================== */
@media (max-width: 880px) {
    .nav-links, .nav-cta .btn { display: none; }
    .menu-toggle { display: inline-flex; }
    .hero h1 { font-size: clamp(2.6rem, 9vw, 4.5rem); }
    .hero-meta dl { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
    .article-hero h1 { font-size: clamp(2.4rem, 8vw, 4rem); }
    .page-header h1 { font-size: clamp(2.6rem, 9vw, 4.5rem); }
    .cta-section h2 { font-size: clamp(2.4rem, 8vw, 4rem); }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   24. WordPress core classes
   ========================================================================== */
.alignleft  { float: left; margin: 0.5rem 1.5rem 1rem 0; }
.alignright { float: right; margin: 0.5rem 0 1rem 1.5rem; }
.aligncenter { display: block; margin: 1.5rem auto; }
.alignwide   { max-width: var(--container-wide); margin-inline: auto; }
.alignfull   { width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); }

.wp-caption-text, .gallery-caption { font-size: var(--step--1); color: var(--muted); text-align: center; font-style: italic; margin-top: 0.5rem; }
.screen-reader-text { position: absolute; width: 1px; height: 1px; padding: 0; margin: -1px; overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0,0,0,0); border: 0; }
.sticky { /* WP */ }
.bypostauthor { /* WP */ }

/* Gutenberg block alignments inside .article-body */
.article-body .alignwide  { margin-inline: calc((var(--container-wide) - var(--container-prose)) / -2); max-width: var(--container-wide); }
.article-body .alignfull  { margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); width: 100vw; }
.article-body .wp-block-image img { border-radius: var(--radius); }
.article-body .wp-block-pullquote { border-block: 1px solid var(--rule); padding: 2rem 0; margin: 3rem 0; text-align: center; font-family: var(--font-serif); font-style: italic; font-size: var(--step-3); color: var(--ink-soft); }
.article-body .wp-block-pullquote p { margin: 0; }

/* ==========================================================================
   25. Reduced motion
   ========================================================================== */
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
    *, *::before, *::after {
        animation-duration: 0.001ms !important;
        animation-iteration-count: 1 !important;
        transition-duration: 0.001ms !important;
        scroll-behavior: auto !important;
    }
    .reveal, .reveal-stagger > *, .word-fade { opacity: 1; transform: none; }
    .marquee-track { animation: none; }
    .reading-progress { transition: none; }
}