/* ==========================================================================
   FlashCashAdvance homepage comp, round 2
   World: navy slabs on white, one blue for every dial/control, flash yellow
   only for the hand-drawn underline. Layered rounded slabs with notched tabs.
   ========================================================================== */

:root {
  --navy: #002146;
  --navy-2: #0b2f5e;
  --blue: #0080fe;
  --link: #0062c4;   /* text links: 5.3:1 on white, brand blue stays for borders and fills */
  --blue-deep: #0066cc;
  --blue-soft: #e6f1ff;
  --flash: #ffc72c;

  --bg: #ffffff;
  --bg-tint: #f1f6fc;
  --surface: #ffffff;
  --ink: #0b1a2e;
  --ink-2: #3d4d63;
  --ink-3: #56657a;
  --line: #d6e0ee;
  --slab: var(--navy);
  --slab-ink: #ffffff;
  --slab-ink-2: #b9d2f2;
  --focus: var(--blue);

  --font-display: "Saira", "Arial Narrow", sans-serif;
  --font-body: "Hanken Grotesk", system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", sans-serif;

  --r-slab: 40px;
  --r-card: 22px;
  --r-ctl: 12px;

  --shadow-card: 0 12px 32px -12px rgba(0, 33, 70, .22), 0 2px 6px -2px rgba(0, 33, 70, .12);
  --shadow-float: 0 24px 48px -16px rgba(0, 33, 70, .35);

  --ease-out: cubic-bezier(.16, 1, .3, 1);
  --wrap: 1240px;
}

[data-theme="dark"] {
  --link: #6fb7ff;
  --bg: #071a33;
  --bg-tint: #0a2242;
  --surface: #0f2b52;
  --ink: #eaf2ff;
  --ink-2: #b9cbe6;
  --ink-3: #8aa3c6;
  --line: #21406a;
  --slab: #0b2f5e;
  --slab-ink: #ffffff;
  --slab-ink-2: #b9d2f2;
  --blue-soft: #10305a;
  --shadow-card: 0 12px 32px -12px rgba(0, 0, 0, .55), 0 2px 6px -2px rgba(0, 0, 0, .4);
  --shadow-float: 0 24px 48px -16px rgba(0, 0, 0, .6);
  color-scheme: dark;
}

/* ---------- base ---------- */
*, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }
html { scroll-behavior: smooth; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; }
body { margin: 0; font-family: var(--font-body); font-size: 1.0625rem; line-height: 1.55; color: var(--ink); background: var(--bg); transition: background-color .35s ease, color .35s ease; overflow-x: clip; }
img { display: block; max-width: 100%; height: auto; }
a { color: var(--link); text-decoration-thickness: 1.5px; text-underline-offset: .18em; }
a:hover { color: var(--blue-deep); }
h1, h2, h3, h4 { font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: -.02em; line-height: 1.02; margin: 0; text-wrap: auto; }
h3 { font-size: clamp(1.7rem, 1.2rem + 1.8vw, 2.7rem); }
h4 { font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -.01em; }
.hero__sub { font-family: var(--font-body); font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0; line-height: 1.35; font-size: calc(1.3rem + 3px); color: #fff; margin-top: 31px; max-width: 40ch; }
p { margin: 0; }
::selection { background: var(--blue); color: #fff; }
:focus-visible { outline: 3px solid var(--focus); outline-offset: 3px; border-radius: 6px; }
button, input, select { font: inherit; color: inherit; }
button { cursor: pointer; }
::-webkit-scrollbar { width: 12px; }
::-webkit-scrollbar-track { background: var(--bg-tint); }
::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb { background: var(--blue); border: 3px solid var(--bg-tint); border-radius: 8px; }

.wrap { width: min(var(--wrap), 100% - 2.5rem); margin-inline: auto; }
.visually-hidden { position: absolute !important; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0 0 0 0); white-space: nowrap; }
.skip { position: absolute; left: 1rem; top: -4rem; z-index: 100; background: var(--navy); color: #fff; padding: .6rem 1rem; border-radius: 10px; }
.skip:focus { top: 1rem; }
.section-lead { color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1.15rem; max-width: 60ch; margin-top: .9rem; }

/* hand-drawn underline that draws itself (animated SVG file) */
.ul { white-space: nowrap; background: url("../images/underline-anim.svg") left calc(100% + .04em) / 100% .3em no-repeat; padding: 0 .04em .08em; }

/* ---------- notice bar ---------- */
.notice { background: linear-gradient(90deg, #0062c4 0%, #0080fe 55%, #2d9bff 100%); color: #fff; font-size: .95rem; line-height: 24px; }
.notice__row { position: relative; height: 44px; overflow: hidden; }
/* the message that leaves drops out of the bottom while the next one drops in from the top */
.notice__msg { position: absolute; inset: 0; margin: 0; display: flex; justify-content: center; align-items: center; gap: .7rem; padding: 10px 0; flex-wrap: wrap; text-align: center; opacity: 0; transform: translateY(-100%); transition: transform .55s var(--ease-out), opacity .2s linear .15s; pointer-events: none; }
.notice__msg.is-on { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); transition: transform .55s var(--ease-out), opacity .15s linear; pointer-events: auto; }
.notice__msg.is-out { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(100%); transition: transform .55s var(--ease-out); }
.notice__msg.is-instant { transition: none; }
.notice__msg > img { width: 20px; height: 20px; filter: brightness(0) invert(1); }
.notice strong { font-weight: 700; margin-right: .25rem; }
.notice a { color: #fff; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: .4rem; background: rgba(255, 255, 255, .16); padding: 4px 13px; line-height: 20px; border-radius: 999px; transition: background .2s; }
.notice a:hover { background: rgba(255, 255, 255, .28); color: #fff; }
.notice a img { width: 14px; height: 14px; }

/* ---------- header ---------- */
.site-header { position: sticky; top: 0; z-index: 50; background: var(--bg); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); height: 79px; transition: box-shadow .25s, height .25s var(--ease-out); }
.site-header__row { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 2rem; min-height: 78px; transition: min-height .25s var(--ease-out); }
@media (min-width: 901px) {
  .site-header.is-compact { box-shadow: 0 6px 20px -12px rgba(0, 33, 70, .25); }
  .site-header.is-compact { height: 57px; }
  .site-header.is-compact .site-header__row { min-height: 56px; }
  .site-header.is-compact .brand__mark { width: 48px; }
  .site-header.is-compact .brand__word { width: 168px; top: 2px; margin-left: -7px; }
  .site-header.is-compact .brand { top: -2px; }
  .site-header.is-compact .site-header__tools { display: none; }
  .site-header.is-compact .nav > ul > li > a { padding: 4px 11px; }
}
.brand { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0; text-decoration: none; position: relative; top: -3px; }
.brand__mark { width: 66px; height: auto; }
.brand__word { width: 224px; height: auto; position: relative; top: 3px; margin-left: -9px; }
[data-theme="dark"] .brand__word { filter: brightness(0) invert(1); }
.nav { margin-left: .75rem; }
.nav > ul { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px; }
.nav > ul > li { position: relative; }
.nav > ul > li + li::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: -6px; top: 50%; height: 18px; width: 1px; transform: translateY(-50%); background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--line) 55%, transparent); }
.nav a { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: .45rem; color: var(--ink); text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600; font-size: .95rem; padding: 6px 12px; border-radius: 12px; transition: background .2s, color .2s; }
.nav a img { width: 18px; height: 18px; }
.nav a:hover { background: var(--blue-soft); color: var(--link); }
.site-header__tools { margin-left: auto; display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .6rem; }
.icon-btn { width: 44px; height: 44px; border-radius: 999px; border: 1.5px solid var(--line); background: var(--surface); display: inline-grid; place-items: center; color: var(--ink); }
.icon-btn:hover { border-color: var(--blue); }
[data-theme="dark"] .icon-btn img, [data-theme="dark"] .a11y img { filter: invert(1); }
.icon-btn--menu { display: none; }
/* discreet accessibility control: small, muted, full size only on hover/focus */
.a11y { width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 999px; border: 0; background: transparent; display: inline-grid; place-items: center; opacity: .45; transition: opacity .2s, background .2s; }
.a11y img { width: 16px; height: 16px; }
.a11y:hover, .a11y:focus-visible { opacity: 1; background: var(--bg-tint); }

/* pill theme toggle */
.theme { border: 0; background: none; padding: 4px; }
.theme__track { display: block; width: 52px; height: 28px; border-radius: 999px; background: var(--navy); position: relative; transition: background .3s; }
[data-theme="dark"] .theme__track { background: var(--blue); }
.theme__knob { position: absolute; top: 3px; left: 3px; width: 22px; height: 22px; border-radius: 50%; background: #fff; display: grid; place-items: center; transition: transform .35s var(--ease-out); }
[data-theme="dark"] .theme__knob { transform: translateX(24px); }
.theme__knob img { width: 14px; height: 14px; position: absolute; transition: opacity .2s; }
.theme__moon { opacity: 0; }
[data-theme="dark"] .theme__sun { opacity: 0; }
[data-theme="dark"] .theme__moon { opacity: 1; }

/* ---------- buttons ---------- */
.btn { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: .6rem; font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.15rem; letter-spacing: .01em; padding: .95rem 1.6rem; border-radius: var(--r-ctl); text-decoration: none; border: 2px solid transparent; transition: background .2s, box-shadow .2s; }
.btn--ghost { background: transparent; color: var(--ink); border-color: var(--ink); margin-top: 1.4rem; }
.btn--ghost:hover { background: var(--ink); color: var(--bg); }
.btn--block { width: 100%; }

/* primary: gradient, inner line, breathing ring, bottom-up navy fill on hover (chosen CTA) */
.btn--primary { position: relative; overflow: visible; min-height: 58px; border: 0; color: #fff; font-size: 1.25rem; text-shadow: 1px 1px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, .1); background: linear-gradient(180deg, #2d9bff 0%, #0080fe 55%, #0072e6 100%); animation: breathe 3.2s ease-in-out infinite; }
.btn--primary::before { content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 5px; border: 2px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, .25); border-radius: calc(var(--r-ctl) - 2px); pointer-events: none; z-index: 1; }
.btn--primary::after { content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0; border-radius: inherit; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #ffd45c 0%, #ffc52f 55%, #f0b41c 100%); transform: scaleY(0); transform-origin: bottom; transition: transform .35s var(--ease-out); z-index: 0; }
.btn--primary > span, .btn__arrow { position: relative; z-index: 2; transition: color .25s; }
.btn__arrow { width: 10px; height: 17px; margin-left: .2rem; transition: transform .3s var(--ease-out); }
.btn--primary:hover { color: #000; text-shadow: none; animation-play-state: paused; box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(255, 197, 47, .35); }
.btn--primary:hover::before { border-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, .18); }
.btn--primary:hover .btn__arrow { filter: brightness(0); }
.btn--primary:hover::after { transform: scaleY(1); }
.btn--primary:hover .btn__arrow { transform: translateX(4px); }
@keyframes breathe { 0%, 100% { box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(0, 128, 254, .35); } 50% { box-shadow: 0 0 0 5px rgba(0, 128, 254, .18); } }

/* ---------- hero ---------- */
.top { background: var(--bg-tint) url("../images/hero-bg.webp") center / 100% 100% no-repeat; }
[data-theme="dark"] .top { background-image: url("../images/hero-bg-dark.webp"); }
.hero { padding: 56px 0 90px; position: relative; --pad: clamp(1.5rem, 4vw, 4rem); --notch: 64px; --r-notch: 32px; }
.hero .wrap { width: min(1400px, 100% - 2rem); position: relative; z-index: 1; }
.hero__slab {
  position: relative;
  background: var(--slab) radial-gradient(48% 60% at 74% 40%, rgba(0, 128, 254, .9) 0%, rgba(0, 128, 254, .38) 40%, rgba(0, 128, 254, 0) 72%);
  color: var(--slab-ink);
  border-radius: var(--r-slab);
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.1fr .9fr; gap: 2rem; align-items: end;
  padding: clamp(1.75rem, 3vw, 2.75rem) var(--pad) 0;
  overflow: visible;
}
/* clip-path version: the slab paint sits on a pseudo cut to the tab shape, so the page background shows through the notch */
@supports (clip-path: shape(from 0 0, line to 1px 1px)) {
  .hero__slab { background: none; }
  .hero__notch { display: none; }
  .hero__slab::before {
    content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: 0;
    background: var(--slab) radial-gradient(48% 60% at 74% 40%, rgba(0, 128, 254, .9) 0%, rgba(0, 128, 254, .38) 40%, rgba(0, 128, 254, 0) 72%);
    --w: round(nearest, 44%, 1px); --r: var(--r-notch); --n: var(--notch); --R: var(--r-slab);
    clip-path: shape(from 0 var(--R),
      arc to var(--R) 0 of var(--R) cw,
      line to calc(100% - var(--w) - var(--r)) 0,
      arc to calc(100% - var(--w)) var(--r) of var(--r) cw,
      line to calc(100% - var(--w)) calc(var(--n) - var(--r)),
      arc to calc(100% - var(--w) + var(--r)) var(--n) of var(--r) ccw,
      line to calc(100% - var(--r)) var(--n),
      arc to 100% calc(var(--n) + var(--r)) of var(--r) cw,
      line to 100% calc(100% - var(--R)),
      arc to calc(100% - var(--R)) 100% of var(--R) cw,
      line to var(--R) 100%,
      arc to 0 calc(100% - var(--R)) of var(--R) cw,
      close);
  }
}
.hero__notch { position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; width: 44%; width: round(nearest, 44%, 1px); height: var(--notch); background: var(--bg); border-bottom-left-radius: var(--r-notch); box-shadow: 2px -2px 0 0 var(--bg); z-index: 1; }
.hero__notch::before { content: ""; position: absolute; right: calc(100% - 1px); top: -1px; width: calc(var(--r-notch) + 1px); height: calc(var(--r-notch) + 1px); background: radial-gradient(circle at 0 100%, transparent calc(var(--r-notch) - .5px), var(--bg) var(--r-notch)); }
.hero__notch::after { content: ""; position: absolute; right: -1px; top: calc(100% - 1px); width: calc(var(--r-notch) + 1px); height: calc(var(--r-notch) + 1px); background: radial-gradient(circle at 0 100%, transparent calc(var(--r-notch) - .5px), var(--bg) var(--r-notch)); }
.hero__copy { position: relative; z-index: 2; padding-bottom: clamp(1.75rem, 3vw, 2.75rem); }
.hero h1 { font-size: clamp(2rem, 1.45rem + 2.25vw, 3.3rem); color: #fff; margin-bottom: .3rem; }
.hero__lead { margin-top: 17px; font-size: 1.15rem; color: var(--slab-ink-2); max-width: 48ch; }

.req { margin-top: 54px; margin-bottom: 20px; background: var(--surface); color: var(--ink); border-radius: var(--r-card); padding: 1.25rem; box-shadow: var(--shadow-float); max-width: 580px; }
.field { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 1rem; }
.field__label { font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.65rem; color: var(--ink); line-height: 1.1; }
.field__money { display: flex; align-items: center; border: 1.5px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--r-ctl); background: var(--bg); height: 54px; width: 140px; flex: none; padding: 0 .8rem; transition: border-color .2s; }
.field__money:focus-within { border-color: var(--blue); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(0, 128, 254, .18); }
.field__prefix { font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.4rem; color: var(--link); margin-right: .3rem; }
.field__money input { border: 0; background: none; width: 100%; min-width: 0; font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 700; font-size: 2rem; outline: none; padding: 0; text-align: center; }
.req__presets { display: flex; gap: .5rem; margin: .9rem 0 1rem; }
.req__presets button { flex: 1; border: 1.5px solid var(--line); background: var(--bg); border-radius: 999px; padding: .55rem .2rem; font-weight: 600; font-size: .95rem; color: var(--ink-2); transition: all .15s; }
.req__presets button:hover { border-color: var(--blue); color: var(--link); }
.req__presets button.is-on { background: var(--navy); border-color: var(--navy); color: #fff; }
[data-theme="dark"] .req__presets button.is-on { background: var(--blue); border-color: var(--blue); }

/* the figure stands on the slab's bottom edge and rises above its top edge */
.hero__figure { position: absolute; right: 12%; top: 0; bottom: 0; width: 30%; margin: 0; z-index: 2; display: flex; align-items: flex-end; justify-content: center; }
.hero__photo { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: top center; }
.hero.is-ready .hero__photo { animation: rise 1s var(--ease-out) both; }
@keyframes rise { from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(30px); } to { opacity: 1; transform: none; } }
.hero__card { position: absolute; left: 50%; transform: translateX(-50%); bottom: -64px; width: 400px; z-index: 3; }
.hero__card-body { display: flex; gap: .8rem; align-items: center; height: 118px; padding: .9rem 1.1rem; background: var(--surface); color: var(--ink); border-radius: 18px; box-shadow: var(--shadow-float); overflow: hidden; }
.hero__card-body img { width: 48px; height: 48px; flex: none; }
.hero__card-body > span { display: grid; gap: .1rem; }
.hero__dots { display: flex; justify-content: center; gap: 2px; margin-top: 4px; }
/* the dot stays 10px; the button around it is a 24px target */
.hero__dots button { width: 24px; height: 24px; padding: 0; border: 0; background: none; display: grid; place-items: center; cursor: pointer; }
.hero__dots button::before { content: ""; width: 10px; height: 10px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--navy); transition: transform .2s; }
.hero__dots button[aria-selected="true"]::before { background: #ffc52f; }
.hero__dots button:hover::before { transform: scale(1.2); }
.hero__card-v { font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.4rem; color: var(--link); line-height: 1.05; }
.hero__card-s { font-size: .85rem; color: var(--ink-2); line-height: 1.35; }

/* ---------- statement: one line at a time, dial beside ---------- */
.proof { background: var(--bg-tint) url("../images/statement-bg.webp") center / cover no-repeat; }
[data-theme="dark"] .proof { background-image: url("../images/statement-bg-dark.webp"); }
/* ---------- why choose us ---------- */
.why { padding: 25px 0 calc(4rem + 130px); }
.why h3 { text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2rem; }
.why__grid { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); gap: 1.25rem; }
.why__item { background: #fff; border: 4px dotted #021a3e; border-radius: var(--r-card); padding: 1.5rem 1.4rem 1.6rem; }
[data-theme="dark"] .why__item { background: var(--surface); border-color: #2d9bff; }
.why__item img { width: 44px; height: 44px; margin-bottom: 1rem; }
.why__item h4 { font-size: 1.3rem; margin-bottom: .5rem; }
.why__item p { color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1rem; }

.statement { padding: 0; margin-top: -100px; position: relative; --pad: clamp(1.5rem, 4vw, 4rem); }
.statement__band { background: var(--slab) radial-gradient(50% 70% at 90% 110%, rgba(0, 128, 254, .35), rgba(0, 128, 254, 0) 70%); color: var(--slab-ink); padding: 0 0 3.5rem; }
/* one element: the full-width band and its centred tab are a single clip-path shape */
.statement__band {
  --tw: min(58%, 720px); --R: 20px; --T: 40px;
  padding-top: var(--T);
  clip-path: shape(from 0 var(--T),
    line to calc(50% - var(--tw) / 2 - var(--R)) var(--T),
    arc to calc(50% - var(--tw) / 2) calc(var(--T) - var(--R)) of var(--R) ccw,
    line to calc(50% - var(--tw) / 2) var(--R),
    arc to calc(50% - var(--tw) / 2 + var(--R)) 0 of var(--R) cw,
    line to calc(50% + var(--tw) / 2 - var(--R)) 0,
    arc to calc(50% + var(--tw) / 2) var(--R) of var(--R) cw,
    line to calc(50% + var(--tw) / 2) calc(var(--T) - var(--R)),
    arc to calc(50% + var(--tw) / 2 + var(--R)) var(--T) of var(--R) ccw,
    line to 100% var(--T), line to 100% 100%, line to 0 100%, close);
}
.statement__title { position: relative; color: #fff; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap; font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 1.3rem + 1.9vw, 2.8rem); margin-top: -.51em; margin-bottom: calc(2.5rem + 25px); }
.steps.steps--four { --dial: 180px; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); }
.steps--four .step { text-align: center; }
.steps--four .step__dial { margin-inline: auto; }
.steps--four .step p { margin-inline: auto; text-align: left; }
.steps--four .step__dial { background: var(--blue); }
.steps--four .step h4 { font-size: 1.45rem; }
.steps--four .step p { font-size: 1rem; max-width: 30ch; }

/* ---------- loans ---------- */
.loans { padding: 2rem 0 5rem; }
.loans__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.4fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; grid-auto-rows: 1fr; gap: 1.1rem; margin-top: 2.4rem; }
.loan { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: .8rem; padding: 1.6rem; border-radius: var(--r-card); background: var(--bg-tint); color: var(--ink); text-decoration: none; border: 1.5px solid transparent; transition: border-color .2s; }
.loan:hover { border-color: var(--blue); color: var(--ink); }
.loan > img { width: 44px; height: 44px; transition: transform .35s var(--ease-out); }
.loan:hover > img { transform: translateX(6px) rotate(-6deg); }
.loan p { color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1rem; flex: 1; }
.loan__go { font-weight: 700; color: var(--link); }
.loan--lead { background: var(--slab) radial-gradient(70% 70% at 80% 10%, rgba(0, 128, 254, .55), rgba(0, 128, 254, 0) 70%); color: #fff; border-radius: calc(var(--r-card) + 10px); padding: 2rem; }
.loan--lead:hover { color: #fff; }
.loan--lead > img { filter: brightness(0) invert(1); width: 56px; height: 56px; }
.loan--lead h4 { font-size: 2rem; }
.loan--lead p { color: var(--slab-ink-2); font-size: 1.05rem; }
.loan--lead .loan__go { color: #fff; margin-top: .5rem; }

/* ---------- how it works: navy slab, taller on the left where the title sits ---------- */
.how { padding: 5rem 0 4rem; --pad: clamp(1.5rem, 4vw, 4rem); }
.how__head { text-align: center; margin-bottom: calc(3.5rem + 25px); }
.how__body .step { text-align: center; }
.how__body .steps { counter-reset: step; }
.how__body .step { counter-increment: step; }
.how__body .step__dial { margin-inline: auto; margin-bottom: 2rem; background: var(--blue); border-radius: 32px; box-shadow: 0 0 0 6px var(--blue); }
.how__body .steps__curve { left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); top: calc(var(--dial) / 2); height: auto; aspect-ratio: 5 / 1; width: calc(66.667% + var(--gap) * 2 / 3); }
.how__body .step::after { content: "#" counter(step); position: absolute; top: -8px; left: calc(50% - var(--dial) / 2 - 64px); width: 44px; height: 44px; display: grid; place-items: center; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--navy); color: #fff; font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.05rem; box-shadow: 0 6px 14px -6px rgba(0, 0, 0, .4); }
.how__body .step:nth-of-type(1) .step__dial { transform: rotate(-4deg); }
.how__body .step:nth-of-type(2) .step__dial { transform: rotate(3deg); }
.how__body .step:nth-of-type(2)::after { top: calc(var(--dial) - 50px); }
.how__body .step:nth-of-type(3) .step__dial { transform: rotate(-2.5deg); }
.how__body .step__fg { --rot: -4deg; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 50%; width: var(--dial); height: var(--dial); object-fit: cover; transform: translateX(-50%) rotate(var(--rot)) translateY(-10px) scale(1.1); pointer-events: none; transition: transform .6s var(--ease-out); }
.how__body .step:hover .step__fg, .how__body .step.is-active .step__fg { transform: translateX(-50%) rotate(var(--rot)) translateY(-20px) scale(1.18); }
.how__body .step:nth-of-type(2) .step__fg { --rot: 3deg; }
.how__body .step:nth-of-type(3) .step__fg { --rot: -2.5deg; }
.how__body .step__dial img { transform: translateY(-10px) scale(1.1); }
.how__body .step:hover .step__dial img, .how__body .step.is-active .step__dial img { transform: translateY(-20px) scale(1.18); }
.how__body .step h4 { color: var(--ink); }
.how__body .step p { color: var(--ink-2); margin-inline: auto; text-align: left; }
.how__tab { position: relative; background: var(--slab); color: #fff; width: fit-content; max-width: 72%; padding: 2.2rem var(--pad) 1rem; border-radius: var(--r-slab) var(--r-slab) 0 0; }
.how__tab::after { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 100%; bottom: 0; width: var(--r-slab); height: var(--r-slab); background: radial-gradient(circle at 100% 0, transparent calc(var(--r-slab) - .5px), var(--slab) var(--r-slab)); }
.how__tab h3 { color: #fff; max-width: 14ch; font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 1.3rem + 1.9vw, 2.8rem); }
.how__slab { position: relative; background: var(--slab) radial-gradient(60% 80% at 90% 20%, rgba(0, 128, 254, .35), rgba(0, 128, 254, 0) 70%); color: var(--slab-ink); border-radius: 0 var(--r-slab) var(--r-slab) var(--r-slab); padding: 2.5rem var(--pad) 3.5rem; }
/* the frame carries the step variables too, because the curve now sits beside the list rather than inside it */
.steps-frame { position: relative; --dial: 220px; --gap: 2.5rem; }
.steps { --dial: 220px; --gap: 2.5rem; list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: var(--gap); position: relative; }
.steps__curve { position: absolute; left: calc(var(--dial) / 2); width: calc(66.667% + var(--gap) * 2 / 3); top: calc(var(--dial) / 2 - 100px); height: 200px; pointer-events: none; z-index: 0; }
.step { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
.step__dial { display: block; width: var(--dial); height: var(--dial); aspect-ratio: 1; flex: none; margin-bottom: 1.4rem; border-radius: 50%; overflow: hidden; background: #002146; box-shadow: 0 0 0 6px var(--slab), 0 0 0 9px var(--blue), 0 24px 40px -20px rgba(0, 0, 0, .6); }
.step__dial img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; transform: scale(1.1); transition: transform .6s var(--ease-out); }
.step:hover .step__dial img { transform: scale(1.18); }
.step h4 { color: #fff; font-size: 1.7rem; }
.step p { color: var(--slab-ink-2); margin-top: .5rem; max-width: 34ch; font-size: 1.05rem; }

/* ---------- social proof: persona grid with a wave band running through the cards, badge row ---------- */
.proof { padding: 3rem 0 2rem; }
.proof__title { text-align: center; max-width: 24ch; margin-inline: auto; margin-top: 10px; }
.personas { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(5, 1fr); gap: 1.1rem; margin-top: calc(3rem + 45px); }
.proof .wrap { width: min(1400px, 100% - 2rem); }
/* card = framed photo with stars above, then a speech bubble pointing up at it */
.persona { position: relative; margin: 0; padding-top: 30px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 22px; }
.persona::before { content: ""; position: absolute; top: 2px; right: 18px; width: 114px; height: 21px; background: url("../images/icons/stars.svg") right center / contain no-repeat; }
.persona > img { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 3 / 4; object-fit: cover; display: block; box-sizing: border-box; border: 5px solid var(--navy); border-radius: 18px; background-color: var(--navy); background-clip: border-box; box-shadow: var(--shadow-card); }
.quote { position: relative; padding: 1.4rem 1.2rem 1.3rem; display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex: 1; background: var(--navy); color: #fff; border-radius: 22px; box-shadow: var(--shadow-card); }
.quote::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 50%; top: -8px; width: 22px; height: 22px; background: var(--navy); transform: translateX(-50%) rotate(45deg); border-radius: 3px; }
.quote p { font-size: .92rem; line-height: 1.5; color: #fff; flex: 1; }
.quote__open, .quote__close { display: inline-block; width: 22px; height: 22px; vertical-align: -5px; }
.quote__open { margin-right: .3rem; }
.quote__close { margin-left: .3rem; transform: rotate(180deg); }
.quote__verified, .quote__where { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .4rem; font-size: .85rem; color: var(--slab-ink-2); }
.quote__verified { margin-top: .9rem; color: #fff; font-weight: 600; }
.quote__where { margin-top: .3rem; }
.quote__verified img { width: 16px; height: 16px; flex: none; }
.persona > .quote__who { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 18px; height: 24px; display: flex; align-items: center; font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.2rem; color: var(--ink); }
.quote__who img, .quote__where img { width: 16px; height: 16px; flex: none; }
.badges-row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr auto; gap: 2rem; align-items: center; margin-top: 4rem; padding: calc(2.5rem + 30px) 0; position: relative; isolation: isolate; }
.badges-row::before { content: ""; position: absolute; top: 0; bottom: 0; left: 50%; width: 100vw; transform: translateX(-50%); z-index: -1; background: url("../images/badges-wave.svg") center / 100% 160px no-repeat; pointer-events: none; }
.badges-row__lead { font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.7rem; line-height: 1.15; color: var(--ink); max-width: none; text-shadow: 3px 3px 0 #f4f9ff; }
[data-theme="dark"] .badges-row__lead { text-shadow: 3px 3px 0 #041a36; }
.badges-row__lead span { color: var(--link); }
.badges { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: flex; gap: 1.2rem; justify-content: flex-end; flex-wrap: wrap; }
/* pennant badge: HTML content on a CSS shape, rounded top corners, navy band top and bottom */
.badge { --tip: 28px; --rb: 10px; --pennant: shape(from 0 var(--rb), arc to var(--rb) 0 of var(--rb) cw, line to calc(100% - var(--rb)) 0, arc to 100% var(--rb) of var(--rb) cw, line to 100% calc(100% - var(--tip)), line to 50% 100%, line to 0 calc(100% - var(--tip)), close);
  position: relative; width: 112px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; text-align: center; background: var(--navy); filter: drop-shadow(0 10px 16px rgba(0, 33, 70, .14)); transition: transform .3s var(--ease-out); clip-path: var(--pennant); }
.badge::before { content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 2px; background: var(--surface); clip-path: var(--pennant); --rb: 10px; }
.badge > * { position: relative; }
[data-theme="dark"] .badge { background: var(--blue); }
[data-theme="dark"] .badge::before { background: #fff; }
[data-theme="dark"] .badge__top, [data-theme="dark"] .badge__tail { background: var(--blue); }
[data-theme="dark"] .badge__v { color: #0b1a2e; }
[data-theme="dark"] .badge__s { color: #5b6b82; }
.badge:hover { transform: translateY(-4px); }
.badge__top { width: 100%; background: var(--navy); color: #fff; font-size: .6rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .14em; text-transform: uppercase; padding: .5rem 0; }
.badge > img { width: 42px; height: 42px; margin: .7rem 0 .4rem; }
.badge__v { display: block; font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.02rem; line-height: 1.05; color: var(--ink); padding: 0 .5rem; }
.badge__s { display: block; font-size: .68rem; color: var(--ink-3); margin: .1rem 0 .7rem; padding: 0 .3rem; }
.badge__tail { display: block; width: 100%; height: calc(var(--tip) + 6px); background: var(--navy); margin-top: auto; }
/* ---------- learn + cost ---------- */
.learn { padding: 5rem 0 5rem; }
.learn__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.1fr .9fr; gap: 3.5rem; align-items: center; }
.learn__text p + p { margin-top: 1rem; }
.learn__text h3 { margin-bottom: 1.2rem; }
.learn__note { font-size: .9rem; color: var(--ink-3); border-top: 1px solid var(--line); padding-top: .9rem; margin-top: 1.2rem !important; }
.cost { position: relative; margin: 0; background: var(--slab); color: #fff; border-radius: 16px; padding: 2.2rem 1.8rem 1.8rem; box-shadow: var(--shadow-float); transform: rotate(-1.2deg); }
.cost::before { content: ""; position: absolute; top: -20px; left: calc(50% - 16px); width: 32px; height: 41px; background: url("../images/pushpin.png") center / contain no-repeat; z-index: 1; }
.cost figcaption { font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.6rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; }
.cost table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums; }
.cost th { text-align: left; font-size: .78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .06em; color: var(--slab-ink-2); padding: .4rem .4rem .6rem; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, .18); }
.cost td { padding: .75rem .4rem; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, .1); font-size: 1.05rem; }
.cost td a { color: inherit; text-decoration: none; font: inherit; }
.cost td a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }
.cost td:last-child { font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.25rem; color: #fff; }
.cost__src { font-size: .8rem; color: var(--slab-ink-2); margin-top: 1rem; }

/* ---------- faq with illustration ---------- */
.faq { padding: 1rem 0 6rem; }
.faq__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.15fr .85fr; gap: 3rem; align-items: start; }
.faq__list { margin-top: 2rem; }
.prose .faq__list { margin: 1rem 0 2rem; }
.prose .faq__list summary { margin: 0; }
.faq details, .faq__list details { border-top: 1px solid var(--line); }
.faq details:last-child, .faq__list details:last-child { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); }
.faq summary, .faq__list summary { list-style: none; cursor: pointer; padding: 1.2rem 3rem 1.2rem 0; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.15rem; position: relative; }
.faq summary::-webkit-details-marker, .faq__list summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }
.faq summary::after, .faq__list summary::after { content: ""; position: absolute; right: .3rem; top: 50%; width: 30px; height: 30px; margin-top: -15px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--blue-soft) url("../images/icons/chevron.svg") center / 18px no-repeat; transition: transform .3s var(--ease-out); }
.faq details[open] summary::after, .faq__list details[open] summary::after { transform: rotate(180deg); }
.faq details p, .faq__list details p { color: var(--ink-2); padding: 0 3rem 1.4rem 0; max-width: 70ch; }
.faq__illus { width: 100%; max-width: 440px; justify-self: center; position: sticky; top: 120px; }
[data-theme="dark"] .faq__illus { mix-blend-mode: normal; border-radius: 32px; }

/* ---------- close: full-bleed illustration on the left, copy on the right ---------- */
.close { padding: 0 0 6rem; }
.close__slab { position: relative; background: #011a3d; color: #fff; border-radius: var(--r-slab); display: grid; grid-template-columns: auto 1fr; align-items: center; overflow: hidden; }
.close__illus { width: auto; height: 400px; display: block; -webkit-mask: linear-gradient(90deg, #000 calc(100% - 90px), transparent); mask: linear-gradient(90deg, #000 calc(100% - 90px), transparent); }
.close__copy { margin-left: -100px; position: relative; }
.close__copy { padding: 3rem clamp(1.5rem, 4vw, 4rem) 3rem 1rem; }
.close h3 { color: #fff; max-width: 16ch; margin-bottom: 20px; }
.close p { color: var(--slab-ink-2); margin: 1rem 0 1.6rem; font-size: 1.1rem; max-width: 46ch; }
/* ---------- footer ---------- */
.site-footer { background: var(--bg-tint); border-top: 1px solid var(--line); padding: 3rem 0 2.5rem; }
.site-footer__top { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 2rem; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.brand--footer .brand__word { width: 190px; }
.site-footer__nav { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: .3rem 1.4rem; margin-left: 1rem; }
.site-footer__nav a { color: var(--ink); text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600; font-size: .95rem; }
.site-footer__nav a:hover { color: var(--link); text-decoration: underline; }
.lang { position: relative; margin-left: auto; }
.lang__btn { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: .55rem; border: 1.5px solid var(--line); border-radius: 999px; padding: .4rem .9rem .4rem .5rem; background: var(--surface); font-weight: 600; color: var(--ink); }
.lang__btn img { width: 22px; height: 22px; }
.lang__btn img:last-child { width: 16px; height: 16px; }
.lang__menu { position: absolute; right: 0; bottom: calc(100% + .5rem); list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: .4rem; background: var(--surface); border: 1.5px solid var(--line); border-radius: 14px; box-shadow: var(--shadow-card); min-width: 160px; display: none; z-index: 5; }
.lang.is-open .lang__menu { display: block; }
.lang__menu li { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .6rem; padding: .5rem .7rem; border-radius: 10px; cursor: pointer; font-weight: 600; }
.lang__menu li:hover, .lang__menu li:focus-visible { background: var(--bg-tint); }
.lang__menu li[aria-selected="true"] { color: var(--link); }
.lang__menu img { width: 22px; height: 22px; }
.site-footer__legal { margin-top: 2.2rem; padding-top: 1.5rem; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); font-size: .88rem; line-height: 1.55; color: var(--ink-3); display: grid; gap: .8rem; }
.site-footer__legal strong { color: var(--ink-2); }
.site-footer__legal a { color: var(--ink-2); }
.site-footer__bottom { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: .5rem 1.5rem; margin-top: .4rem; }
.site-footer__copy { color: var(--ink-2); margin: 0; }
.site-footer__legal-nav { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: .3rem 1.2rem; }
.site-footer__legal-nav a { color: var(--ink-2); text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600; }
.site-footer__legal-nav a:hover { color: var(--link); text-decoration: underline; }

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  html { scroll-behavior: auto; }
  .hero.is-ready .hero__photo, .btn--primary { animation: none; }
  .statement__line { transition: none; }
}

/* ---------- responsive ---------- */
@media (max-width: 1100px) {
  .nav > ul { gap: 1.1rem; }
  .brand__word { width: 190px; }
  .hero__slab { grid-template-columns: 1fr .85fr; }
  .loans__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .loan--lead { grid-column: 1 / -1; }
  .step__dial { width: 170px; height: 170px; }
  .how__body .steps-frame, .how__body .steps { --dial: 170px; }
  .steps.steps--four { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); --dial: 170px; }
  .why__grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
  .personas { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); }
  .badges-row { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .badges { justify-content: flex-start; }
  .close__slab { grid-template-columns: 300px 1fr; }
}
@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .nav { display: none; position: absolute; left: 0; right: 0; top: 100%; background: var(--surface); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); padding: 1rem 1.25rem 1.4rem; box-shadow: var(--shadow-card); }
  .nav.is-open { display: block; }
  .nav > ul { flex-direction: column; align-items: stretch; gap: .2rem; }
  .nav > ul > li + li::before { display: none; }
  .nav a { display: flex; padding: .7rem 0; font-size: 1.1rem; border-radius: 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); }
  .nav a:hover { background: none; }
  .icon-btn--menu { display: inline-grid; }
  .hero { padding: 1.5rem 0 110px; }
  .hero .wrap { width: min(var(--wrap), 100% - 2rem); }
  .hero__slab { grid-template-columns: 1fr; padding: 1.5rem 1.25rem 0; }
  .hero__notch { display: none; }
  .hero__slab::before { clip-path: none; border-radius: var(--r-slab); }
  .hero__copy { padding-bottom: 1rem; }
  .hero h1 { max-width: 14ch; }
  .hero__figure { position: relative; right: auto; top: auto; width: 100%; height: 300px; margin-top: 1.5rem; }
  .hero__photo { width: auto; height: 100%; max-width: 100%; object-fit: contain; object-position: bottom center; }
  .hero__card { bottom: -80px; width: min(92vw, 400px); }
  .learn__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 2.5rem; }
  .cost { transform: none; }
  .how__tab { max-width: 92%; }
  .steps, .steps.steps--four { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 2.2rem; --dial: 150px; }
  .steps-frame { --dial: 150px; --gap: 2.2rem; }
  .steps__curve { display: none; }
  .personas { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
  .faq__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .faq__illus { position: static; max-width: 340px; }
  .close__slab { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .close__illus { min-height: 0; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; }
  .close__copy { padding: 2rem 1.5rem 2.5rem; }
  .site-footer__nav { margin-left: 0; width: 100%; }
  .lang { margin-left: 0; }
}
@media (max-width: 560px) {
  body { font-size: 1rem; }
  .site-header { height: 65px; }
  .site-header__row { min-height: 64px; }
  .notice { font-size: .85rem; }
  .brand__mark { width: 48px; }
  .brand__word { width: 118px; margin-left: -5px; top: 2px; }
  .brand__mark { width: 40px; }
  .notice__msg a { display: none; }
  .notice__msg { font-size: .82rem; gap: .45rem; padding: 8px 12px; }
  .site-header__tools { gap: .4rem; }
  .icon-btn { width: 40px; height: 40px; }
  .hero h1 { font-size: clamp(2.3rem, 11vw, 3rem); }
  .hero__lead { font-size: 1.05rem; }
  .req { padding: 1rem; }
  .field { flex-direction: column; align-items: stretch; gap: .5rem; }
  .field__money { width: 100%; }
  .req__presets { gap: .35rem; }
  .req__presets button { font-size: .88rem; padding: .5rem 0; }
  .hero__card-body { padding: .7rem .9rem; height: 124px; }
  .hero__card-v { font-size: 1.15rem; }
  .statement { padding: 0; }
  .why { padding: 3rem 0 .5rem; }
  .why__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .loans__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .loan--lead h4 { font-size: 1.7rem; }
  .how { --pad: 1.25rem; --r-slab: 28px; }
  .how__slab { border-radius: 0 0 28px 28px; padding: 1.5rem 1.25rem 2.5rem; }
  .how__tab { max-width: none; width: 100%; padding: 1.8rem 1.25rem .5rem; }
  .how__head { margin-bottom: calc(2rem + 30px); }
  .how__tab::after { display: none; }
  .statement__band { --tw: 78%; }
  .statement__title { white-space: normal; }
  .steps--four .step__dial { width: 96px; height: 96px; }
  .personas { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 1.5rem; }
  .persona { border-radius: 16px; }
  .badges { justify-content: center; gap: .6rem; }
  .badge { width: 100px; }
  .cost { padding: 1.2rem; border-radius: 24px; }
  .cost td { font-size: .95rem; }
  .close__slab { border-radius: 28px; padding: 2rem 1.25rem; }
}

.personas__nav { display: none; }
.personas__nav button { width: 46px; height: 46px; border-radius: 50%; border: 0; background: var(--navy); display: grid; place-items: center; }
.personas__nav button img { width: 18px; height: 18px; filter: brightness(0) invert(1); transform: rotate(90deg); }
.personas__nav [data-carousel-next] img { transform: rotate(-90deg); }

/* ---------- mobile pass ---------- */
@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .site-header__row { gap: .8rem; }
  .icon-btn--menu { margin-right: .2rem; }
  .hero { padding: 0 0 110px; }
  .hero .wrap { width: 100%; }
  .hero__slab, .hero__slab::before { border-radius: 0; }
  .hero__figure { height: auto; aspect-ratio: 538 / 740; width: 100%; margin-top: 1.25rem; }
  .hero__photo { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: top center; }
  .statement { margin-top: 30px; }
  .statement__band { --T: 20px; --R: 10px; }
  .steps--four .step p { max-width: none; }
  .how__body .steps-frame, .how__body .steps { --dial: min(220px, 70vw); }
  .how__body .step__dial { width: var(--dial); height: var(--dial); }
  .how__body .step::after, .how__body .step:nth-of-type(2)::after { top: calc(var(--dial) / 2 - 22px); left: calc(50% - var(--dial) / 2 - 52px); }
  .personas { display: flex; overflow-x: auto; scroll-snap-type: x mandatory; gap: 1rem; padding: 0 0 1rem; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; scrollbar-width: none; }
  .personas::-webkit-scrollbar { display: none; }
  .persona { flex: 0 0 100%; scroll-snap-align: center; }
  .personas__wrap { position: relative; }
  .personas__nav { position: absolute; left: -10px; right: -10px; top: calc(30px + .52 * (100vw - 2rem)); height: auto; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; pointer-events: none; }
  .personas__nav button { pointer-events: auto; width: 40px; height: 40px; background: none; box-shadow: none; }
  .personas__nav button img { width: 34px; height: 34px; filter: none; }
  .persona > img { aspect-ratio: 1; }
  .faq__grid > div { display: contents; }
  .faq__grid h3 { order: 1; }
  .faq__illus { order: 2; position: static; max-width: 340px; margin: 0 auto; }
  .faq__list { order: 3; margin-top: 0; }
  .close__slab { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .close__copy { order: 1; margin-left: 0; padding: 2rem 1.5rem 1.5rem; }
  .close__copy .btn { white-space: nowrap; }
  .close__illus { order: 2; width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; object-fit: cover; object-position: 42% center; -webkit-mask: none; mask: none; margin: 0; }
  .close__slab { align-items: stretch; padding: 0; }
}
@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .notice { display: none; }
  .hero__lead { display: none; }
  .field__label { font-size: 1.3rem; }
  .hero__figure { width: 80%; margin: .6rem auto 0; }
  .personas { padding: 0; gap: 1rem; }
  .persona { flex: 0 0 100%; padding: 30px 10% 0; }
  .persona::before { right: calc(10% + 8px); width: 88px; height: 16px; }
  .persona > .quote__who { left: calc(10% + 8px); font-size: 1.05rem; }
  .persona .quote, .persona .quote p { flex: none; }
  .persona .quote { padding-bottom: 1.1rem; }
  .quote p { font-size: .85rem; }
  .personas { margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 30px; }
  .proof { background-size: auto 100%; background-position: 78% center; }
  .hero h1, .hero__sub { text-align: center; max-width: none; margin-inline: auto; }
  .badges-row::before { background-size: 1400px 160px; }
  .badges-row { margin-top: 0; padding-top: 30px; }
  .icon-btn--menu { border: 0; background: none; width: 36px; height: 36px; }
  .site-header { height: 56px; }
  .site-header__row { min-height: 55px; }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Site pages (everything beyond the homepage comp)
   ========================================================================== */

/* nav dropdown */
@media (max-width: 900px) {
}

/* accessibility widget */
.a11y-panel { position: fixed; inset: 0; z-index: 90; background: rgba(0, 33, 70, .45); display: flex; align-items: flex-start; justify-content: flex-end; padding: 5rem 1rem 1rem; }
.a11y-panel[hidden] { display: none; }
.a11y-panel__card { width: min(360px, 100%); background: var(--surface); color: var(--ink); border-radius: 18px; box-shadow: var(--shadow-float); padding: 1.1rem 1.2rem 1.2rem; }
.a11y-panel__head { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; margin-bottom: .6rem; }
.a11y-panel__head h2 { font-size: 1.3rem; }
.a11y-panel__close { border: 0; background: var(--bg-tint); width: 36px; height: 36px; border-radius: 50%; font-size: 1.4rem; line-height: 1; color: var(--ink); }
.a11y-panel__row { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 1rem; padding: .55rem 0; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); font-weight: 600; }
.a11y-panel__row input { width: 22px; height: 22px; accent-color: var(--blue); }
.a11y-panel__steps { display: flex; gap: .3rem; }
.a11y-panel__steps button { border: 1.5px solid var(--line); background: var(--surface); color: var(--ink); border-radius: 8px; padding: .3rem .6rem; font-weight: 700; }
.a11y-panel__steps button[aria-pressed="true"] { background: var(--navy); border-color: var(--navy); color: #fff; }
.a11y-panel__reset { margin-top: .8rem; width: 100%; }
html[data-a11y-size="1"] { font-size: 112.5%; }
html[data-a11y-size="2"] { font-size: 125%; }
html[data-a11y-font="true"] body { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; }
html[data-a11y-font="true"] h1, html[data-a11y-font="true"] h2, html[data-a11y-font="true"] h3, html[data-a11y-font="true"] h4 { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 0; }
html[data-a11y-links="true"] a { text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-thickness: 2px; background: rgba(255, 197, 47, .35); }
html[data-a11y-contrast="true"] { --ink: #000; --ink-2: #000; --ink-3: #1a1a1a; --bg: #fff; --bg-tint: #fff; --surface: #fff; --line: #000; --slab-ink-2: #fff; }
html[data-a11y-contrast="true"] .btn--primary { background: #000; color: #fff; }
html[data-a11y-motion="true"] *, html[data-a11y-motion="true"] *::before, html[data-a11y-motion="true"] *::after { animation: none !important; transition: none !important; scroll-behavior: auto !important; }

/* generic page layout */
.page { padding: 2.5rem 0 4rem; }
.page__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) 380px; gap: 3rem; align-items: start; }
.page__aside { position: sticky; top: 100px; }
.crumbs { font-size: .9rem; color: var(--ink-3); margin-bottom: 1.2rem; }
.crumbs ol { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: .3rem; }
.crumbs li + li::before { content: "/"; margin-right: .3rem; color: var(--line); }
.crumbs a { color: var(--ink-2); text-decoration: none; }
.crumbs a:hover { color: var(--link); }
.page h1 { font-size: clamp(2rem, 1.4rem + 2.4vw, 3.2rem); margin-bottom: .8rem; }
.page__lead { font-size: 1.2rem; color: var(--ink-2); max-width: 62ch; }
.page__meta { font-size: .9rem; color: var(--ink-3); margin: .8rem 0 1.6rem; display: flex; gap: 1rem; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.prose .page__meta--foot { margin: 2rem 0 0; padding-top: 1rem; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); font-size: .85rem; }
.prose { max-width: 70ch; }
.prose h2 { font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 1.1rem + 1.4vw, 2.2rem); margin: 2.4rem 0 .8rem; }
.prose h3 { font-size: 1.35rem; margin: 1.8rem 0 .5rem; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; }
.prose h4 { font-size: 1.1rem; margin: 1.2rem 0 .4rem; font-style: normal; }
.prose p, .prose li { color: var(--ink-2); line-height: 1.65; }
.prose p + p, .prose ul, .prose ol { margin-top: 1rem; }
.prose ul, .prose ol { padding-left: 1.3rem; }
.prose li + li { margin-top: .35rem; }
.prose table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 1.2rem 0; font-size: .96rem; }
.prose caption { text-align: left; font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; padding: 0 0 .5rem; color: var(--ink); }
.prose th, .prose td { text-align: left; padding: .6rem .7rem; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); vertical-align: top; }
.prose th { font-size: .78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .06em; color: var(--ink-3); }
.prose .table-scroll { overflow-x: auto; }
.prose blockquote { margin: 1.4rem 0; padding: 1rem 1.2rem; border-left: 4px solid var(--blue); background: var(--bg-tint); border-radius: 0 14px 14px 0; }
.prose a { color: var(--link); }
.answer { background: var(--navy); color: #fff; border-radius: var(--r-card); padding: 1.4rem 1.6rem; margin: 1.5rem 0 2rem; }
.answer p { color: #fff; margin: 0; font-size: 1.08rem; line-height: 1.6; }
.answer strong { color: #ffc52f; }
.sources { margin-top: 2.5rem; padding-top: 1.2rem; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); font-size: .9rem; color: var(--ink-3); }
.sources ol { padding-left: 1.2rem; }
.sources a { color: var(--ink-2); word-break: break-word; }
.reviewed { font-size: .9rem; color: var(--ink-3); }

/* form card (aside) */
.form-card { background: var(--slab); color: #fff; border-radius: var(--r-card); box-shadow: var(--shadow-float); padding: 1.4rem 1.4rem 1.6rem; }
.form-card__title { font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.45rem; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 12px; color: #fff; }
.form-card__sub { color: var(--slab-ink-2); font-size: .95rem; margin-bottom: 1.1rem; }
.fcs { min-height: 120px; }
.fcs__noscript { color: var(--ink-2); }
.form-card__points { list-style: none; margin: 1.1rem 0 0; padding: 0; display: grid; gap: .45rem; font-size: .9rem; color: var(--slab-ink-2); }
.form-card__points li { padding-left: 1.4rem; background: url("../images/icons/verified.svg") left center / 16px 16px no-repeat; }

/* link grids (money pages, states, guides, tools) */
.link-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 1rem; list-style: none; margin: 1.5rem 0 0; padding: 0; }
.link-grid a { display: block; text-decoration: none; height: 100%; padding: 1.1rem 1.2rem; background: var(--surface); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 16px; text-decoration: none; color: var(--ink); transition: border-color .2s, transform .2s var(--ease-out); }
.link-grid a:hover { border-color: var(--blue); transform: translateY(-2px); }
.link-grid strong { display: block; font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.15rem; margin-bottom: .3rem; }
.link-grid span { color: var(--ink-2); font-size: .92rem; }
.state-list { columns: 4; column-gap: 2rem; list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 1.5rem 0 0; }
.state-list li { break-inside: avoid; padding: .3rem 0; }
.state-list a { text-decoration: none; color: var(--ink); font-weight: 600; }
.state-list a:hover { color: var(--link); }
.state-select { display: flex; gap: .6rem; align-items: center; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-top: 1.2rem; }
.state-select select { padding: .7rem 1rem; border: 1.5px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--r-ctl); background: var(--surface); color: var(--ink); font-size: 1rem; min-width: 240px; }

/* stat tiles and map (city pages) */
.stats { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 1rem; margin: 1.2rem 0; }
.stat { background: var(--bg-tint); border-radius: 16px; padding: 1rem 1.1rem; }
.stat__v { display: block; font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.6rem; color: var(--navy); }
.stat__l { font-size: .85rem; color: var(--ink-3); }
[data-theme="dark"] .stat__v { color: #fff; }
.map { position: relative; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; border-radius: 18px; overflow: hidden; background: var(--bg-tint); margin: 1.2rem 0; }
.map iframe { position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0; }

/* contact form and calculators */
.form { display: grid; gap: 1rem; max-width: 560px; }
.form label { display: grid; gap: .35rem; font-weight: 600; }
.form input, .form textarea, .form select { padding: .75rem .9rem; border: 1.5px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--r-ctl); background: var(--surface); color: var(--ink); font: inherit; }
.form input:focus, .form textarea:focus, .form select:focus { border-color: var(--blue); outline: none; box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(0, 128, 254, .18); }
.form__note { font-size: .88rem; color: var(--ink-3); }
.form__msg { padding: .9rem 1rem; border-radius: 12px; background: var(--blue-soft); color: var(--ink); }
.form__msg--error { background: #ffe9e9; color: #7a1a1a; }
.calc { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 2rem; background: var(--bg-tint); border-radius: var(--r-card); padding: 1.6rem; margin: 1.5rem 0 2rem; }
.calc__out { background: var(--navy); color: #fff; border-radius: 18px; padding: 1.3rem 1.4rem; }
.calc__out dl { margin: 0; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr auto; gap: .5rem 1rem; }
.calc__out dt { color: var(--slab-ink-2); }
.calc__out dd { margin: 0; font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.2rem; text-align: right; }
.calc__out dd.is-big { font-size: 1.9rem; color: #ffc52f; }
.prose .calc__note, .calc__note { font-size: .85rem; color: var(--slab-ink-2); margin-top: .8rem; }

/* footer extras */
.site-footer__identity { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: .4rem 1.4rem; color: var(--ink-2); font-size: .92rem; margin-top: 1.2rem; }
.rep-examples { margin: 1rem 0; }
.rep-examples__title { font-weight: 700; color: var(--ink-2); margin-bottom: .4rem; }
.rep-examples table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: .85rem; }
.rep-examples th, .rep-examples td { text-align: left; padding: .4rem .5rem; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); }
.rep-examples th { font-size: .72rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .06em; color: var(--ink-3); }
.rep-examples__note { font-size: .82rem; color: var(--ink-3); margin-top: .4rem; }

/* legal pages */
.legal .prose h2 { font-size: 1.45rem; }

@media (max-width: 1100px) { .link-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); } .state-list { columns: 3; } }
@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .page__grid { grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr); gap: 2rem; }
  .page__aside { position: static; }
  .calc { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .stats { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .state-list { columns: 2; }
}
@media (max-width: 560px) { .link-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } .state-list { columns: 1; } }

/* ---------- request modal ---------- */
.modal { position: fixed; inset: 0; z-index: 200; background: rgba(2, 26, 62, .72); display: flex; align-items: flex-start; justify-content: center; padding: 40px 16px; overflow-y: auto; }
.modal[hidden] { display: none; }
.modal__card { position: relative; width: 100%; max-width: 560px; background: var(--surface); color: var(--ink); border-radius: var(--r-card); box-shadow: var(--shadow-float); padding: 2.6rem 1.4rem 1.4rem; }
.modal__close { position: absolute; top: -16px; right: -16px; width: 40px; height: 40px; border: 0; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--navy); color: #fff; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 1; cursor: pointer; box-shadow: var(--shadow-card); z-index: 2; }
.modal__close:hover { background: var(--blue); }
.modal__title { font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.5rem; margin: 0 2.4rem .8rem 0; }
body.has-modal { overflow: hidden; }
.req-open { display: inline-flex; }
@media (max-width: 600px) { .modal { padding: 0; align-items: stretch; } .modal__card { border-radius: 0; padding-top: 3.4rem; } .modal__close { top: 10px; right: 10px; } }

/* ---------- state map ---------- */
.map-pick { position: relative; max-width: 820px; margin: 0 auto 1.5rem; }
.map__svg { width: 100%; }
.map__svg svg { width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; }
.map__state { fill: #dbe6f3; stroke: #fff; stroke-width: 1.2; transition: fill .15s; }
.map__state.is-active { fill: var(--blue); cursor: pointer; }
.map__state.is-active:hover, .map__state.is-active:focus-visible { fill: var(--navy); stroke: var(--flash); stroke-width: 2.5; }
[data-theme="dark"] .map__state { fill: #163a63; stroke: #041a36; }
[data-theme="dark"] .map__state.is-active { fill: var(--blue); }
[data-theme="dark"] .map__state.is-active:hover, [data-theme="dark"] .map__state.is-active:focus-visible { fill: var(--flash); stroke: #fff; }
.map__tip { position: absolute; pointer-events: none; background: var(--navy); color: #fff; font-weight: 700; font-size: .85rem; padding: .3rem .6rem; border-radius: 8px; white-space: nowrap; z-index: 2; }
.map__legend { display: flex; gap: 1.2rem; justify-content: center; font-size: .85rem; color: var(--ink-2); margin: .6rem 0 0; }
.map__legend span::before { content: ""; display: inline-block; width: 12px; height: 12px; border-radius: 3px; margin-right: .4rem; vertical-align: -1px; background: #dbe6f3; }
.map__legend span:first-child::before { background: var(--blue); }
.map-pick .state-select { margin-top: 1rem; justify-content: center; }

/* ---------- state icons ---------- */
.h1--state { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 1rem; }
.state-icon { flex: none; width: 48px; height: 48px; object-fit: contain; }
.state-icon--h1 { width: 72px; height: 72px; }
.link-grid a.link-grid__state { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 48px 1fr; grid-template-rows: auto auto; column-gap: .8rem; align-items: center; }
.link-grid__state .state-icon { grid-row: 1 / 3; }
@media (max-width: 600px) { .state-icon--h1 { width: 52px; height: 52px; } }

/* ---------- page hero photo ---------- */
.page__photo { margin: 0 0 1.8rem; }
.page__photo img { display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: var(--r-card); box-shadow: var(--shadow-card); }
.guide__foot { font-size: .9rem; color: var(--ink-3); border-top: 1px solid var(--line); padding-top: 1rem; margin-top: 2rem; }
.prose h3 { font-size: 1.25rem; margin: 1.6rem 0 .5rem; }

/* ---------- state hub: copy left, map right ---------- */
.hub { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 1.1fr); gap: 2.5rem; align-items: center; margin-bottom: 2.5rem; }
.hub__text h1 { margin-bottom: .8rem; }
.hub__text p { color: var(--ink-2); }
.hub__text .page__lead { margin-bottom: .9rem; }
.hub .map-pick { margin: 0; }
@media (max-width: 900px) { .hub { grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr); gap: 1.5rem; } }

/* ---------- illustrations on cards, headings and tool heads ---------- */
.page-illus { flex: none; width: 118px; height: 118px; object-fit: contain; }
[data-theme="dark"] .page-illus { background: #fff; border-radius: 18px; }
.h1--illus { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 1rem; }
.page__head { display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 1.3rem; margin-bottom: 1.2rem; }
.page__head .page-illus { margin-top: .35rem; }
.page__head .page__lead { margin-top: .4rem; }
.page__head h1 { margin: 0; }
.link-grid a.link-grid__illus { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 64px 1fr; grid-template-rows: auto auto; column-gap: .9rem; align-items: center; }
.link-grid__illus img { grid-row: 1 / 3; width: 64px; height: 64px; border-radius: 14px; background: var(--blue-soft); object-fit: contain; }
.link-grid a.link-grid__thumb { display: block; padding: 0; overflow: hidden; }
.link-grid__thumb img { display: block; width: 100%; height: 150px; object-fit: cover; }
.link-grid__body { display: block; padding: 1.1rem 1.2rem; }
@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .page__head { gap: .9rem; flex-wrap: wrap; }
  .page__head > div { display: contents; }
  .page__head h1 { flex: 1; min-width: 0; }
  .page__head .page__lead { flex: 0 0 100%; margin-top: 0; }
  .page-illus { width: 76px; height: 76px; border-radius: 16px; }
  .h1--illus { gap: .7rem; }
}

/* ---------- legal pages use the full width ---------- */
.legal .prose { max-width: none; }
.legal .prose p, .legal .prose li { max-width: 105ch; }

/* ---------- FAQ heading icon (every page except the homepage section) ---------- */
.prose h2:has(+ .faq__list) { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .7rem; }
.prose h2:has(+ .faq__list)::before { content: ""; flex: none; width: 52px; height: 52px; background: url("../images/icons/faq-icon.webp") center / contain no-repeat; }

/* ---------- small marks that break up long prose ---------- */
.prose > ul:not(.link-grid):not(.card-grid):not(.strip-grid):not(.gcard-grid):not(.nearby-grid):not(.author-grid):not(.all-grid):not(.guide__sources) { list-style: none; padding-left: 0; }
.prose > ul:not(.link-grid):not(.card-grid):not(.strip-grid):not(.gcard-grid):not(.nearby-grid):not(.author-grid):not(.all-grid):not(.guide__sources) > li { position: relative; padding-left: 1.7rem; }
.prose > ul:not(.link-grid):not(.card-grid):not(.strip-grid):not(.gcard-grid):not(.nearby-grid):not(.author-grid):not(.all-grid):not(.guide__sources) > li::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; top: .42em; width: 15px; height: 15px; background: url("../images/icons/bullet.svg") center / contain no-repeat; }
.answer { position: relative; padding-left: 4.6rem; }
.answer::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 1.5rem; top: 1.45rem; width: 34px; height: 34px; background: url("../images/icons/answer.svg") center / contain no-repeat; }
.sources > p:first-child { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .5rem; font-weight: 700; color: var(--ink-2); }
.sources > p:first-child::before { content: ""; width: 20px; height: 20px; background: url("../images/icons/sources.svg") center / contain no-repeat; }
@media (max-width: 600px) { .answer { padding-left: 1.4rem; } .answer::before { position: static; display: block; margin-bottom: .6rem; } }

/* ---------- state shape under each name in the hub table ---------- */
.prose td.state-cell, td.state-cell { vertical-align: top; text-align: center; }
.state-mini { display: block; width: 76px; height: 60px; object-fit: contain; margin: .4rem auto 0; }

/* ---------- request card art (mirrors step 2, square bottom, no ring, no tilt) ---------- */
.form-card__steps { display: block; margin: 0 0 1.1rem; }
.form-card__art { position: relative; display: block; width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; margin-top: 0; }
.form-card__bg { position: absolute; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; top: 14%; border-radius: 18px; overflow: hidden; background: var(--blue); box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px var(--blue); }
.form-card__bg img { position: absolute; left: 0; bottom: 0; display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; }
.form-card__fg { position: absolute; left: 0; bottom: 0; width: 100%; height: auto; pointer-events: none; }
.form-card__how { font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.25rem; margin: 1.1rem 0 .6rem; }
.steps-list { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: grid; gap: .45rem; }
.steps-list__btn { width: 100%; display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .7rem; padding: .6rem .8rem; border: 0; border-radius: 12px; background: rgba(255, 255, 255, .08); color: var(--slab-ink-2); font-family: inherit; font-size: .98rem; font-weight: 600; text-align: left; cursor: pointer; transition: background-color .25s, color .25s; }
.steps-list__btn:hover { background: rgba(255, 255, 255, .16); color: #fff; }
.steps-list__btn.is-on { background: #fff; color: var(--navy); }
.steps-list__btn.is-on .steps-list__n { color: var(--link); }
.steps-list__n { font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; color: var(--flash); }

/* ---------- pagination ---------- */
.pager { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; gap: .5rem; margin: 2rem 0 0; }
.pager__n, .pager__step { display: grid; place-items: center; min-width: 44px; height: 44px; padding: 0 .9rem; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 12px; text-decoration: none; color: var(--ink); font-weight: 600; }
.pager__n:hover, .pager__step:hover { border-color: var(--blue); color: var(--link); }
.pager__n.is-on { background: var(--navy); border-color: var(--navy); color: #fff; }

/* ---------- strip cards (loans, tools, related options, cities) ---------- */
.strip-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 1.1rem; list-style: none; margin: 1.4rem 0 0; padding: 0; }
.strip-grid--one { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
.strip-grid--one > li { width: 75%; }
@media (max-width: 600px) { .strip-grid--one > li { width: 100%; } }
.prose a.strip, .strip { position: relative; display: block; min-height: 142px; padding-left: 172px; background: var(--surface); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 18px; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none; color: var(--ink); transition: border-color .2s, background-color .25s, color .25s; }
.prose a.strip:hover, .strip:hover { border-color: var(--navy); background: var(--navy); color: #fff; }
.strip__art { position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; bottom: 0; width: 172px; display: grid; place-items: center; background: var(--blue-soft); clip-path: polygon(0 0, 100% 0, 80% 100%, 0 100%); padding: .45rem 1.1rem .45rem .35rem; z-index: 1; }
.strip__art img { width: 100%; height: 100%; max-height: 132px; object-fit: contain; mix-blend-mode: multiply; }
.strip__art--shape { background: var(--navy); }
.strip__art--shape img { max-height: 76px; mix-blend-mode: normal; }
.strip__body { position: relative; display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: center; min-height: 142px; padding: 1rem 2.2rem 1rem .9rem; }
.strip__body strong { display: block; font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.12rem; line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: .3rem; }
.strip__body > span { display: block; color: var(--ink-2); font-size: .92rem; }
.strip__body::after { content: ""; position: absolute; right: .9rem; top: 50%; width: 9px; height: 15px; margin-top: -7px; background: currentColor; -webkit-mask: url("../images/icons/arrow-chevron.svg") center / contain no-repeat; mask: url("../images/icons/arrow-chevron.svg") center / contain no-repeat; opacity: .45; transition: opacity .2s; }
.strip:hover .strip__body strong { color: #fff; }
.strip:hover .strip__body > span { color: var(--slab-ink-2); }
.strip:hover .strip__body::after { opacity: 1; }
.prose a.strip--sm, .strip--sm { padding-left: 88px; min-height: 72px; border-radius: 14px; }
.strip--sm .strip__art { width: 88px; padding: .35rem .8rem .35rem .3rem; }
.strip--sm .strip__art--shape img { max-height: 44px; }
.strip--sm .strip__body { min-height: 72px; padding: .55rem 2rem .55rem .8rem; }
.strip--sm .strip__body strong { font-size: 1rem; margin-bottom: .1rem; }
.strip--sm .strip__body > span { font-size: .84rem; }
[data-theme="dark"] .strip__art { background: #fff; }
[data-theme="dark"] .strip__art img { mix-blend-mode: normal; }
[data-theme="dark"] .strip__art--shape { background: #071a33; }
@media (max-width: 900px) { .strip-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }
@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .prose a.strip, .strip { padding-left: 104px; }
  .strip__art { width: 104px; clip-path: polygon(0 0, 100% 0, 88% 100%, 0 100%); }
}

/* ---------- guide cards ---------- */
/* One shape: the navy card carries a tab at the bottom left, cut with a single clip-path.
   The 3px frame is the card's own padding, so the photo and the white sheet sit inside it. */
.gcard-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 1.6rem 1.4rem; list-style: none; margin: 1.5rem 0 0; padding: 0; }
.gcard-grid {
  --gr: 22px;        /* card corner */
  --gtab-h: 48px;    /* tab height */
  --gtab-w: 190px;   /* tab width, flush to the right edge */
  --gtab-r: 22px;    /* tab bottom corner, same as the card corners */
  --gfil: 20px;      /* concave fillet where the tab meets the card */
  --gb: 3px;         /* frame thickness */
  --gr2: 19px;       /* inner corner  = gr - gb */
  --gth2: 48px;      /* inner tab line: 3px above the outer one */
  --gtw2: 184px;     /* inner tab width: 3px in on the left, 3px in on the right */
  --gtr2: 19px;      /* inner tab corner = gtab-r - gb */
  --gfl2: 23px;      /* inner fillet     = gfil + gb */
}
.gcard-grid > li { position: relative; }
.prose a.gcard, .gcard {
  position: relative; display: block; height: 100%;
  padding: 3px;
  background: var(--navy); color: var(--ink); text-decoration: none;
  border-radius: var(--gr) var(--gr) var(--gr) var(--gr);
  transition: background-color .25s;
}
.prose a.gcard:hover, .gcard:hover { background: var(--blue); }
.gcard__in { position: relative; display: flex; flex-direction: column; height: 100%; padding-bottom: var(--gth2); background: var(--surface); }
.gcard__art { display: block; overflow: hidden; border-radius: calc(var(--gr) - 3px) calc(var(--gr) - 3px) 0 0; background: var(--navy); }
.gcard__art img { display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 3 / 2; object-fit: cover; }
.gcard__body { position: relative; z-index: 1; margin-top: -26px; padding: 1.1rem 1.2rem 1.7rem; background: var(--surface); border-top: 12px solid var(--navy); border-radius: 0; flex: 1; display: flex; flex-direction: column; transition: border-color .25s; }
.gcard:hover .gcard__body { border-top-color: var(--blue); }
.gcard__body strong { display: block; font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.22; margin-bottom: .5rem; }
.gcard__body strong::after { content: ""; display: block; width: 46px; height: 5px; border-radius: 3px; background: var(--flash); margin-top: .5rem; transition: width .3s var(--ease-out); }
.gcard:hover .gcard__body strong::after { width: 84px; }
.gcard__sum { display: block; color: var(--ink-2); font-size: .92rem; flex: 1; }
/* publish date: inside the white sheet, centred over the category icons */
.gcard__date { position: absolute; z-index: 2; left: 0; bottom: calc(var(--gth2) + .2rem); width: calc(100% - var(--gtab-w) - var(--gfil)); padding: 0 .4rem .5rem; text-align: center; font-size: .74rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .05em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--ink-3); }
.gcard__date.is-scheduled { color: var(--link); }
.gcard__go { position: absolute; right: 0; bottom: 0; width: var(--gtw2); height: var(--gth2); display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: .5rem; color: var(--navy); font-weight: 700; font-size: .9rem; }
.gcard__go::after { content: ""; width: 8px; height: 13px; position: relative; top: 2px; background: currentColor; -webkit-mask: url("../images/icons/arrow-chevron.svg") center / contain no-repeat; mask: url("../images/icons/arrow-chevron.svg") center / contain no-repeat; }
.gcard:hover .gcard__go-t { text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-thickness: 2px; text-underline-offset: 3px; }
.gcard:hover .gcard__go::after { animation: nudge 1s ease-in-out infinite; }
@keyframes nudge { 0%, 100% { transform: translateX(0); } 45% { transform: translateX(5px); } }
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { .gcard:hover .gcard__go::after { animation: none; } }
[data-theme="dark"] .gcard { background: #21406a; }
[data-theme="dark"] .gcard__body { border-top-color: #21406a; }
[data-theme="dark"] .gcard__go { color: var(--ink); }
[data-theme="dark"] .gcard:hover .gcard__body { border-top-color: var(--flash); }
[data-theme="dark"] .prose a.gcard:hover, [data-theme="dark"] .gcard:hover { background: var(--flash); }

/* the tab itself: one clip-path around the whole card */
@supports (clip-path: shape(from 0 0, line to 1px 1px)) {
  .prose a.gcard, .gcard {
    clip-path: shape(from var(--gr) 0,
      line to calc(100% - var(--gr)) 0,
      arc to 100% var(--gr) of var(--gr) cw,
      line to 100% calc(100% - var(--gtab-r)),
      arc to calc(100% - var(--gtab-r)) 100% of var(--gtab-r) cw,
      line to calc(100% - var(--gtab-w) + var(--gtab-r)) 100%,
      arc to calc(100% - var(--gtab-w)) calc(100% - var(--gtab-r)) of var(--gtab-r) cw,
      line to calc(100% - var(--gtab-w)) calc(100% - var(--gtab-h) + var(--gfil)),
      arc to calc(100% - var(--gtab-w) - var(--gfil)) calc(100% - var(--gtab-h)) of var(--gfil) ccw,
      line to var(--gr) calc(100% - var(--gtab-h)),
      arc to 0 calc(100% - var(--gtab-h) - var(--gr)) of var(--gr) cw,
      line to 0 var(--gr),
      arc to var(--gr) 0 of var(--gr) cw,
      close);
    /* the white layer repeats the outline 3px in, so the frame is the same width all the way round */
    .gcard__in {
      clip-path: shape(from var(--gr2) 0,
        line to calc(100% - var(--gr2)) 0,
        arc to 100% var(--gr2) of var(--gr2) cw,
        line to 100% calc(100% - var(--gtr2)),
        arc to calc(100% - var(--gtr2)) 100% of var(--gtr2) cw,
        line to calc(100% - var(--gtw2) + var(--gtr2)) 100%,
        arc to calc(100% - var(--gtw2)) calc(100% - var(--gtr2)) of var(--gtr2) cw,
        line to calc(100% - var(--gtw2)) calc(100% - var(--gth2) + var(--gfl2)),
        arc to calc(100% - var(--gtw2) - var(--gfl2)) calc(100% - var(--gth2)) of var(--gfl2) ccw,
        line to var(--gr2) calc(100% - var(--gth2)),
        arc to 0 calc(100% - var(--gth2) - var(--gr2)) of var(--gr2) cw,
        line to 0 var(--gr2),
        arc to var(--gr2) 0 of var(--gr2) cw,
        close);
    }
  }
}
/* no shape() support: plain card, link back in the flow */
@supports not (clip-path: shape(from 0 0, line to 1px 1px)) {
  .gcard__in { padding-bottom: 0; }
  .gcard__go { position: static; height: auto; margin: .3rem 1.2rem 1.1rem; color: var(--link); }
  [data-theme="dark"] .gcard:hover .gcard__go { color: var(--link); }
}
@media (max-width: 1200px) { .gcard-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); } }
@media (max-width: 700px) { .gcard-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* ---------- nearby states: shape beside the title, text across the card ---------- */
.nearby-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 1rem; list-style: none; margin: 1.4rem 0 0; padding: 0; }
.prose a.nearby, .nearby { display: block; padding: 1rem 1.1rem 1.1rem; background: var(--surface); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 18px; text-decoration: none; color: var(--ink); transition: transform .25s var(--ease-out), border-color .2s; }
.nearby:hover { transform: translateY(-3px); border-color: var(--blue); }
.nearby__head { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .8rem; margin-bottom: .55rem; }
.nearby__head strong { font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1.2rem; }
.nearby__text { display: block; color: var(--ink-2); font-size: .92rem; }
@media (max-width: 900px) { .nearby-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); } }
@media (max-width: 600px) { .nearby-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* ---------- page head variants ---------- */
.page__head h1 { font-size: clamp(1.7rem, 1.2rem + 1.7vw, 2.5rem); line-height: 1.1; }
.page__head > div { min-width: 0; }
.page__head > div .page__lead { margin-top: .6rem; }

@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .btn--primary { font-size: 1.1rem; }
}

/* ---------- authors ---------- */
.author-head { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 260px minmax(0, 1fr); gap: 2rem; align-items: start; margin: .5rem 0 2.5rem; }
.author-head__photo { width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 3 / 4; object-fit: cover; border-radius: 22px; border: 4px solid var(--blue); }
.author-head__text h1 { margin-bottom: .5rem; }
.author-head__text p { color: var(--ink-2); margin-bottom: .8rem; max-width: 70ch; }
.author-head__text .page__lead { color: var(--ink); font-weight: 600; }
.author-creds { list-style: none; margin: 1rem 0 0; padding: 0; display: grid; gap: .45rem; font-size: .92rem; color: var(--ink-2); }
.author-creds li { padding-left: 1.6rem; background: url("../images/icons/verified.svg") left .15em / 16px 16px no-repeat; }
@media (max-width: 760px) { .author-head { grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr); } .author-head__photo { max-width: 240px; } }

.author-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); gap: 1.4rem; list-style: none; margin: 1.6rem 0 0; padding: 0; }
.prose a.author-card, .author-card { display: flex; flex-direction: column; height: 100%; text-decoration: none; color: var(--ink); border-radius: 22px; background: var(--surface); border: 3px solid var(--navy); overflow: hidden; transition: border-color .25s; }
.prose a.author-card:hover, .author-card:hover { border-color: var(--blue); }
.author-card__art { display: block; overflow: hidden; background: var(--navy); }
.author-card__art img { display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 3 / 4; object-fit: cover; }
.author-card__body { display: flex; flex-direction: column; padding: 1rem 1.1rem 1.2rem; flex: 1; }
.author-card__body strong { font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.15rem; }
.author-card__body strong::after { content: ""; display: block; width: 46px; height: 5px; border-radius: 3px; background: var(--flash); margin: .5rem 0; }
.author-card__role { color: var(--ink-2); font-size: .9rem; margin-bottom: .4rem; }
.author-card__beat { color: var(--ink-3); font-size: .88rem; flex: 1; }
.author-card .gcard__go { margin-top: .8rem; color: var(--link); font-weight: 700; font-size: .9rem; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: .4rem; }
.author-card .gcard__go::after { content: ""; width: 8px; height: 13px; position: relative; top: 2px; background: currentColor; -webkit-mask: url("../images/icons/arrow-chevron.svg") center / contain no-repeat; mask: url("../images/icons/arrow-chevron.svg") center / contain no-repeat; }
.author-card:hover .gcard__go::after { animation: nudge 1s ease-in-out infinite; }
[data-theme="dark"] .author-card { border-color: #21406a; }
[data-theme="dark"] .author-card:hover { border-color: var(--flash); }
@media (max-width: 1000px) { .author-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); } }
@media (max-width: 560px) { .author-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* ---------- guide categories: six icons in the notch, lit for the ones the guide carries ---------- */
.gcard__cats { position: absolute; left: 0; bottom: 0; z-index: 2; height: var(--gtab-h); width: calc(100% - var(--gtab-w) - var(--gfil)); display: flex; align-items: center; gap: var(--gcg, 7px); padding-left: var(--gcp, 16px); }
/* the glyph keeps its size; the link box is taller and wider so it is comfortable to tap */
.prose a.gcard__cat, .gcard__cat { position: relative; display: flex; align-items: center; box-sizing: content-box; width: var(--gcs, 20px); height: 100%; padding: 0 5px; margin: 0 -5px; flex: none; text-decoration: none; }
.gcard__cat::before { content: ""; width: var(--gcs, 20px); height: var(--gcs, 20px); background: var(--ink-3); opacity: .75; -webkit-mask-position: center; mask-position: center; -webkit-mask-repeat: no-repeat; mask-repeat: no-repeat; -webkit-mask-size: contain; mask-size: contain; transition: background-color .2s, opacity .2s; }
.gcard__cat.is-on::before { background: var(--blue); opacity: 1; }
.gcard__cat:hover::before, .gcard__cat:focus-visible::before { background: var(--blue); opacity: 1; }
.gcard__cat--basics::before { -webkit-mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-basics.svg"); mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-basics.svg"); }
.gcard__cat--costs::before { -webkit-mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-costs.svg"); mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-costs.svg"); }
.gcard__cat--credit::before { -webkit-mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-credit.svg"); mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-credit.svg"); }
.gcard__cat--applying::before { -webkit-mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-applying.svg"); mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-applying.svg"); }
.gcard__cat--repaying::before { -webkit-mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-repaying.svg"); mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-repaying.svg"); }
.gcard__cat--rights::before { -webkit-mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-rights.svg"); mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-rights.svg"); }
[data-theme="dark"] .gcard__cat::before { background: var(--ink-3); opacity: .85; }
[data-theme="dark"] .gcard__cat.is-on::before { background: var(--flash); opacity: 1; }
[data-theme="dark"] .gcard__cat:hover::before { background: var(--flash); opacity: 1; }

/* tooltip: the category name above the icon */
.gcard__cat::after { content: attr(data-label); position: absolute; left: -8px; bottom: calc(100% + 8px); transform: translateY(4px); z-index: 4; padding: .38rem .55rem; border-radius: 7px; background: var(--navy); color: #fff; font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1; letter-spacing: .01em; white-space: nowrap; pointer-events: none; opacity: 0; visibility: hidden; transition: opacity .18s var(--ease-out), transform .18s var(--ease-out), visibility .18s; }
.gcard__cat:hover::after, .gcard__cat:focus-visible::after { opacity: 1; visibility: visible; transform: translateY(0); }
[data-theme="dark"] .gcard__cat::after { background: var(--flash); color: var(--navy); }
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { .gcard__cat::after { transition: none; } }

/* tab and icons sized from the card itself, so the row always fits the notch */
@supports (container-type: inline-size) {
  .gcard-grid > li { container-type: inline-size; }
  .prose a.gcard, .gcard, .gcard__cats { --gtab-w: clamp(152px, 48cqi, 190px); --gtw2: calc(var(--gtab-w) - 6px); }
  .gcard__cats { --gcs: clamp(16px, 4.6cqi, 20px); --gcg: 8px; --gcp: clamp(6px, 3.2cqi, 16px); }
}

/* the categories an article carries, under the byline */
.page__cats { display: inline-flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: .45rem; }
.prose .cat-row { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: .5rem; margin: 1.2rem 0 0; }
.prose a.cat-pill, .cat-pill { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: .38rem; padding: .22rem .62rem .22rem .5rem; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 999px; background: var(--surface); color: var(--ink-2); font-size: .8rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.5; text-decoration: none; transition: border-color .2s, color .2s; }
.prose a.cat-pill:hover, .cat-pill:hover { border-color: var(--blue); color: var(--ink); text-decoration: none; }
.cat-pill::before { content: ""; width: 14px; height: 14px; flex: none; background: currentColor; -webkit-mask-position: center; mask-position: center; -webkit-mask-repeat: no-repeat; mask-repeat: no-repeat; -webkit-mask-size: contain; mask-size: contain; }
.cat-pill--basics::before { -webkit-mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-basics.svg"); mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-basics.svg"); }
.cat-pill--costs::before { -webkit-mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-costs.svg"); mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-costs.svg"); }
.cat-pill--credit::before { -webkit-mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-credit.svg"); mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-credit.svg"); }
.cat-pill--applying::before { -webkit-mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-applying.svg"); mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-applying.svg"); }
.cat-pill--repaying::before { -webkit-mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-repaying.svg"); mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-repaying.svg"); }
.cat-pill--rights::before { -webkit-mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-rights.svg"); mask-image: url("../images/icons/cat-rights.svg"); }

/* ---------- 404 ---------- */
.e404 { max-width: 1040px; margin-inline: auto; text-align: center; padding: 1rem 0 2rem; }
.e404__num { font-family: var(--font-display); font-style: italic; font-weight: 800; font-size: clamp(5.5rem, 17vw, 11rem); line-height: .86; letter-spacing: -.045em; color: var(--navy); margin: 0; }
[data-theme="dark"] .e404__num { color: var(--ink); }
.e404 h1 { font-size: clamp(1.7rem, 4.2vw, 2.6rem); margin: .9rem 0 0; }
.e404__top { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: clamp(.4rem, 2vw, 1.8rem); }
.e404__illus { display: block; width: min(300px, 42%); height: auto; margin: 0; mix-blend-mode: multiply; }
[data-theme="dark"] .e404__illus { background: #fff; border-radius: 28px; mix-blend-mode: normal; }
.e404__lead { color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.6; max-width: 58ch; margin: .6rem auto 0; }
.e404__map { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); gap: 2rem 1.4rem; margin: 2.6rem 0 0; text-align: center; }
.e404__map h2 { font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.2; color: var(--navy); margin: 0 0 .8rem; }
[data-theme="dark"] .e404__map h2 { color: var(--ink); }
.e404__map ul { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: .5rem; }
.e404__map a { color: var(--link); font-weight: 600; font-size: .94rem; text-decoration: none; }
.e404__map a:hover, .e404__map a:focus-visible { text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 3px; }
@media (max-width: 780px) { .e404__map { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 1.8rem 1.2rem; } }
@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .e404__top { flex-direction: column; gap: .2rem; }
  .e404__illus { width: min(260px, 64%); }
}

/* primary sources at the foot of a guide */
.prose ul.guide__sources { list-style: none; padding-left: 0; margin-top: 1rem; display: grid; gap: .5rem; }
.prose ul.guide__sources li { padding-left: 1.6rem; position: relative; font-size: .95rem; }
.prose ul.guide__sources li::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; top: .45em; width: 14px; height: 14px; background: currentColor; opacity: .5; -webkit-mask: url("../images/icons/arrow-chevron.svg") center / contain no-repeat; mask: url("../images/icons/arrow-chevron.svg") center / contain no-repeat; }

/* plain link row: nearby cities on city pages */
.prose .inline-links { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: .4rem 1.4rem; margin-top: 1rem; }
.prose .inline-links a { font-weight: 600; }
.prose .inline-links span { color: var(--ink-3); }