.hero + .section {
  padding-top: clamp(var(--space-8), 6vw, var(--space-10));
}

/* Offscreen sections: skip painting until they scroll into view.
   contain-intrinsic-size haelt Scrollbar/Layout stabil.
   section--story bleibt ausgenommen, da sie meist noch sichtbar ist. */
.section--systems,
.section--factions,
.section--lore,
.section--path,
.section--discord,
.section--socials,
.section--news,
.section--faq {
  content-visibility: auto;
  contain-intrinsic-size: 1px 900px;
}

.section + .section {
  padding-top: clamp(var(--space-7), 5vw, var(--space-9));
}

.hero {
  box-shadow: inset 0 -120px 140px rgba(10, 12, 16, 0.7);
}

.hero::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background:
    linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(8, 10, 14, 0.7) 0%, rgba(8, 10, 14, 0.28) 40%, rgba(8, 10, 14, 0.52) 100%),
    radial-gradient(circle at 16% 22%, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.12), transparent 30%),
    radial-gradient(circle at 82% 18%, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.12), transparent 24%);
  pointer-events: none;
}

.hero__content {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
  max-width: 900px;
}

.hero__title {
  max-width: 9.2em;
  font-size: clamp(2.75rem, 4.4vw + 0.95rem, 4.9rem);
  line-height: 0.96;
  text-wrap: balance;
}

.hero__lead {
  max-width: 56ch;
  color: rgba(245, 247, 250, 0.82);
}

.hero__cta {
  gap: var(--space-4);
}

.hero__cta-primary {
  position: relative;
  justify-content: center;
  min-width: min(100%, 320px);
  padding-inline: 1.8rem;
  border-color: rgba(245, 226, 168, 0.8);
  background:
    linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.98), rgba(255, 196, 77, 0.92));
  color: #16110a;
  box-shadow:
    0 14px 34px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.28),
    0 0 0 1px rgba(255, 230, 168, 0.18);
  overflow: hidden;
  transform: translateZ(0);
  animation: heroCtaBeacon 2.8s ease-in-out infinite;
}

.hero__cta-primary::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: -2px;
  border-radius: inherit;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 243, 204, 0.55);
  opacity: 0;
  animation: heroCtaRing 2.8s ease-out infinite;
}

.hero__cta-primary::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  bottom: 0;
  left: -30%;
  width: 30%;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.38), transparent);
  transform: skewX(-18deg);
  animation: heroCtaSweep 3.6s ease-in-out infinite;
}

.hero__cta-primary:hover,
.hero__cta-primary:focus-visible {
  transform: translateY(-3px) scale(1.015);
  box-shadow:
    0 18px 40px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.34),
    0 0 0 1px rgba(255, 230, 168, 0.24);
}

.hero__cta-primary span,
.hero__cta-primary {
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
}

@keyframes heroCtaBeacon {
  0%,
  100% {
    box-shadow:
      0 14px 34px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.28),
      0 0 0 0 rgba(245, 226, 168, 0.1);
  }
  50% {
    box-shadow:
      0 18px 42px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.38),
      0 0 0 10px rgba(245, 226, 168, 0);
  }
}

@keyframes heroCtaRing {
  0% {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: scale(0.96);
  }
  18% {
    opacity: 0.75;
  }
  100% {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: scale(1.08);
  }
}

@keyframes heroCtaSweep {
  0%,
  20% {
    left: -34%;
    opacity: 0;
  }
  32% {
    opacity: 0.9;
  }
  58% {
    left: 108%;
    opacity: 0;
  }
  100% {
    left: 108%;
    opacity: 0;
  }
}

.hero__quicklinks {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: var(--space-2);
  margin-top: calc(var(--space-4) * -0.25);
}

.hero__quicklink {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  min-height: 42px;
  padding: 0.65rem 1rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-pill);
  border: 1px solid rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.18);
  background: rgba(11, 13, 17, 0.42);
  color: rgba(245, 247, 250, 0.88);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition:
    transform var(--transition-fast),
    border-color var(--transition-fast),
    background var(--transition-fast),
    color var(--transition-fast);
}

.hero__quicklink:hover,
.hero__quicklink:focus-visible {
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  border-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.4);
  background: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.12);
  color: var(--color-text);
}

.hero__stats {
  max-width: 960px;
  gap: var(--space-3);
  padding: var(--space-3);
  border-color: rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.18);
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(16, 20, 25, 0.82), rgba(22, 27, 34, 0.66));
  box-shadow: 0 20px 60px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.24);
}

.hero__stat {
  min-height: 108px;
  padding: 0.9rem 1rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03);
}

.hero__stat-value {
  font-size: clamp(1.7rem, 2vw, 2.15rem);
}

.section--intro,
.section--story,
.section--systems,
.section--path,
.section--socials,
.section--news,
.section--faq {
  position: relative;
}

.section--intro::before,
.section--story::before,
.section--systems::before,
.section--path::before,
.section--socials::before,
.section--news::before,
.section--faq::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  pointer-events: none;
}

.section--intro::before {
  background:
    radial-gradient(540px 300px at 78% 20%, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.08), transparent 72%),
    radial-gradient(520px 280px at 14% 78%, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.06), transparent 68%);
}

.section--story::before {
  background:
    radial-gradient(520px 280px at 18% 22%, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.08), transparent 72%);
}

.section--systems::before {
  background:
    radial-gradient(560px 300px at 82% 24%, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.06), transparent 72%);
}

.section--path::before {
  background:
    radial-gradient(600px 320px at 22% 18%, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.06), transparent 74%),
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(43, 47, 56, 0.03), rgba(43, 47, 56, 0.16) 44%, rgba(43, 47, 56, 0.03));
}

.section--socials::before {
  background:
    radial-gradient(560px 320px at 14% 22%, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.07), transparent 72%),
    radial-gradient(620px 340px at 86% 74%, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.07), transparent 74%);
}

.section--news::before {
  background:
    radial-gradient(520px 280px at 78% 18%, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.07), transparent 70%);
}

.section--faq::before {
  background:
    radial-gradient(560px 280px at 16% 20%, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.05), transparent 72%);
}

.section--intro .seo-intro,
.section--story .section__header,
.section--systems .section__header,
.section--path .section__header,
.section--socials .section__header,
.section--news .section__header,
.section--faq .section__header {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
}

.section--intro {
  position: relative;
}

.seo-intro {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.55fr) minmax(280px, 0.95fr);
  gap: clamp(var(--space-5), 4vw, var(--space-7));
  align-items: start;
}

.seo-intro__content,
.seo-panel {
  border-radius: 28px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.14);
  box-shadow: 0 22px 56px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.18);
}

.seo-intro__content {
  padding: clamp(var(--space-5), 4vw, var(--space-7));
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(16, 20, 25, 0.82), rgba(20, 24, 31, 0.66));
}

.seo-intro__content p:not(.section__lead) {
  margin: 0;
  color: rgba(245, 247, 250, 0.78);
}

.seo-intro__content p + p {
  margin-top: var(--space-4);
}

.seo-intro__content a,
.seo-panel__list a {
  color: rgba(245, 226, 168, 0.96);
  text-decoration: underline;
  text-decoration-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.45);
  text-underline-offset: 0.18em;
}

.seo-intro__content a:hover,
.seo-intro__content a:focus-visible,
.seo-panel__list a:hover,
.seo-panel__list a:focus-visible {
  color: var(--color-text);
  text-decoration-color: rgba(245, 247, 250, 0.6);
}

.seo-panel {
  padding: clamp(var(--space-5), 3vw, var(--space-6));
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(21, 25, 31, 0.94), rgba(14, 18, 24, 0.96));
}

.seo-panel__eyebrow {
  margin: 0 0 var(--space-2);
  color: rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.88);
  font-size: 0.76rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.3em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.seo-panel__title {
  margin: 0;
  font-family: var(--font-heading, 'Cinzel', serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.3rem, 1.5vw + 0.8rem, 1.7rem);
  color: var(--color-text);
}

.seo-panel__list {
  margin: var(--space-5) 0 0;
  padding: 0;
  list-style: none;
  display: grid;
  gap: var(--space-3);
}

.seo-panel__list li {
  position: relative;
  padding-left: 1.25rem;
  color: rgba(245, 247, 250, 0.82);
}

.seo-panel__list li::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  left: 0;
  top: 0.65rem;
  width: 7px;
  height: 7px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--color-gold);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 4px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.12);
}

.seo-panel__note {
  margin: var(--space-5) 0 0;
  padding-top: var(--space-4);
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.14);
  color: rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.86);
  font-size: 0.92rem;
}

.section--story .grid,
.section--systems .grid,
.section--path .steps,
.section--socials .social-hub,
.section--news .grid,
.section--faq .faq-wrapper {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
}

.section--story .card,
.section--systems .feature,
.section--path .step,
.section--news .news-card,
.section--faq .accordion__item {
  box-shadow: 0 18px 48px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.18);
}

.section--story .card {
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(18, 22, 28, 0.94), rgba(22, 27, 34, 0.88));
  border-color: rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.14);
}

.section--story .card::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: auto 1.25rem 0;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.38), rgba(212, 175, 55, 0));
}

.section--story .card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-6px);
}

.section--systems {
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(43, 47, 56, 0.02), rgba(43, 47, 56, 0.34) 42%, rgba(43, 47, 56, 0.02));
}

.section--systems .grid--features {
  gap: var(--space-4);
}

.section--systems .feature {
  padding-top: 3rem;
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.08), rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.04));
  border-color: rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.14);
}

.section--systems .feature::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 1.2rem;
  left: 1.25rem;
  width: 42px;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.8), transparent);
}

.section--systems .feature:hover {
  transform: translateY(-5px);
}

.section--path .steps {
  gap: var(--space-5);
}

.section--path .step {
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(18, 22, 28, 0.88), rgba(22, 27, 34, 0.82));
  border-color: rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.14);
}

.section--path .step__number {
  width: 54px;
  height: 54px;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.18), rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.12));
  border: 1px solid rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.18);
  font-size: 1.25rem;
}

.section--path .step:hover {
  transform: translateY(-5px);
}

.section--discord {
  padding-block: clamp(var(--space-7), 5vw, var(--space-9));
}

.discord-cta {
  background:
    radial-gradient(circle at top left, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.14), transparent 32%),
    linear-gradient(140deg, rgba(13, 16, 21, 0.94), rgba(25, 29, 36, 0.84) 58%, rgba(27, 108, 168, 0.18));
  border-radius: 28px;
}

.discord-card {
  background: rgba(12, 15, 20, 0.76);
  border-radius: 20px;
}

.section--socials {
  padding-block: clamp(var(--space-7), 5vw, var(--space-9));
}

.social-hub {
  padding: clamp(var(--space-5), 4vw, var(--space-7));
  border-radius: 28px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.14);
  background:
    linear-gradient(145deg, rgba(15, 19, 25, 0.96), rgba(22, 27, 34, 0.9) 55%, rgba(19, 53, 78, 0.28));
  box-shadow: 0 24px 60px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.24);
}

.social-hub__handle {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  padding: 0.18rem 0.7rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-pill);
  border: 1px solid rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.28);
  background: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.1);
  color: rgba(245, 226, 168, 0.96);
  font-weight: 700;
}

.social-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(220px, 1fr));
  gap: var(--space-4);
}

.social-card {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 0.8rem;
  min-height: 220px;
  padding: clamp(1.15rem, 2vw, 1.45rem);
  border-radius: 20px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.14);
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(18, 22, 28, 0.96), rgba(22, 27, 34, 0.9));
  box-shadow: 0 18px 48px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.18);
  color: var(--color-text);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition:
    transform var(--transition-base),
    border-color var(--transition-base),
    box-shadow var(--transition-base),
    background var(--transition-base);
}

.social-card:hover,
.social-card:focus-visible {
  transform: translateY(-5px);
  border-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.34);
  box-shadow:
    0 26px 60px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3),
    0 0 0 1px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.08);
}

.social-card__icon {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 56px;
  height: 56px;
  border-radius: 16px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.18);
  background:
    linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.12), rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.08));
  box-shadow: inset 0 0 18px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.26);
}

.social-card__icon svg {
  width: 26px;
  height: 26px;
}

.social-card__platform {
  color: rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.85);
  font-size: 0.76rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.28em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.social-card__handle {
  font-family: var(--font-heading, 'Cinzel', serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.35rem, 1.3vw + 0.9rem, 1.7rem);
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
}

.social-card__meta {
  color: rgba(245, 247, 250, 0.72);
  font-size: 0.96rem;
}

.social-card__cta {
  margin-top: auto;
  color: rgba(245, 226, 168, 0.96);
  font-size: 0.84rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.social-card--tiktok .social-card__icon {
  border-color: rgba(104, 248, 240, 0.22);
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(104, 248, 240, 0.16), rgba(255, 87, 130, 0.14));
  color: #e9feff;
}

.social-card--youtube .social-card__icon {
  border-color: rgba(255, 98, 98, 0.24);
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 98, 98, 0.18), rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.12));
  color: #ffe5e5;
}

.social-card--instagram .social-card__icon {
  border-color: rgba(255, 139, 82, 0.24);
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 139, 82, 0.18), rgba(214, 66, 125, 0.16));
  color: #fff0ea;
}

.social-card--x .social-card__icon {
  border-color: rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.24);
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(245, 247, 250, 0.14), rgba(72, 80, 92, 0.2));
  color: #f5f7fa;
}

.section--news {
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(43, 47, 56, 0.02), rgba(43, 47, 56, 0.28) 42%, rgba(43, 47, 56, 0.02));
}

.section--news .news-card {
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(18, 22, 28, 0.94), rgba(22, 27, 34, 0.88));
  border-color: rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.14);
}

.section--news .news-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-5px);
}

.section--faq .faq-wrapper {
  padding: clamp(var(--space-5), 3vw, var(--space-6));
  border-radius: 28px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.14);
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(16, 20, 25, 0.72), rgba(20, 24, 31, 0.6));
  box-shadow: 0 22px 56px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.18);
}

.section--faq .accordion {
  max-width: none;
}

.section--faq .accordion__item {
  border-color: rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.14);
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.025);
}

@media (max-width: 720px) {
  .hero__title {
    max-width: none;
    font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 8vw, 4rem);
  }

  .hero__cta {
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: stretch;
  }

  .hero__cta .btn {
    width: 100%;
  }

  .hero__cta-primary {
    min-width: 0;
  }

  .hero__quicklinks {
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: stretch;
  }

  .hero__quicklink {
    justify-content: center;
  }

  .seo-intro {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }

  .section__header--split {
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: flex-start;
    gap: var(--space-4);
  }

  .social-hub {
    padding: var(--space-4);
    border-radius: 22px;
  }

  .social-card {
    min-height: auto;
  }

  .section--faq .faq-wrapper {
    padding: var(--space-4);
    border-radius: 22px;
  }
}

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .section--story .card:hover,
  .section--systems .feature:hover,
  .section--path .step:hover,
  .social-card:hover,
  .section--news .news-card:hover {
    transform: none;
  }

  .hero__cta-primary,
  .hero__cta-primary::before,
  .hero__cta-primary::after {
    animation: none;
  }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Hero Enhancements: Live Badge, Oath, Scroll Indicator
   ========================================================================== */

.hero__live {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.55rem;
  align-self: flex-start;
  padding: 0.4rem 0.9rem 0.4rem 0.55rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-pill);
  border: 1px solid rgba(82, 220, 140, 0.35);
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(18, 32, 24, 0.85), rgba(16, 22, 28, 0.78));
  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.28), inset 0 0 0 1px rgba(82, 220, 140, 0.08);
  color: rgba(236, 249, 240, 0.92);
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  backdrop-filter: blur(6px);
}

.hero__live-pulse {
  position: relative;
  width: 10px;
  height: 10px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: #52dc8c;
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(82, 220, 140, 0.65);
  animation: heroLivePulse 2.2s ease-out infinite;
}

.hero__live-label {
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #7bf3ad;
}

.hero__live-hint {
  color: rgba(245, 247, 250, 0.66);
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  text-transform: none;
}

@keyframes heroLivePulse {
  0% {
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(82, 220, 140, 0.55);
  }
  70% {
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 14px rgba(82, 220, 140, 0);
  }
  100% {
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(82, 220, 140, 0);
  }
}

.hero__oath {
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: flex-start;
  gap: 0.9rem;
  max-width: 26em;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0.4rem 0;
  color: rgba(245, 247, 250, 0.78);
  font-family: var(--font-heading, 'Cinzel', serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.05rem, 1.2vw + 0.8rem, 1.3rem);
  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
  font-style: italic;
}

.hero__oath em {
  font-style: italic;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, #f5e6a8 0%, #d4af37 50%, #b8860b 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  background-clip: text;
  color: transparent;
  text-shadow: 0 1px 24px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.2);
}

.hero__oath-mark {
  color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.6);
  font-size: 0.9em;
  letter-spacing: 0;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.hero__scroll {
  position: absolute;
  left: 50%;
  bottom: 1.6rem;
  transform: translateX(-50%);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.55rem;
  color: rgba(245, 247, 250, 0.45);
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.32em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  pointer-events: none;
}

.hero__scroll-line {
  width: 1px;
  height: 44px;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, transparent, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.6), transparent);
  animation: heroScrollLine 2.4s ease-in-out infinite;
}

@keyframes heroScrollLine {
  0%,
  100% {
    transform: scaleY(0.4);
    opacity: 0.4;
  }
  50% {
    transform: scaleY(1);
    opacity: 1;
  }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Rune Divider
   ========================================================================== */

.rune-divider {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: clamp(1rem, 4vw, 2.4rem);
  padding-block: clamp(var(--space-5), 4vw, var(--space-7));
  padding-inline: 1rem;
  color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.55);
}

.rune-divider__line {
  flex: 1 1 auto;
  max-width: 320px;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.45), transparent);
}

.rune-divider__mark {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 52px;
  height: 52px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: 1px solid rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.32);
  background:
    radial-gradient(circle at center, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.12), transparent 70%),
    rgba(16, 20, 25, 0.72);
  box-shadow:
    0 0 26px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.18),
    inset 0 0 18px rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.08);
  color: rgba(245, 226, 168, 0.9);
}

.rune-divider__mark svg {
  width: 26px;
  height: 26px;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Factions Section
   ========================================================================== */

.section--factions {
  position: relative;
  background:
    radial-gradient(900px 420px at 12% 14%, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.08), transparent 72%),
    radial-gradient(900px 420px at 88% 86%, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.07), transparent 70%),
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(12, 14, 19, 0.6), rgba(16, 20, 25, 0.92) 52%, rgba(12, 14, 19, 0.6));
  overflow: hidden;
}

.section--factions::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background:
    repeating-linear-gradient(
      45deg,
      rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.03) 0 2px,
      transparent 2px 22px
    );
  opacity: 0.6;
  pointer-events: none;
}

.section--factions .section__header {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
}

.section__header--center {
  text-align: center;
  max-width: 780px;
  margin: 0 auto;
}

.section__header--center .section__eyebrow,
.section__header--center .section__title,
.section__header--center .section__lead {
  margin-inline: auto;
}

.factions {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(260px, 1fr));
  gap: var(--space-4);
  margin-top: clamp(var(--space-5), 4vw, var(--space-7));
}

.faction-card {
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 0.7rem;
  padding: clamp(1.3rem, 2vw, 1.8rem);
  border-radius: 18px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.16);
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(22, 27, 34, 0.92), rgba(14, 18, 24, 0.96));
  box-shadow:
    0 22px 54px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.28),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04);
  overflow: hidden;
  isolation: isolate;
  transition: transform 220ms ease, border-color 220ms ease, box-shadow 220ms ease;
}

.faction-card::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background:
    radial-gradient(420px 200px at 100% 0%, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.12), transparent 65%),
    radial-gradient(420px 200px at 0% 100%, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.08), transparent 65%);
  opacity: 0.85;
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: -1;
}

.faction-card::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  left: 1.4rem;
  right: 1.4rem;
  bottom: 0;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.5), transparent);
  opacity: 0.7;
}

.faction-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-6px);
  border-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.36);
  box-shadow:
    0 30px 70px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4),
    0 0 0 1px rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.08),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
}

.faction-card__crest {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 56px;
  height: 56px;
  border-radius: 14px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.18);
  background:
    linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.12), rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.08));
  color: rgba(245, 247, 250, 0.94);
  box-shadow: inset 0 0 18px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
}

.faction-card__crest svg {
  width: 28px;
  height: 28px;
}

.faction-card__tag {
  margin: 0;
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.32em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.85);
}

.faction-card__name {
  margin: 0;
  font-family: var(--font-heading, 'Cinzel', serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.2rem, 1.4vw + 0.6rem, 1.5rem);
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
  color: var(--color-text, #f5f7fa);
}

.faction-card__motto {
  margin: 0;
  font-style: italic;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: rgba(245, 226, 168, 0.92);
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
}

.faction-card__text {
  margin: 0;
  color: rgba(245, 247, 250, 0.76);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  line-height: 1.55;
}

.faction-card__seal {
  position: absolute;
  top: 1.1rem;
  right: 1.2rem;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.45);
  letter-spacing: 0;
  transition: color 220ms ease, transform 220ms ease;
}

.faction-card:hover .faction-card__seal {
  color: rgba(245, 226, 168, 0.9);
  transform: rotate(45deg);
}

.faction-card--blue .faction-card__crest {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.22), rgba(27, 108, 168, 0.18));
  color: #bfe8ff;
  border-color: rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.3);
}

.faction-card--gold .faction-card__crest {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.28), rgba(255, 176, 0, 0.16));
  color: #f5e6a8;
  border-color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.38);
}

.faction-card--ember .faction-card__crest {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 111, 64, 0.22), rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.16));
  color: #ffd5b8;
  border-color: rgba(255, 111, 64, 0.3);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Lore Quote Section
   ========================================================================== */

.section--lore {
  position: relative;
  padding-block: clamp(var(--space-7), 6vw, var(--space-9));
  background:
    radial-gradient(600px 360px at 50% 20%, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.12), transparent 70%),
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(10, 12, 16, 0.9), rgba(14, 17, 22, 0.96));
  overflow: hidden;
  isolation: isolate;
}

.section--lore::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background:
    radial-gradient(2px 2px at 20% 30%, rgba(245, 226, 168, 0.4), transparent 60%),
    radial-gradient(2px 2px at 80% 60%, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.35), transparent 60%),
    radial-gradient(2px 2px at 60% 80%, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.35), transparent 60%),
    radial-gradient(2px 2px at 35% 70%, rgba(245, 226, 168, 0.25), transparent 60%),
    radial-gradient(2px 2px at 75% 25%, rgba(46, 196, 255, 0.25), transparent 60%);
  opacity: 0.7;
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: -1;
}

.lore-quote {
  position: relative;
  max-width: 820px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: clamp(var(--space-5), 4vw, var(--space-7)) clamp(var(--space-4), 3vw, var(--space-6));
  text-align: center;
  border-radius: 24px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.22);
  background:
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(18, 22, 28, 0.82), rgba(14, 17, 22, 0.92));
  box-shadow:
    0 40px 90px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.48),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.12);
}

.lore-quote::before,
.lore-quote::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  left: 50%;
  transform: translateX(-50%);
  width: 60%;
  max-width: 280px;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.55), transparent);
}

.lore-quote::before {
  top: 0;
}

.lore-quote::after {
  bottom: 0;
}

.section__eyebrow--gold {
  color: rgba(245, 226, 168, 0.9);
  letter-spacing: 0.32em;
}

.lore-quote__body {
  position: relative;
  margin: clamp(1.4rem, 3vw, 2rem) auto 1.4rem;
  padding: 0;
  max-width: 640px;
}

.lore-quote__body p {
  margin: 0;
  font-family: var(--font-heading, 'Cinzel', serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.35rem, 1.2vw + 1rem, 1.9rem);
  line-height: 1.45;
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
  color: rgba(248, 250, 255, 0.96);
  text-wrap: balance;
  font-style: italic;
}

.lore-quote__open,
.lore-quote__close {
  position: absolute;
  font-family: var(--font-heading, 'Cinzel', serif);
  font-size: clamp(3.5rem, 6vw, 5.5rem);
  line-height: 1;
  color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.35);
  pointer-events: none;
}

.lore-quote__open {
  top: -0.9rem;
  left: -0.3rem;
}

.lore-quote__close {
  bottom: -2rem;
  right: -0.3rem;
}

.lore-quote__foot {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.28em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.8);
}

.lore-quote__author {
  color: rgba(245, 226, 168, 0.9);
  font-weight: 600;
}

.lore-quote__sep {
  color: rgba(212, 175, 55, 0.55);
}

.lore-quote__place {
  color: rgba(167, 176, 190, 0.7);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Responsive adjustments for new bits
   ========================================================================== */

@media (max-width: 720px) {
  /* Teurer diagonaler Streifen-Overlay auf Handys weglassen. */
  .section--factions::before {
    display: none;
  }

  /* Radial-Gradient-Overlays runterfahren, spart Paint auf kleinen GPUs. */
  .section--intro::before,
  .section--story::before,
  .section--systems::before,
  .section--path::before,
  .section--socials::before,
  .section--news::before,
  .section--faq::before,
  .section--factions {
    background-image: none;
  }

  .section--factions {
    background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(12, 14, 19, 0.6), rgba(16, 20, 25, 0.92) 52%, rgba(12, 14, 19, 0.6));
  }

  .hero__oath {
    flex-direction: row;
    font-size: 1rem;
    gap: 0.5rem;
  }

  .hero__live-hint {
    display: none;
  }

  .hero__scroll {
    display: none;
  }

  .rune-divider {
    gap: 0.8rem;
  }

  .rune-divider__mark {
    width: 40px;
    height: 40px;
  }

  .rune-divider__mark svg {
    width: 20px;
    height: 20px;
  }

  .lore-quote__open,
  .lore-quote__close {
    display: none;
  }
}

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .hero__live-pulse,
  .hero__scroll-line {
    animation: none;
  }

  .faction-card:hover {
    transform: none;
  }

  .faction-card:hover .faction-card__seal {
    transform: none;
  }
}