/* Self-hosted Google Fonts (latin subset, variable), downloaded 2026-10-06, display swap. */
@font-face { font-family: 'Fraunces'; font-style: italic; font-weight: 300; font-display: swap; src: url('fonts/fraunces-italic-latin.woff2') format('woff2'); unicode-range: U+0000-00FF, U+0131, U+0152-0153, U+02BB-02BC, U+02C6, U+02DA, U+02DC, U+0304, U+0308, U+0329, U+2000-206F, U+20AC, U+2122, U+2191, U+2193, U+2212, U+2215, U+FEFF, U+FFFD; }
@font-face { font-family: 'Fraunces'; font-style: normal; font-weight: 300 400; font-display: swap; src: url('fonts/fraunces-latin.woff2') format('woff2'); unicode-range: U+0000-00FF, U+0131, U+0152-0153, U+02BB-02BC, U+02C6, U+02DA, U+02DC, U+0304, U+0308, U+0329, U+2000-206F, U+20AC, U+2122, U+2191, U+2193, U+2212, U+2215, U+FEFF, U+FFFD; }
@font-face { font-family: 'Source Sans 3'; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400 600; font-display: swap; src: url('fonts/source-sans-3-latin.woff2') format('woff2'); unicode-range: U+0000-00FF, U+0131, U+0152-0153, U+02BB-02BC, U+02C6, U+02DA, U+02DC, U+0304, U+0308, U+0329, U+2000-206F, U+20AC, U+2122, U+2191, U+2193, U+2212, U+2215, U+FEFF, U+FFFD; }

:root {
  /* primitives */
  --mer-linen-50: #FAF7F1;
  --mer-linen-100: #F4EFE6;
  --mer-stone-200: #E9E2D6;
  --mer-stone-300: #D9D0C1;
  --mer-charcoal-900: #2A2622;
  --mer-charcoal-700: #4A433C;
  --mer-charcoal-500: #6B625A;
  --mer-bone-100: #F2ECE1;
  --mer-bone-300: #CFC6B8;
  --mer-night-900: #1B1F1C;
  --mer-night-800: #262B27;
  --mer-valley-600: #3F6B4F;
  --mer-valley-700: #335842;
  --mer-valley-300: #9FC2A5;
  --mer-error-600: #9B3B2F;
  --mer-amber-700: #6F4612;

  /* semantic */
  --mer-canvas: var(--mer-linen-100);
  --mer-surface: var(--mer-stone-200);
  --mer-hairline: var(--mer-stone-300);
  --mer-ink: var(--mer-charcoal-900);
  --mer-ink-soft: var(--mer-charcoal-500);
  --mer-accent: var(--mer-valley-600);
  --mer-accent-hover: var(--mer-valley-700);
  --mer-accent-ink: var(--mer-linen-50);
  --mer-focus: var(--mer-valley-600);

  /* spacing (4px base) */
  --mer-1: 4px; --mer-2: 8px; --mer-3: 12px; --mer-4: 16px; --mer-5: 24px;
  --mer-6: 32px; --mer-7: 48px; --mer-8: 64px; --mer-9: 96px; --mer-10: 128px; --mer-11: 192px;
  --mer-section: clamp(64px, 10vw, 160px);
  --mer-gutter: clamp(16px, 5vw, 72px);
  --mer-measure: 62ch;
  --mer-header: 64px;

  /* type */
  --mer-font-display: "Fraunces", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;
  --mer-font-text: "Source Sans 3", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
  --mer-t-xs: .8125rem;
  --mer-t-sm: .9375rem;
  --mer-t-md: 1.0625rem;
  --mer-t-lg: 1.25rem;
  --mer-t-xl: clamp(1.5rem, 2.2vw, 2rem);
  --mer-t-2xl: clamp(2rem, 3.6vw, 3.25rem);
  --mer-t-3xl: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4.5rem);
  --mer-t-4xl: clamp(2.75rem, 6.4vw, 5.75rem);

  /* radius, elevation */
  --mer-r-control: 4px;
  --mer-r-card: 8px;
  --mer-e1: 0 1px 2px rgb(42 38 34 / .06);
  --mer-e2: 0 8px 24px -8px rgb(42 38 34 / .18);
  --mer-e3: 0 24px 48px -16px rgb(42 38 34 / .24);
  --mer-edge: rgb(255 255 255 / .6);

  /* motion */
  --mer-ease-out: cubic-bezier(0.23, 1, 0.32, 1);
  --mer-ease-in-out: cubic-bezier(0.77, 0, 0.175, 1);
  --mer-dur-press: 120ms;
  --mer-dur-hover: 160ms;
  --mer-dur-ui: 220ms;
  --mer-dur-reveal: 600ms;

  /* scroll story runtime */
  --p: 0;

  color-scheme: light;
}

.mer-ground-dark {
  --mer-canvas: var(--mer-night-900);
  --mer-surface: var(--mer-night-800);
  --mer-hairline: rgb(242 236 225 / .18);
  --mer-ink: var(--mer-bone-100);
  --mer-ink-soft: var(--mer-bone-300);
  --mer-accent: var(--mer-valley-300);
  --mer-accent-hover: #B5D2B9;
  --mer-accent-ink: var(--mer-night-900);
  --mer-focus: var(--mer-valley-300);
  color: var(--mer-ink);
  background: var(--mer-canvas);
}

/* ---------- base ---------- */
*, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }
html { -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; } /* no scroll-behavior: smooth, it breaks ScrollTrigger measurements */

body {
  margin: 0;
  font-family: var(--mer-font-text);
  font-size: var(--mer-t-md);
  line-height: 1.6;
  color: var(--mer-ink);
  background: var(--mer-canvas);
  overflow-x: hidden;
  text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;
}
main { display: block; }
img, picture, video { display: block; max-width: 100%; height: auto; }
a { color: inherit; text-decoration-thickness: 1px; text-underline-offset: 4px; }
a:hover { color: var(--mer-accent-hover); }
p { margin: 0 0 var(--mer-4); text-wrap: pretty; }
h1, h2, h3, h4 {
  font-family: var(--mer-font-display);
  font-weight: 300;
  font-optical-sizing: auto;
  font-variation-settings: "SOFT" 60;
  line-height: 1.04;
  margin: 0 0 var(--mer-4);
  text-wrap: balance;
}
h1 { font-size: var(--mer-t-4xl); letter-spacing: -.02em; }
h2 { font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); letter-spacing: -.015em; }
h3 { font-size: var(--mer-t-xl); font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -.01em; }
h4 { font-size: var(--mer-t-lg); font-weight: 400; font-family: var(--mer-font-text); line-height: 1.3; }
em { font-style: italic; font-variation-settings: "SOFT" 80; }
strong { font-weight: 600; }
ul, ol { padding-left: 1.2em; }
::selection { background: rgb(63 107 79 / .25); color: var(--mer-ink); }
:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid var(--mer-focus); outline-offset: 3px; border-radius: 2px; }
button { font: inherit; color: inherit; }
.mer-tabular { font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums; }
.mer-measure { max-width: var(--mer-measure); }
.mer-lede { font-size: var(--mer-t-lg); line-height: 1.5; color: var(--mer-ink-soft); max-width: 40ch; }
.mer-small { font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); color: var(--mer-ink-soft); }
.mer-eyebrow {
  font-family: var(--mer-font-display);
  font-style: italic;
  font-size: var(--mer-t-lg);
  color: var(--mer-accent);
  margin: 0 0 var(--mer-3);
}
.mer-ground-dark .mer-eyebrow { color: var(--mer-accent); }
.mer-wrap { width: min(100% - 2 * var(--mer-gutter), 1280px); margin-inline: auto; }
.mer-section { padding-block: var(--mer-section); }
.mer-section + .mer-section { padding-top: 0; }
.mer-grain {
  position: fixed; inset: 0; z-index: 60; pointer-events: none; opacity: .04;
  background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='160' height='160'><filter id='n'><feTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='.9' numOctaves='2' stitchTiles='stitch'/></filter><rect width='160' height='160' filter='url(%23n)'/></svg>");
}
.mer-skip {
  position: absolute; left: var(--mer-4); top: -100px; z-index: 100;
  background: var(--mer-ink); color: var(--mer-linen-50); padding: var(--mer-3) var(--mer-4);
  border-radius: var(--mer-r-control); text-decoration: none;
}
.mer-skip:focus { top: var(--mer-4); }
.mer-visually-hidden { position: absolute !important; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0 0 0 0); white-space: nowrap; }

/* pendiente marker: visible to Gio, removed at publication */
.mer-pendiente {
  display: inline-block;
  font-family: var(--mer-font-text);
  font-size: var(--mer-t-xs);
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: .02em;
  color: var(--mer-amber-700);
  background: rgb(138 90 28 / .08);
  border: 1px dashed rgb(138 90 28 / .5);
  border-radius: var(--mer-r-control);
  padding: 2px 8px;
  vertical-align: middle;
}
.mer-pendiente--block { display: block; padding: var(--mer-5); text-align: center; }
.mer-concept {
  display: block; margin-top: var(--mer-2);
  font-size: var(--mer-t-xs); color: var(--mer-ink-soft); letter-spacing: .02em;
}

/* ---------- buttons ---------- */
.mer-btn {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: var(--mer-2);
  min-height: 48px; padding: 0 var(--mer-5);
  border-radius: var(--mer-r-control);
  font-weight: 600; font-size: var(--mer-t-md); line-height: 1; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;
  border: 1px solid transparent; cursor: pointer;
  transition: background-color var(--mer-dur-hover) var(--mer-ease-out), color var(--mer-dur-hover) var(--mer-ease-out), border-color var(--mer-dur-hover) var(--mer-ease-out), transform var(--mer-dur-press) var(--mer-ease-out);
}
.mer-btn:active { transform: scale(.97); }
.mer-btn--primary { background: var(--mer-accent); color: var(--mer-accent-ink); border-color: var(--mer-accent); }
.mer-btn--primary:hover { background: var(--mer-accent-hover); border-color: var(--mer-accent-hover); color: var(--mer-accent-ink); }
.mer-btn--secondary { background: rgb(244 239 230 / .88); color: var(--mer-charcoal-900); border-color: rgb(42 38 34 / .25); backdrop-filter: blur(8px); }
.mer-btn--secondary:hover { border-color: var(--mer-charcoal-900); color: var(--mer-charcoal-900); }
.mer-btn--ghost { background: transparent; color: var(--mer-ink); border-color: rgb(42 38 34 / .4); }
.mer-ground-dark .mer-btn--ghost { border-color: rgb(242 236 225 / .4); }
.mer-btn--ghost:hover { border-color: currentColor; }
.mer-link { font-weight: 600; text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 5px; text-decoration-color: var(--mer-accent); }
.mer-actions { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: var(--mer-3); margin-top: var(--mer-6); }

/* ---------- header ---------- */
.mer-header {
  position: fixed; inset: 0 0 auto 0; z-index: 50; height: var(--mer-header);
  display: flex; align-items: center;
  background: rgb(244 239 230 / .72);
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px); -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  border-bottom: 1px solid transparent;
  transition: border-color var(--mer-dur-ui) var(--mer-ease-out);
}
.mer-header.is-scrolled { border-bottom-color: var(--mer-hairline); }
.mer-header__inner { width: min(100% - 2 * var(--mer-gutter), 1280px); margin-inline: auto; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: var(--mer-4); }
.mer-brand { font-family: var(--mer-font-display); font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.125rem; letter-spacing: -.01em; text-decoration: none; color: var(--mer-charcoal-900); white-space: nowrap; }
.mer-brand:hover { color: var(--mer-charcoal-900); }
.mer-nav { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: var(--mer-5); }
.mer-nav__list { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: var(--mer-5); list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
.mer-nav__list a { text-decoration: none; font-weight: 500; font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); color: var(--mer-charcoal-700); padding: var(--mer-2) 0; }
.mer-nav__list a:hover, .mer-nav__list a[aria-current="page"] { color: var(--mer-charcoal-900); text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: var(--mer-accent); text-underline-offset: 6px; }
.mer-nav__cities { position: relative; }
.mer-nav__cities summary { list-style: none; cursor: pointer; font-weight: 500; font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); color: var(--mer-charcoal-700); padding: var(--mer-2) 0; }
.mer-nav__cities summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }
.mer-nav__cities summary::after { content: ""; display: inline-block; width: 6px; height: 6px; margin-left: 6px; border-right: 1.5px solid currentColor; border-bottom: 1.5px solid currentColor; transform: translateY(-2px) rotate(45deg); }
.mer-nav__cities[open] summary::after { transform: translateY(1px) rotate(225deg); }
.mer-nav__menu {
  position: absolute; top: calc(100% + 8px); left: -12px; min-width: 200px;
  background: var(--mer-linen-50); border: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); border-radius: var(--mer-r-card);
  box-shadow: var(--mer-e2); padding: var(--mer-2) 0; list-style: none; margin: 0;
}
.mer-nav__menu a { display: block; padding: var(--mer-2) var(--mer-4) !important; }
.mer-nav__cta { margin-left: var(--mer-2); min-height: 40px; }
.mer-menu-btn { display: none; }
@media (min-width: 900px) { :root { --mer-header: 72px; } }
@media (max-width: 899px) {
  .mer-nav__list, .mer-nav__cta { display: none; }
  .mer-menu-btn {
    display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: var(--mer-2);
    background: transparent; border: 1px solid rgb(42 38 34 / .25); border-radius: var(--mer-r-control);
    min-height: 40px; padding: 0 var(--mer-3); font-weight: 600; font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); cursor: pointer;
  }
  .mer-nav[data-open="true"] .mer-nav__list {
    display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; gap: 0;
    position: fixed; inset: var(--mer-header) 0 0 0; background: var(--mer-linen-100);
    padding: var(--mer-6) var(--mer-gutter); overflow: auto; z-index: 49;
  }
  .mer-nav[data-open="true"] .mer-nav__list > li { width: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); }
  .mer-nav[data-open="true"] .mer-nav__list a, .mer-nav[data-open="true"] .mer-nav__cities summary { display: block; font-size: var(--mer-t-xl); font-family: var(--mer-font-display); font-weight: 300; padding: var(--mer-4) 0; }
  .mer-nav[data-open="true"] .mer-nav__menu { position: static; box-shadow: none; border: 0; background: transparent; padding: 0 0 var(--mer-3) var(--mer-4); }
  .mer-nav[data-open="true"] .mer-nav__menu a { font-size: var(--mer-t-lg) !important; font-family: var(--mer-font-text) !important; padding: var(--mer-2) 0 !important; }
  .mer-nav[data-open="true"] .mer-nav__cta { display: inline-flex; margin: var(--mer-6) 0 0; }
  .mer-js .mer-nav[data-open="true"] .mer-nav__list > li { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(12px); animation: mer-menu-in var(--mer-dur-reveal) var(--mer-ease-out) forwards; animation-delay: calc(var(--i, 0) * 30ms); }
}
@keyframes mer-menu-in { to { opacity: 1; transform: none; } }

/* ---------- horizon line (signature move) ---------- */
.mer-horizon {
  position: fixed; left: 0; right: 0; top: 0; z-index: 40; height: 0; pointer-events: none;
  transform: translate3d(0, 62vh, 0);
  will-change: transform;
}
.mer-horizon::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; right: 0; top: 0; height: 1px; background: rgb(42 38 34 / .35); }
.mer-horizon.is-dark::before { background: rgb(242 236 225 / .45); }
.mer-horizon__folio {
  position: absolute; right: var(--mer-gutter); top: 0; transform: translateY(-50%);
  pointer-events: auto; display: inline-flex; align-items: baseline; gap: 10px;
  font-family: var(--mer-font-display); font-style: italic; font-size: var(--mer-t-xs); line-height: 1;
  color: var(--mer-charcoal-900); background: var(--mer-linen-100); border: 1px solid rgb(42 38 34 / .3);
  border-radius: 999px; padding: 6px 12px; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;
  transition: background-color var(--mer-dur-ui) var(--mer-ease-out), color var(--mer-dur-ui) var(--mer-ease-out), border-color var(--mer-dur-ui) var(--mer-ease-out);
}
.mer-horizon.is-dark .mer-horizon__folio { color: var(--mer-bone-100); background: var(--mer-night-900); border-color: rgb(242 236 225 / .35); }
.mer-horizon__alt { font-family: var(--mer-font-text); font-style: normal; font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums; color: var(--mer-ink-soft); }
.mer-horizon.is-dark .mer-horizon__alt { color: var(--mer-bone-300); }
.mer-horizon__alt:empty { display: none; }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-horizon { transform: translate3d(0, calc(var(--mer-header) + 1px), 0); }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-horizon__folio { display: none; }

/* ---------- chapters and plates ---------- */
.mer-chapter { position: relative; }
.mer-chapter--plate .mer-plate { position: relative; min-height: 100dvh; overflow: hidden; display: grid; }
.mer-js .mer-chapter--pinned { height: calc(var(--span, 200) * 1vh); }
.mer-js .mer-chapter--pinned .mer-plate { position: sticky; top: 0; height: 100dvh; min-height: 0; }
.mer-plate > * { grid-area: 1 / 1; }
.mer-layer { position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }
.mer-layer img, img.mer-layer { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center; }
.mer-scrim { position: absolute; inset: 0; pointer-events: none; }
.mer-scrim--lead { background: linear-gradient(100deg, rgb(24 26 22 / .62) 0%, rgb(24 26 22 / .38) 38%, rgb(24 26 22 / 0) 62%); }
.mer-scrim--trail { background: linear-gradient(260deg, rgb(24 26 22 / .62) 0%, rgb(24 26 22 / .38) 38%, rgb(24 26 22 / 0) 62%); }
.mer-scrim--band { background: linear-gradient(0deg, rgb(24 26 22 / .74) 0%, rgb(24 26 22 / .5) 30%, rgb(24 26 22 / 0) 60%); }
.mer-copy { position: relative; z-index: 2; width: min(100% - 2 * var(--mer-gutter), 1280px); margin-inline: auto; align-self: end; padding-bottom: clamp(48px, 9vh, 112px); color: var(--mer-bone-100); }
.mer-copy h1, .mer-copy h2, .mer-copy h3 { color: inherit; }
.mer-copy .mer-lede { color: var(--mer-bone-300); }
.mer-copy--center { align-self: center; text-align: center; padding-bottom: 0; }
.mer-copy--center .mer-lede, .mer-copy--center .mer-measure { margin-inline: auto; }
.mer-copy--center .mer-actions { justify-content: center; }
.mer-plate-caption { position: absolute; z-index: 3; left: var(--mer-gutter); right: var(--mer-gutter); bottom: var(--mer-4); font-size: var(--mer-t-xs); color: var(--mer-bone-300); letter-spacing: .02em; }
@media (max-width: 719px) {
  .mer-scrim--lead, .mer-scrim--trail { background: linear-gradient(0deg, rgb(24 26 22 / .76) 0%, rgb(24 26 22 / .52) 34%, rgb(24 26 22 / 0) 62%); }
}

/* progress-driven helpers. --p is written by story.js on each chapter (0 to 1). */
.mer-cue { opacity: 1; }
.mer-js .mer-pin-active .mer-cue {
  /* window: --in start, --hold end (fractions of p) */
  opacity: clamp(0, min(calc((var(--p) - var(--in, 0)) / .12), calc((var(--hold, 1) - var(--p)) / .12 + 1)), 1);
  transform: translateY(calc(clamp(0, 1 - (var(--p) - var(--in, 0)) / .12, 1) * 16px));
}

/* ---------- 0 hero ---------- */
.mer-hero .mer-layer { height: calc(100% + var(--os)); bottom: auto; }
.mer-hero .mer-layer--back { --os: 8%; transform: translate3d(0, calc(var(--p) * -4%), 0) scale(1.06); transform-origin: 50% 30%; }
.mer-hero .mer-layer--mid { --os: 16%; transform: translate3d(0, calc(var(--p) * -9%), 0) scale(1.04); transform-origin: 50% 70%;
  -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(180deg, transparent 0%, transparent 42%, #000 68%); mask-image: linear-gradient(180deg, transparent 0%, transparent 42%, #000 68%); }
.mer-hero .mer-layer--front { --os: 24%; transform: translate3d(0, calc(var(--p) * -14%), 0); opacity: .9; }
.mer-hero .mer-layer--front img { object-position: center bottom; }
.mer-js .mer-hero .mer-layer--back { animation: mer-kenburns 7s var(--mer-ease-out) forwards; }
.mer-js .mer-hero.is-settled .mer-layer--back { animation-play-state: paused; }
@keyframes mer-kenburns { from { scale: 1.06; } to { scale: 1; } }
.mer-hero .mer-copy { align-self: end; padding-bottom: clamp(56px, 12vh, 140px); }
.mer-hero h1 { max-width: 15ch; }
.mer-hero .mer-eyebrow { color: var(--mer-valley-300); }
.mer-hero .mer-cue { --in: -.2; --hold: .55; }
/* staggered entrance on load; no fill-mode so the scroll formula takes over when it ends */
.mer-intro .mer-hero .mer-cue { animation: mer-hero-in var(--mer-dur-reveal) var(--mer-ease-out) both; animation-delay: calc(200ms + var(--i, 0) * 70ms); animation-fill-mode: backwards; }
@keyframes mer-hero-in { from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(16px); } to { opacity: 1; transform: none; } }
@media (max-width: 719px) {
  .mer-hero .mer-plate { align-items: start; }
  .mer-hero .mer-scrim--lead { background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgb(24 26 22 / .66) 0%, rgb(24 26 22 / .42) 48%, rgb(24 26 22 / 0) 78%); }
  .mer-hero .mer-copy { align-self: start; padding-top: calc(var(--mer-header) + 48px); padding-bottom: 0; }
  .mer-hero h1 { font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); }
  .mer-hero .mer-lede { font-size: var(--mer-t-md); }
}

/* ---------- 1 decision ---------- */
.mer-decision .mer-layer--after { opacity: clamp(0, calc((var(--p) - .3) / .4), 1); }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-decision .mer-layer--before { display: none; }
.mer-decision .mer-copy { align-self: center; padding-bottom: 0; }
.mer-decision .mer-words { font-family: var(--mer-font-display); font-weight: 300; font-size: var(--mer-t-3xl); line-height: 1.08; letter-spacing: -.02em; max-width: 20ch; margin: 0; }
.mer-decision .mer-words span { display: inline-block; margin-right: .26em; }
.mer-js .mer-decision .mer-words span { opacity: clamp(0, calc((var(--p) - var(--s)) / .05), 1); }
.mer-decision .mer-small { margin-top: var(--mer-5); max-width: 42ch; color: var(--mer-charcoal-700); }
.mer-decision .mer-copy { color: var(--mer-charcoal-900); }

/* ---------- 2 places ---------- */
.mer-places .mer-layer--valley { clip-path: inset(0 0 calc((1 - clamp(0, (var(--p) - .28) / .14, 1)) * 100%) 0); }
.mer-places .mer-layer--city { clip-path: inset(0 0 calc((1 - clamp(0, (var(--p) - .62) / .14, 1)) * 100%) 0); }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-places .mer-layer--valley, html:not(.mer-js) .mer-places .mer-layer--city { display: none; }
.mer-places .mer-copy { align-self: end; }
.mer-places .mer-place { position: absolute; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; }
.mer-js .mer-pin-active .mer-place { transform: translateX(calc((1 - clamp(0, (var(--p) - var(--in)) / .1, 1)) * 24px + (1 - clamp(0, (var(--hold) - var(--p)) / .1 + 1, 1)) * -24px)); opacity: clamp(0, min(calc((var(--p) - var(--in)) / .1), calc((var(--hold) - var(--p)) / .1 + 1)), 1); }
.mer-places .mer-place--coast { --in: 0; --hold: .3; }
.mer-places .mer-place--valley { --in: .34; --hold: .64; }
.mer-places .mer-place--city { --in: .68; --hold: 1; }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-places .mer-place { position: static; margin-bottom: var(--mer-6); }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-places .mer-copy { padding-top: var(--mer-section); }
.mer-place__data { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: var(--mer-2) var(--mer-5); margin: var(--mer-3) 0 var(--mer-4); font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); color: var(--mer-bone-300); font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums; }
.mer-place__data b { font-weight: 600; color: var(--mer-bone-100); }
.mer-place h3 { font-size: var(--mer-t-3xl); font-weight: 300; }
.mer-place p { max-width: 44ch; }
.mer-places .mer-place a { color: var(--mer-bone-100); }
.mer-places .mer-place a:hover { color: var(--mer-valley-300); }

/* ---------- 3 two paths ---------- */
.mer-paths { background: var(--mer-canvas); }
.mer-paths .mer-plate { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.55fr 1fr; grid-template-rows: 1fr; min-height: 100dvh; }
.mer-paths .mer-plate > * { grid-area: auto; }
.mer-paths .mer-path--build { grid-column: 1; grid-row: 1; }
.mer-paths .mer-path--buy { grid-column: 2; grid-row: 1; }
.mer-paths .mer-path { position: relative; display: grid; align-content: end; padding: var(--mer-8) var(--mer-gutter) var(--mer-8); color: var(--mer-bone-100); overflow: hidden; min-height: 50dvh; }
.mer-paths .mer-path img { position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; z-index: 0; }
.mer-paths .mer-path .mer-scrim { z-index: 1; }
.mer-paths .mer-path__copy { position: relative; z-index: 2; }
.mer-paths .mer-path h3 { font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); font-weight: 300; max-width: 14ch; }
.mer-paths .mer-path p { max-width: 36ch; color: var(--mer-bone-300); }
.mer-paths .mer-path--buy .mer-scrim { background: linear-gradient(0deg, rgb(24 26 22 / .72) 0%, rgb(24 26 22 / .3) 55%, rgb(24 26 22 / .05) 100%); }
.mer-paths .mer-path--build .mer-scrim { background: linear-gradient(0deg, rgb(24 26 22 / .72) 0%, rgb(24 26 22 / .3) 55%, rgb(24 26 22 / .05) 100%); }
.mer-paths .mer-paths__title { position: absolute; z-index: 3; left: 50%; top: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: min(100% - 2 * var(--mer-gutter), 28ch); text-align: center; font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); color: var(--mer-linen-50); margin: 0; text-shadow: 0 2px 24px rgb(24 26 22 / .5); }
.mer-js .mer-paths .mer-path--build { clip-path: inset(0 calc((1 - clamp(0, (var(--p) - .08) / .5, 1)) * 100%) 0 0); }
.mer-js .mer-paths .mer-path--buy { clip-path: inset(0 0 0 calc((1 - clamp(0, (var(--p) - .08) / .5, 1)) * 100%)); }
.mer-js .mer-paths .mer-paths__title { opacity: clamp(0, calc(1 - (var(--p) - .3) / .25), 1); }
.mer-js .mer-paths .mer-path__copy { opacity: clamp(0, calc((var(--p) - .45) / .2), 1); transform: translateY(calc((1 - clamp(0, (var(--p) - .45) / .2, 1)) * 16px)); }
.mer-paths__bg { position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: 0; overflow: hidden; }
.mer-paths__bg img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center 60%; }
.mer-paths__bg .mer-scrim--band { background: linear-gradient(0deg, rgb(24 26 22 / .55) 0%, rgb(24 26 22 / .35) 50%, rgb(24 26 22 / .25) 100%); }
.mer-js .mer-paths__bg img { transform: scale(calc(1 + var(--p) * .06)); transform-origin: 50% 60%; }
.mer-paths .mer-path { z-index: 1; }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-paths__bg { display: none; }
@media (max-width: 719px) {
  .mer-paths .mer-plate { grid-template-columns: 1fr; grid-template-rows: 1.35fr 1fr; }
  .mer-paths .mer-path--build { grid-column: 1; grid-row: 1; }
  .mer-paths .mer-path--buy { grid-column: 1; grid-row: 2; }
  .mer-js .mer-paths .mer-path--build { clip-path: inset(0 0 calc((1 - clamp(0, (var(--p) - .08) / .5, 1)) * 100%) 0); }
  .mer-js .mer-paths .mer-path--buy { clip-path: inset(calc((1 - clamp(0, (var(--p) - .08) / .5, 1)) * 100%) 0 0 0); }
  .mer-paths .mer-path { padding: var(--mer-6) var(--mer-gutter); }
  .mer-paths .mer-path--buy .mer-scrim, .mer-paths .mer-path--build .mer-scrim { background: linear-gradient(0deg, rgb(24 26 22 / .8) 0%, rgb(24 26 22 / .6) 55%, rgb(24 26 22 / .42) 100%); }
  .mer-paths .mer-path h3 { font-size: var(--mer-t-xl); }
  .mer-paths .mer-path p { font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); }
  .mer-paths .mer-path .mer-actions { margin-top: var(--mer-4); }
}

/* ---------- 4 stack: from lot to keys ---------- */
.mer-stack { background: var(--mer-canvas); }
.mer-stack__intro { padding: var(--mer-section) 0 var(--mer-7); }
.mer-stack__intro h2 { max-width: 20ch; }
.mer-steps { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0 0 var(--mer-6); display: grid; gap: var(--mer-6); }
.mer-step {
  --pc: 0;
  position: relative;
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 1.1fr); gap: var(--mer-6);
  background: var(--mer-linen-50); border: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); border-radius: var(--mer-r-card);
  box-shadow: var(--mer-e2), inset 0 1px 0 var(--mer-edge);
  padding: var(--mer-6);
  transform-origin: 50% 0;
}
.mer-js .mer-step { position: sticky; top: calc(var(--mer-header) + 24px + var(--k) * 12px); }
.mer-js .mer-step.is-behind { transform: scale(.94); opacity: .6; }
.mer-js .mer-step { transition: transform 300ms var(--mer-ease-out), opacity 300ms var(--mer-ease-out); }
.mer-step__num { font-family: var(--mer-font-display); font-weight: 300; font-size: var(--mer-t-xl); color: var(--mer-accent); margin-bottom: var(--mer-2); }
.mer-step h3 { font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); font-weight: 300; }
.mer-step__trust { display: inline-block; margin-top: var(--mer-3); padding: 6px 10px; border: 1px solid var(--mer-accent); border-radius: var(--mer-r-control); color: var(--mer-accent); font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); font-weight: 600; }
.mer-step__media { position: relative; aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; border-radius: var(--mer-r-control); overflow: hidden; background: var(--mer-surface); }
.mer-step__media img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; }
@media (max-width: 719px) {
  .mer-step { grid-template-columns: 1fr; padding: var(--mer-5); }
  .mer-step__media { order: -1; }
  .mer-js .mer-step { top: calc(var(--mer-header) + 12px + var(--k) * 8px); }
}

/* ---------- 5 projects ---------- */
.mer-projects .mer-wrap > h2 { max-width: 22ch; }
.mer-projects__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; grid-template-rows: auto; gap: var(--mer-5); margin-top: var(--mer-7); }
.mer-project { display: grid; gap: var(--mer-3); align-content: start; text-decoration: none; color: inherit; }
.mer-project--lead { grid-row: auto; }
.mer-project__media { aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; border-radius: var(--mer-r-card); overflow: hidden; box-shadow: var(--mer-e1); background: var(--mer-surface); transition: box-shadow 400ms var(--mer-ease-out); }
.mer-project--lead .mer-project__media { aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; height: auto; }
.mer-project__media img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; transition: transform 400ms var(--mer-ease-out); }
@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) {
  .mer-project:hover .mer-project__media { box-shadow: var(--mer-e3); }
  .mer-project:hover .mer-project__media img { transform: scale(1.03); }
}
.mer-project__meta { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: var(--mer-2) var(--mer-4); font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); color: var(--mer-ink-soft); }
.mer-project h3 { margin: 0; }
.mer-projects__note { margin-top: var(--mer-7); display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: var(--mer-4); align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); padding-top: var(--mer-5); }
@media (max-width: 719px) { .mer-projects__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } .mer-project--lead { grid-row: auto; } }

/* ---------- 6 Vilcabamba day ---------- */
.mer-day { background: var(--mer-night-900); }
.mer-day .mer-plate { background: var(--mer-linen-100); }
.mer-frames { position: absolute; inset: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; }
.mer-frame { position: absolute; inset: 0; margin: 0; }
.mer-js .mer-frame { opacity: 0; transition: opacity 180ms linear; }
.mer-js .mer-frame.is-active { opacity: 1; }
.mer-js .mer-frame.is-prev { opacity: 1; z-index: 0; }
.mer-frame img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; }
.mer-frame figcaption { position: absolute; z-index: 2; left: var(--mer-gutter); right: var(--mer-gutter); bottom: clamp(48px, 10vh, 120px); max-width: 30ch; color: var(--mer-bone-100); }
.mer-frame__time { display: block; font-family: var(--mer-font-text); font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); color: var(--mer-bone-300); font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums; margin-bottom: var(--mer-2); letter-spacing: .04em; }
.mer-frame__line { font-family: var(--mer-font-display); font-weight: 300; font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); line-height: 1.1; letter-spacing: -.015em; }
.mer-day .mer-scrim--band { z-index: 1; }
.mer-day__title { position: absolute; z-index: 3; top: calc(var(--mer-header) + 24px); left: var(--mer-gutter); right: var(--mer-gutter); color: var(--mer-bone-100); margin: 0; font-size: var(--mer-t-xl); font-weight: 300; }
.mer-js .mer-day .mer-day__title { opacity: clamp(0, calc(1 - (var(--p) - .12) / .12), 1); }
.mer-day__outro { padding: var(--mer-section) 0; }
.mer-day__outro .mer-wrap { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.2fr) minmax(0, 1fr); gap: var(--mer-7); align-items: start; }
.mer-day__outro h2 { font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-day .mer-plate { min-height: 0; display: block; }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-frames { position: static; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: var(--mer-4); padding: var(--mer-section) var(--mer-gutter); background: var(--mer-night-900); }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-frame { position: relative; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-frame figcaption { position: static; margin-top: var(--mer-2); max-width: none; }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-frame .mer-frame__line { font-size: var(--mer-t-lg); }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-day .mer-scrim, html:not(.mer-js) .mer-day__title { display: none; }
@media (max-width: 719px) { .mer-day__outro .mer-wrap { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } .mer-frame figcaption { bottom: clamp(64px, 12vh, 120px); } html:not(.mer-js) .mer-frames { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* ---------- 7 team ---------- */
.mer-team .mer-wrap { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 1.2fr); gap: var(--mer-8); align-items: start; }
.mer-team__claim { font-family: var(--mer-font-display); font-weight: 300; font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); line-height: 1.1; letter-spacing: -.015em; margin: var(--mer-5) 0 0; }
.mer-people { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: var(--mer-5); }
.mer-person__photo { aspect-ratio: 4 / 5; border-radius: var(--mer-r-card); background: var(--mer-surface); display: grid; place-items: center; padding: var(--mer-4); text-align: center; }
.mer-person h3 { font-size: var(--mer-t-lg); margin: var(--mer-3) 0 0; }
.mer-partners { margin-top: var(--mer-7); border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); padding-top: var(--mer-5); display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: var(--mer-5); }
.mer-partners h4 { margin-bottom: var(--mer-1); }
.mer-testimonials { grid-column: 1 / -1; margin-top: var(--mer-6); }
@media (max-width: 719px) { .mer-team .mer-wrap { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } .mer-partners { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }

/* ---------- 8 FAQ ---------- */
.mer-faq .mer-wrap { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 1.6fr); gap: var(--mer-8); align-items: start; }
.mer-faq__list { margin: 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); }
.mer-faq details { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); }
.mer-faq summary { list-style: none; cursor: pointer; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: var(--mer-4); padding: var(--mer-4) 0; font-family: var(--mer-font-display); font-weight: 400; font-size: var(--mer-t-lg); line-height: 1.3; }
.mer-faq summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }
.mer-faq summary::after { content: "+"; flex: 0 0 auto; width: 28px; height: 28px; display: grid; place-items: center; border: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); border-radius: 50%; font-family: var(--mer-font-text); font-weight: 400; color: var(--mer-accent); transition: transform var(--mer-dur-ui) var(--mer-ease-out); }
.mer-faq details[open] summary::after { transform: rotate(45deg); }
.mer-faq__body { display: grid; grid-template-rows: 0fr; transition: grid-template-rows var(--mer-dur-ui) var(--mer-ease-out); }
.mer-faq details[open] .mer-faq__body { grid-template-rows: 1fr; }
.mer-faq__body > div { overflow: hidden; }
.mer-faq__body p { max-width: 60ch; padding-bottom: var(--mer-4); color: var(--mer-charcoal-700); }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-faq__body { grid-template-rows: 1fr; }
@media (max-width: 719px) { .mer-faq .mer-wrap { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: var(--mer-6); } }

/* ---------- 9 epilogue ---------- */
.mer-epilogue .mer-plate { align-items: center; }
.mer-epilogue .mer-layer--sunset img { object-position: center 70%; }
.mer-js .mer-epilogue .mer-layer--sunset { transform: scale(calc(1.06 - var(--p) * .06)); }
.mer-epilogue .mer-copy { align-self: center; padding-block: calc(var(--mer-header) + 32px) var(--mer-8); display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 1fr); gap: var(--mer-8); align-items: center; }
.mer-epilogue h2 { font-size: var(--mer-t-3xl); max-width: 12ch; }
.mer-epilogue .mer-lede { color: var(--mer-bone-300); }
.mer-epilogue .mer-contact-list { list-style: none; margin: var(--mer-6) 0 0; padding: 0; display: grid; gap: var(--mer-3); color: var(--mer-bone-300); }
.mer-epilogue .mer-contact-list a { color: var(--mer-bone-100); }
.mer-form { background: rgb(250 247 241 / .96); color: var(--mer-charcoal-900); border-radius: var(--mer-r-card); padding: var(--mer-6); box-shadow: var(--mer-e3); display: grid; gap: var(--mer-4); }
.mer-form h3 { font-size: var(--mer-t-xl); margin: 0; }
.mer-field { display: grid; gap: 6px; }
.mer-field label, .mer-fieldset legend { font-weight: 600; font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); }
.mer-field input, .mer-field textarea, .mer-field select { font: inherit; color: var(--mer-charcoal-900); background: #fff; border: 1px solid rgb(42 38 34 / .35); border-radius: var(--mer-r-control); min-height: 48px; padding: 10px 12px; width: 100%; }
.mer-field textarea { min-height: 96px; resize: vertical; }
.mer-field input:focus-visible, .mer-field textarea:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid var(--mer-focus); outline-offset: 1px; border-color: var(--mer-accent); }
.mer-field__hint { font-size: var(--mer-t-xs); color: var(--mer-charcoal-500); }
.mer-field__error { font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); color: var(--mer-error-600); font-weight: 600; }
.mer-field__error:empty { display: none; }
.mer-field.is-invalid input, .mer-field.is-invalid textarea { border-color: var(--mer-error-600); }
.mer-fieldset { border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: grid; gap: 6px; }
.mer-radios { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: var(--mer-2); }
.mer-radios label { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; border: 1px solid rgb(42 38 34 / .35); border-radius: var(--mer-r-control); padding: 10px 12px; min-height: 44px; cursor: pointer; font-weight: 500; font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); }
.mer-radios input { accent-color: var(--mer-accent); width: 18px; height: 18px; margin: 0; }
.mer-check { display: grid; grid-template-columns: auto 1fr; gap: 10px; align-items: start; font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); }
.mer-check input { accent-color: var(--mer-accent); width: 20px; height: 20px; margin: 2px 0 0; }
.mer-form__summary { border: 1px solid var(--mer-error-600); border-radius: var(--mer-r-control); padding: var(--mer-3) var(--mer-4); color: var(--mer-error-600); font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); }
.mer-form__summary:empty { display: none; }
.mer-form__success { border: 1px solid var(--mer-accent); border-radius: var(--mer-r-control); padding: var(--mer-3) var(--mer-4); color: var(--mer-valley-700); font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); }
.mer-form__success:empty { display: none; }
.mer-hp { position: absolute; left: -9999px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; }
@media (max-width: 899px) { .mer-epilogue .mer-copy { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: var(--mer-6); } .mer-epilogue h2 { max-width: none; } }

/* ---------- footer ---------- */
.mer-footer { background: var(--mer-stone-200); border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); padding: var(--mer-8) 0 var(--mer-6); font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); color: var(--mer-charcoal-700); }
.mer-footer .mer-wrap { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.4fr) repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: var(--mer-6); }
.mer-footer__h { font-family: var(--mer-font-text); font-size: var(--mer-t-xs); text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .08em; color: var(--mer-charcoal-500); margin-bottom: var(--mer-3); }
.mer-footer ul { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: grid; gap: var(--mer-2); }
.mer-footer a { text-decoration: none; }
.mer-footer a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }
.mer-footer__legal { grid-column: 1 / -1; border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); padding-top: var(--mer-4); margin-top: var(--mer-4); display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: var(--mer-2) var(--mer-5); font-size: var(--mer-t-xs); color: var(--mer-charcoal-500); }
@media (max-width: 719px) { .mer-footer .mer-wrap { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; } .mer-footer .mer-footer__brand { grid-column: 1 / -1; } }

/* ---------- inner pages ---------- */
.mer-page-hero .mer-plate { min-height: 70dvh; }
.mer-js .mer-page-hero.mer-chapter--pinned { height: 160vh; }
.mer-page-hero .mer-copy { padding-bottom: clamp(48px, 10vh, 120px); }
.mer-page-hero h1 { font-size: var(--mer-t-3xl); max-width: 16ch; }
.mer-js .mer-page-hero .mer-layer--back { height: calc(100% + 8%); bottom: auto; transform: translate3d(0, calc(var(--p) * -5%), 0) scale(1.06); transform-origin: 50% 30%; }
.mer-breadcrumb { list-style: none; margin: 0 0 var(--mer-3); padding: 0; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: var(--mer-2); font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); color: var(--mer-bone-300); }
.mer-breadcrumb li + li::before { content: "/"; margin-right: var(--mer-2); opacity: .6; }
.mer-breadcrumb a { color: var(--mer-bone-100); }
.mer-prose { max-width: var(--mer-measure); }
.mer-prose h2 { margin-top: var(--mer-7); }
.mer-prose h3 { margin-top: var(--mer-6); }
.mer-two { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 1.3fr); gap: var(--mer-8); align-items: start; }
.mer-facts { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: var(--mer-4) var(--mer-6); }
.mer-facts li { border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); padding-top: var(--mer-3); }
.mer-facts b { display: block; font-family: var(--mer-font-display); font-weight: 400; font-size: var(--mer-t-xl); font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums; }
.mer-facts span { font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); color: var(--mer-ink-soft); }
.mer-listings { list-style: none; margin: var(--mer-6) 0 0; padding: 0; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: var(--mer-5); }
.mer-listing { display: grid; gap: var(--mer-3); }
.mer-listing__media { aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; border-radius: var(--mer-r-card); overflow: hidden; background: var(--mer-surface); box-shadow: var(--mer-e1); }
.mer-listing__media img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; transition: transform 400ms var(--mer-ease-out); }
@media (hover: hover) and (pointer: fine) { .mer-listing:hover .mer-listing__media img { transform: scale(1.03); } }
.mer-cta-band { background: var(--mer-stone-200); border-block: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); }
.mer-cta-band .mer-wrap { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.4fr) auto; gap: var(--mer-6); align-items: center; }
.mer-cta-band h2 { margin: 0; font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); }
.mer-cities-grid { list-style: none; margin: var(--mer-6) 0 0; padding: 0; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: var(--mer-5); }
.mer-cities-grid a { display: grid; gap: var(--mer-2); text-decoration: none; }
.mer-cities-grid .mer-listing__media { aspect-ratio: 3 / 2; }
.mer-draft { border: 1px dashed var(--mer-amber-700); color: var(--mer-amber-700); border-radius: var(--mer-r-control); padding: var(--mer-3) var(--mer-4); font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); margin-bottom: var(--mer-6); }
@media (max-width: 719px) {
  .mer-two, .mer-cta-band .mer-wrap { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .mer-listings, .mer-cities-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .mer-facts { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
}

/* ---------- inner page components (2026-10-06): timeline, checklist, mosaic, posts, article ---------- */
.mer-section--tint { background: var(--mer-stone-200); }
.mer-section--tint + .mer-section--tint { padding-top: 0; }
.mer-timeline { list-style: none; margin: var(--mer-7) 0 0; padding: 0; display: grid; gap: 0; }
.mer-tl { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 56px minmax(0, 1.3fr) minmax(0, 1fr); gap: var(--mer-6); align-items: start; padding: var(--mer-6) 0; border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); }
.mer-tl:last-child { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); }
.mer-tl__num { font-family: var(--mer-font-display); font-weight: 300; font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); line-height: 1; color: var(--mer-accent); }
.mer-tl__body h3 { font-size: var(--mer-t-xl); margin-bottom: var(--mer-2); }
.mer-tl__body p { max-width: 48ch; }
.mer-tl__media { aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; border-radius: var(--mer-r-card); overflow: hidden; background: var(--mer-surface); position: relative; }
.mer-tl__media img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; }
.mer-tl__media .mer-concept { position: absolute; left: 10px; bottom: 8px; margin: 0; color: var(--mer-bone-100); background: rgb(24 26 22 / .55); padding: 2px 8px; border-radius: var(--mer-r-control); }
.mer-checklist { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: grid; gap: var(--mer-3); }
.mer-checklist li { padding-left: 28px; position: relative; }
.mer-checklist li::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; top: .55em; width: 14px; height: 8px; border-left: 2px solid var(--mer-accent); border-bottom: 2px solid var(--mer-accent); transform: rotate(-45deg); }
.mer-facts--text b { font-size: var(--mer-t-lg); font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 4px; }
.mer-facts--text span { display: block; }
.mer-listing__media--tall { aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; }
.mer-mosaic { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 7fr 5fr; grid-template-rows: auto auto; gap: var(--mer-5); margin-top: var(--mer-7); }
.mer-mosaic__item { display: grid; gap: var(--mer-2); text-decoration: none; color: inherit; font-weight: 600; font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); }
.mer-mosaic__item--lead { grid-row: 1 / 3; grid-template-rows: minmax(0, 1fr) auto; }
.mer-mosaic .mer-mosaic__item--lead .mer-listing__media { height: 100%; aspect-ratio: auto; min-height: 320px; max-width: 100%; }
.mer-mosaic__item .mer-listing__media { aspect-ratio: 16 / 10; }
.mer-posts { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 3fr 2fr; grid-template-rows: auto auto; gap: var(--mer-6); }
.mer-post { display: grid; gap: var(--mer-4); align-content: start; text-decoration: none; color: inherit; }
.mer-post--lead { grid-row: 1 / 3; }
.mer-post--lead .mer-listing__media { aspect-ratio: 16 / 10; }
.mer-post:not(.mer-post--lead) { border-top: 1px solid var(--mer-hairline); padding-top: var(--mer-5); }
.mer-post__body { display: grid; gap: var(--mer-3); }
.mer-post__body h2 { font-size: var(--mer-t-xl); margin: 0; }
.mer-post--lead .mer-post__body h2 { font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); }
.mer-post__body p { margin: 0; max-width: 52ch; color: var(--mer-charcoal-700); }
.mer-post__meta { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: var(--mer-2) var(--mer-4); font-size: var(--mer-t-xs); color: var(--mer-ink-soft); margin: 0; letter-spacing: .02em; }
.mer-post__meta span + span::before { content: ""; display: inline-block; width: 3px; height: 3px; border-radius: 50%; background: currentColor; margin: 0 10px 2px 0; opacity: .6; }
.mer-article .mer-post__meta { margin-bottom: var(--mer-6); }
.mer-article .mer-prose { max-width: 68ch; }
.mer-article .mer-prose h2 { margin-top: var(--mer-8); }
.mer-article .mer-facts { margin: var(--mer-5) 0 var(--mer-6); grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
.mer-figure { margin: var(--mer-5) 0 var(--mer-6); }
.mer-figure img { width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: var(--mer-r-card); }
.mer-figure figcaption { font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); color: var(--mer-ink-soft); margin-top: var(--mer-2); }
@media (max-width: 719px) {
  .mer-tl { grid-template-columns: 40px 1fr; }
  .mer-tl__media { grid-column: 2; }
  .mer-mosaic, .mer-posts { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .mer-mosaic__item--lead, .mer-post--lead { grid-row: auto; }
  .mer-mosaic__item--lead { grid-template-rows: auto auto; }
  .mer-mosaic .mer-mosaic__item--lead .mer-listing__media { min-height: 0; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 10; }
  .mer-facts--text { grid-template-columns: 1fr !important; }
}

/* ---------- scroll reveal (flow sections) ---------- */
.mer-js .mer-reveal { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(16px); transition: opacity var(--mer-dur-reveal) var(--mer-ease-out), transform var(--mer-dur-reveal) var(--mer-ease-out); transition-delay: calc(var(--i, 0) * 60ms); }
.mer-js .mer-reveal.is-in, .mer-js.mer-show-all .mer-reveal { opacity: 1; transform: none; }

/* ---------- failsafe and reduced motion ---------- */
.mer-js.mer-show-all .mer-cue, .mer-js.mer-show-all .mer-words span, .mer-js.mer-show-all .mer-place, .mer-js.mer-show-all .mer-path__copy { opacity: 1 !important; transform: none !important; }
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .mer-js .mer-chapter--pinned { height: auto; }
  .mer-js .mer-chapter--pinned .mer-plate { position: relative; height: auto; min-height: 100dvh; }
  .mer-js .mer-hero .mer-layer--back { animation: none; }
  .mer-hero .mer-layer--back, .mer-hero .mer-layer--mid, .mer-hero .mer-layer--front, .mer-js .mer-epilogue .mer-layer--sunset, .mer-js .mer-page-hero .mer-layer--back { transform: none !important; }
  .mer-js .mer-pin-active .mer-cue, .mer-js .mer-decision .mer-words span, .mer-js .mer-pin-active .mer-place, .mer-js .mer-paths .mer-path__copy, .mer-js .mer-day .mer-day__title { opacity: 1 !important; transform: none !important; }
  .mer-js .mer-paths .mer-path--buy, .mer-js .mer-paths .mer-path--build { clip-path: none !important; }
  .mer-js .mer-paths .mer-paths__title { display: none; }
  .mer-js .mer-paths__bg { display: none; }
  .mer-places .mer-layer--valley, .mer-places .mer-layer--city, .mer-decision .mer-layer--before { display: none; }
  .mer-places .mer-place { position: static; margin-bottom: var(--mer-6); }
  .mer-places .mer-copy { padding-top: var(--mer-section); }
  .mer-places .mer-scrim--band, .mer-decision .mer-scrim--band { background: linear-gradient(0deg, rgb(24 26 22 / .82) 0%, rgb(24 26 22 / .62) 50%, rgb(24 26 22 / .3) 100%); }
  .mer-js .mer-step { position: relative; top: auto; transform: none !important; opacity: 1 !important; transition: none; }
  .mer-js .mer-frame { opacity: 1; position: relative; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; }
  .mer-js .mer-frames { position: static; display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: var(--mer-4); padding: var(--mer-section) var(--mer-gutter); background: var(--mer-night-900); }
  .mer-js .mer-frame figcaption { position: static; margin-top: var(--mer-2); max-width: none; }
  .mer-js .mer-day .mer-plate { min-height: 0; display: block; }
  .mer-js .mer-day .mer-scrim, .mer-js .mer-day__title { display: none; }
  .mer-js .mer-reveal { opacity: 1; transform: none; transition: none; }
  .mer-horizon { transition: none; }
  .mer-btn, .mer-faq__body, .mer-faq summary::after, .mer-project__media img, .mer-listing__media img { transition: none; }
}

/* ---------- opening sequence: fog between chapters, linen wash, dissolve through mist (2026-10-07) ---------- */
.mer-scrim--wash { background: linear-gradient(95deg, rgb(244 239 230 / .88) 0%, rgb(244 239 230 / .62) 38%, rgb(244 239 230 / 0) 72%); }
@media (max-width: 719px) {
  .mer-scrim--wash { background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgb(244 239 230 / .92) 0%, rgb(244 239 230 / .78) 34%, rgb(244 239 230 / 0) 66%); }
  .mer-decision .mer-copy { align-self: start; padding-top: calc(var(--mer-header) + 40px); padding-bottom: 0; }
  .mer-decision .mer-words { font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); }
  /* the folio pill would sit on top of the copy on a phone; the horizon line itself stays */
  .mer-horizon__folio { display: none; }
}
.mer-haze, .mer-fog-mid { position: absolute; inset: 0; pointer-events: none; opacity: 0; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #F3EEE3 0%, #E9E2D6 100%); }
.mer-haze { z-index: 1; }
.mer-paths .mer-haze { z-index: 2; }
.mer-fog-mid { z-index: 1; }
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference) {
  /* fog thickens as a chapter ends and clears as the next begins, so the cut between two scenes happens inside fog */
  .mer-js .mer-pin-active .mer-haze--out { opacity: calc(clamp(0, (var(--p) - .88) / .12, 1) * .9); }
  .mer-js .mer-pin-active .mer-haze--io { opacity: calc(max(clamp(0, (var(--p) - .88) / .12, 1), clamp(0, (.12 - var(--p)) / .12, 1)) * .9); }
  /* the winter-to-valley dissolve passes through a little mist so the two windows meet softly */
  .mer-js .mer-decision .mer-fog-mid { opacity: calc(min(clamp(0, (var(--p) - .3) / .4, 1), 1 - clamp(0, (var(--p) - .3) / .4, 1)) * 0.7); }
}

/* ---------- build is the main focus (2026-10-07) ---------- */
.mer-paths .mer-path--build h3 { font-size: var(--mer-t-3xl, var(--mer-t-2xl)); max-width: 16ch; }
.mer-paths .mer-path--buy h3 { font-size: var(--mer-t-xl); }
.mer-paths .mer-path--buy p { font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); }
@media (max-width: 719px) { .mer-paths .mer-path--build h3 { font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); } .mer-paths .mer-path--buy h3 { font-size: var(--mer-t-lg, var(--mer-t-xl)); } }

/* nav CTA kept its link colour (dark on green): restore the button ink and drop the link underline */
.mer-nav__list a.mer-nav__cta, .mer-nav__list a.mer-nav__cta:hover { color: var(--mer-accent-ink); text-decoration: none; padding: 0 var(--mer-5, 20px); }
.mer-paths .mer-path .mer-concept { color: var(--mer-bone-100); background: rgb(24 26 22 / .55); padding: 2px 8px; border-radius: var(--mer-r-control); justify-self: start; }

/* ---------- two paths: contact button under the headline (2026-10-07) ---------- */
.mer-paths .mer-paths__lead { position: absolute; z-index: 3; left: 50%; top: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); width: min(100% - 2 * var(--mer-gutter), 28ch); display: grid; justify-items: center; gap: var(--mer-6); }
.mer-paths .mer-paths__lead .mer-paths__title { position: static; transform: none; width: auto; left: auto; top: auto; }
.mer-paths .mer-paths__cta { white-space: nowrap; box-shadow: 0 6px 24px rgb(24 26 22 / .35); }
.mer-js .mer-paths .mer-paths__cta { opacity: clamp(0, calc(1 - (var(--p) - .3) / .25), 1); transform: translateY(calc(clamp(0, (var(--p) - .54) * 1000, 1) * -3000px)); }
.mer-js .mer-paths .mer-paths__lead { pointer-events: none; }
.mer-js .mer-paths .mer-paths__cta { pointer-events: auto; }
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { .mer-js .mer-paths .mer-paths__lead { display: none; } }

.mer-paths .mer-paths__concept { margin: calc(var(--mer-2) * -1) 0 0; color: var(--mer-bone-100); background: rgb(24 26 22 / .55); padding: 2px 8px; border-radius: var(--mer-r-control); font-size: var(--mer-t-xs); }
.mer-js .mer-paths .mer-paths__concept { opacity: clamp(0, calc(1 - (var(--p) - .3) / .25), 1); }

.mer-paths .mer-paths__lead { font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); }
.mer-paths .mer-paths__cta { font-size: var(--mer-t-base, 1rem); }

/* the day title is white over a pale dawn sky: give it a soft shadow so it can be read */
.mer-day .mer-day__title { text-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgb(24 26 22 / .45), 0 2px 22px rgb(24 26 22 / .55); }

/* ---------- trims (2026-10-08) ---------- */
.mer-process__cta { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: var(--mer-4); margin: var(--mer-4) 0 var(--mer-7); padding: var(--mer-5) var(--mer-6); border: 1px solid rgb(42 38 34 / .14); border-radius: var(--mer-r-control); background: var(--mer-surface, #FAF7F1); }
.mer-process__cta-text { margin: 0; font-family: var(--mer-font-display); font-weight: 300; font-size: var(--mer-t-xl); }

/* places: second station shows the valley and the city side by side (desktop: left and right, phone: top and bottom) */
.mer-places .mer-place--valley { --hold: 1.1; right: 52%; }
.mer-places .mer-place--city { --in: .6; --hold: 1.1; left: 52%; }
.mer-places .mer-layer--city { clip-path: inset(0 0 0 calc(100% - clamp(0, (var(--p) - .58) / .2, 1) * 50%)); }
@media (max-width: 719px) {
  .mer-places .mer-place--valley { right: 0; }
  .mer-places .mer-place--city { left: 0; }
  .mer-places .mer-layer--city { clip-path: inset(calc(100% - clamp(0, (var(--p) - .58) / .2, 1) * 50%) 0 0 0); }
  .mer-js .mer-places .mer-place--valley { margin-bottom: calc(clamp(0, (var(--p) - .58) / .2, 1) * 46dvh); }
  .mer-places .mer-place--valley h3, .mer-places .mer-place--city h3 { font-size: var(--mer-t-2xl); }
  .mer-places .mer-place--valley .mer-place__data, .mer-places .mer-place--city .mer-place__data { display: none; }
}

@media (max-width: 719px) {
  .mer-places .mer-place--valley, .mer-places .mer-place--city { padding-top: 56px; background: linear-gradient(0deg, rgb(24 26 22 / .66) 0%, rgb(24 26 22 / .55) 62%, rgb(24 26 22 / 0) 100%); }
  .mer-places .mer-place--valley { padding-bottom: 12px; }
}

@media (max-width: 719px) {
  .mer-places .mer-place--valley, .mer-places .mer-place--city { margin-left: calc(var(--mer-gutter) * -1); margin-right: calc(var(--mer-gutter) * -1); padding-left: var(--mer-gutter); padding-right: var(--mer-gutter); }
  .mer-places .mer-place--valley { background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgb(24 26 22 / 0) 0%, rgb(24 26 22 / .58) 32%, rgb(24 26 22 / .58) 74%, rgb(24 26 22 / 0) 100%); padding-bottom: 28px; }
}

/* the headline sits in the sky of the new background so the house stays clear below it */
.mer-paths .mer-paths__lead { top: 34%; }
.mer-paths__bg .mer-scrim--band { background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgb(24 26 22 / .5) 0%, rgb(24 26 22 / .3) 38%, rgb(24 26 22 / .12) 70%, rgb(24 26 22 / .2) 100%); }
@media (max-width: 719px) { .mer-paths .mer-paths__lead { top: 38%; } .mer-paths__bg img { object-position: 38% 60%; } }

/* ---------- Vilcabamba day: contact button (2026-10-08) ---------- */
.mer-day .mer-day__cta { position: absolute; z-index: 4; right: var(--mer-gutter); bottom: clamp(48px, 10vh, 120px); box-shadow: 0 6px 24px rgb(0 0 0 / .4); }
/* it comes in after the first frame and is moved out of the way before that, so it never blocks the opening */
.mer-js .mer-day .mer-day__cta { opacity: clamp(0, calc((var(--p) - .08) / .1), 1); transform: translateY(calc(clamp(0, (.08 - var(--p)) * 1000, 1) * 400px)); }
.mer-day__outro .mer-btn { margin-top: var(--mer-2); }
@media (max-width: 719px) { .mer-day .mer-day__cta { left: var(--mer-gutter); right: var(--mer-gutter); bottom: 20px; } }
html:not(.mer-js) .mer-day .mer-day__cta { display: none; }
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { .mer-js .mer-day .mer-day__cta { display: none; } }

/* ---------- cookie notice and form legal text (2026-10-08) ---------- */
.mer-linkbtn { background: none; border: 0; padding: 0; margin: 0; font: inherit; color: inherit; text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 3px; cursor: pointer; text-align: left; }
.mer-linkbtn:hover { text-decoration-color: var(--mer-accent); }
.mer-form__legal a { color: inherit; text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 2px; }
.mer-consent { position: fixed; z-index: 90; left: var(--mer-gutter); right: var(--mer-gutter); bottom: 12px; max-width: 880px; margin: 0 auto; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr auto; gap: var(--mer-4); align-items: center; padding: var(--mer-4) var(--mer-5); background: var(--mer-linen-50, #FAF7F1); color: var(--mer-ink); border: 1px solid rgb(42 38 34 / .18); border-radius: var(--mer-r-card, 12px); box-shadow: 0 12px 40px rgb(24 26 22 / .28); }
.mer-consent__text { margin: 0; font-size: var(--mer-t-sm); line-height: 1.45; }
.mer-consent__actions { display: flex; gap: var(--mer-2); flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: flex-end; }
.mer-consent .mer-btn { min-height: 44px; }
@media (max-width: 719px) { .mer-consent { grid-template-columns: 1fr; bottom: 8px; padding: var(--mer-4); } .mer-consent__actions { justify-content: stretch; } .mer-consent__actions .mer-btn { flex: 1; } }