diff --git a/frontend/package-lock.json b/frontend/package-lock.json
index b58d8a9..2900289 100644
--- a/frontend/package-lock.json
+++ b/frontend/package-lock.json
@@ -21,6 +21,8 @@
         "@fontsource-variable/fraunces": "^5.2.9",
         "@fontsource-variable/inter": "^5.2.5",
         "@fontsource-variable/jetbrains-mono": "^5.2.5",
+        "@fontsource/space-mono": "^5.2.9",
+        "@fontsource/vt323": "^5.2.7",
         "@replit/codemirror-vim": "^6.3.0",
         "@tailwindcss/vite": "^4.2.2",
         "astro": "^6.0.8",
@@ -1722,6 +1724,24 @@
         "url": "https://github.com/sponsors/ayuhito"
       }
     },
+    "node_modules/@fontsource/space-mono": {
+      "version": "5.2.9",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@fontsource/space-mono/-/space-mono-5.2.9.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-b61faFOHEISQ/pD25G+cfGY9o/WW6lRv6hBQQfpWvEJ4y1V+S4gmth95EVyBE2VL3qDYHeVQ8nBzrplzdXTDDg==",
+      "license": "OFL-1.1",
+      "funding": {
+        "url": "https://github.com/sponsors/ayuhito"
+      }
+    },
+    "node_modules/@fontsource/vt323": {
+      "version": "5.2.7",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@fontsource/vt323/-/vt323-5.2.7.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-8JTMM23vMhQxin9Cn/ijty8cNwXW4INrln0VAJ2227Rz0CVfkzM3qr3l/CqudZJ6BXCnbCGUTdf2ym3cTNex8A==",
+      "license": "OFL-1.1",
+      "funding": {
+        "url": "https://github.com/sponsors/ayuhito"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/@img/colour": {
       "version": "1.1.0",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@img/colour/-/colour-1.1.0.tgz",
diff --git a/frontend/package.json b/frontend/package.json
index 46a023a..5ba44fd 100644
--- a/frontend/package.json
+++ b/frontend/package.json
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@
     "@fontsource-variable/fraunces": "^5.2.9",
     "@fontsource-variable/inter": "^5.2.5",
     "@fontsource-variable/jetbrains-mono": "^5.2.5",
+    "@fontsource/space-mono": "^5.2.9",
+    "@fontsource/vt323": "^5.2.7",
     "@replit/codemirror-vim": "^6.3.0",
     "@tailwindcss/vite": "^4.2.2",
     "astro": "^6.0.8",
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/CyberFx.astro b/frontend/src/components/CyberFx.astro
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0e61587
--- /dev/null
+++ b/frontend/src/components/CyberFx.astro
@@ -0,0 +1,110 @@
+---
+/*
+ * CyberFx — ambient + interactive layer for the `.cybersigil` theme.
+ *
+ * Renders an aria-hidden overlay root on every page. All visuals are CSS,
+ * scoped to `.cybersigil .cs-fx*` in global.css, so this is an inert,
+ * display:none no-op under every other theme. The bundled script only wires
+ * the JS-driven mechanics (custom sigil cursor + fading trail, scroll-entry
+ * databend on images) and self-disables off-theme, on touch, or under
+ * prefers-reduced-motion.
+ */
+---
+
+<div class="cs-fx" aria-hidden="true">
+	<div class="cs-fx-halftone"></div>
+	<div class="cs-fx-wire"></div>
+	<div class="cs-fx-tear"></div>
+	<i class="cs-fx-corner cs-fx-corner--tl"></i>
+	<i class="cs-fx-corner cs-fx-corner--tr"></i>
+	<i class="cs-fx-corner cs-fx-corner--bl"></i>
+	<i class="cs-fx-corner cs-fx-corner--br"></i>
+	<div class="cs-cursor"><span class="cs-cursor-ring"></span></div>
+</div>
+
+<script>
+	function initCyberFx() {
+		const root = document.documentElement;
+		if (!root.classList.contains('cybersigil')) return;
+
+		const fx = document.querySelector('.cs-fx') as HTMLElement | null;
+		if (!fx) return;
+
+		const reduced = window.matchMedia('(prefers-reduced-motion: reduce)').matches;
+		const finePointer = window.matchMedia('(pointer: fine)').matches;
+		const noHover = window.matchMedia('(hover: none)').matches;
+
+		/* ─── Custom sigil cursor + fading trail ─── */
+		const cursor = fx.querySelector('.cs-cursor') as HTMLElement | null;
+		if (cursor && finePointer && !noHover) {
+			root.classList.add('cs-cursor-on');
+			let cx = window.innerWidth / 2;
+			let cy = window.innerHeight / 2;
+			let raf = 0;
+			let lastTrail = 0;
+			const HOT = 'a,button,input,textarea,select,[role="button"],.btn,.plate,.topbar-control,.back-link,.chip';
+
+			function paint() {
+				raf = 0;
+				cursor!.style.transform = `translate3d(${cx}px, ${cy}px, 0)`;
+			}
+			window.addEventListener(
+				'mousemove',
+				(e) => {
+					cx = e.clientX;
+					cy = e.clientY;
+					if (!raf) raf = requestAnimationFrame(paint);
+
+					const t = e.target as Element | null;
+					const hot = !!(t && t.closest && t.closest(HOT));
+					cursor!.classList.toggle('cs-cursor--hot', hot);
+
+					if (!reduced && e.timeStamp - lastTrail > 28) {
+						lastTrail = e.timeStamp;
+						const dot = document.createElement('span');
+						dot.className = 'cs-trail';
+						dot.style.left = cx + 'px';
+						dot.style.top = cy + 'px';
+						fx!.appendChild(dot);
+						dot.addEventListener('animationend', () => dot.remove(), { once: true });
+					}
+				},
+				{ passive: true }
+			);
+			window.addEventListener('mousedown', () => cursor!.classList.add('cs-cursor--down'));
+			window.addEventListener('mouseup', () => cursor!.classList.remove('cs-cursor--down'));
+			document.addEventListener('mouseleave', () => cursor!.classList.add('cs-cursor--gone'));
+			document.addEventListener('mouseenter', () => cursor!.classList.remove('cs-cursor--gone'));
+		}
+
+		/* ─── Scroll-entry databend on images ─── */
+		if (!reduced && 'IntersectionObserver' in window) {
+			const targets = document.querySelectorAll<HTMLElement>(
+				'.prose img, .prose figure img, .plate-image img'
+			);
+			if (targets.length) {
+				const io = new IntersectionObserver(
+					(entries) => {
+						for (const en of entries) {
+							if (!en.isIntersecting) continue;
+							const el = en.target as HTMLElement;
+							el.classList.remove('cs-databent');
+							// reflow so the animation can retrigger
+							void el.offsetWidth;
+							el.classList.add('cs-databent');
+							io.unobserve(el);
+						}
+					},
+					{ rootMargin: '0px 0px -12% 0px', threshold: 0.15 }
+				);
+				targets.forEach((t) => io.observe(t));
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	initCyberFx();
+	// MPA back/forward restores: re-arm if needed.
+	window.addEventListener('pageshow', (e) => {
+		if (e.persisted) initCyberFx();
+	});
+</script>
diff --git a/frontend/src/layouts/Layout.astro b/frontend/src/layouts/Layout.astro
index 92d9e77..d128be9 100644
--- a/frontend/src/layouts/Layout.astro
+++ b/frontend/src/layouts/Layout.astro
@@ -3,6 +3,10 @@ import '../styles/global.css';
 import '@fontsource-variable/fraunces';
 import '@fontsource-variable/eb-garamond';
 import '@fontsource-variable/jetbrains-mono';
+import '@fontsource/vt323';
+import '@fontsource/space-mono';
+import '@fontsource/space-mono/700.css';
+import CyberFx from '../components/CyberFx.astro';
 import Search from '../components/react/Search';
 import LogoutButton from '../components/react/LogoutButton';
 import EditableText from '../components/react/EditableText';
@@ -188,5 +192,7 @@ const hasContact = (siteConfig.contact_links?.length ?? 0) > 0;
 				&copy; {year} · {siteConfig.title}
 			</div>
 		</footer>
+
+		<CyberFx />
 	</body>
 </html>
diff --git a/frontend/src/styles/global.css b/frontend/src/styles/global.css
index d1fb418..f207dd1 100644
--- a/frontend/src/styles/global.css
+++ b/frontend/src/styles/global.css
@@ -1873,71 +1873,252 @@ input[type="date"] { color-scheme: light; }
 }
 
 /* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
- * CYBERSIGIL — Frostbite layer.
+ * CYBERSIGIL — 0xPORTFOLIO // SYSTEM.BREAK()
  * Scoped to `.cybersigil`; salon / salon-noir / gothic / breakcore untouched.
- * Aesthetic: modern-breakcore melancholy. Editorial serif body in tension
- * with cold-mono sigil chrome — thin barbed vector linework, ice-cyan rest
- * state, bruised-magenta on contact, RGB chromatic split that lingers
- * (slower + sadder than breakcore's snap). Every control is a visible neon
- * affordance — no bare text. Motion is reactive only; killed by
- * prefers-reduced-motion at the very end of this file.
+ * An ancient corrupted terminal reclaimed by digital occultism: bitmap VT323
+ * heads + Space Mono terminal body, raw [ BRACKET ] / > PROMPT_ chrome,
+ * organic thorny sigil growths (not HUD corners), CRT scanlines + halftone +
+ * film grain, slow wireframe drift, random line-tears, a delicate sigil
+ * crosshair cursor with a fading trail (wired in CyberFx.astro). Palette
+ * tokens are inherited untouched. Motion dies at the file's reduced-motion
+ * kill-switch; JS mechanics self-disable on touch / reduced-motion.
  * ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
 
-/* Deep tube vignette — blacker, tighter than breakcore. */
+/* Typeface swap — bitmap display, terminal-log body. Code stays JetBrains. */
+.cybersigil {
+  --font-sans: 'Space Mono', 'Courier New', ui-monospace, monospace;
+  --font-display: 'VT323', 'Space Mono', 'Courier New', monospace;
+  --cs-corner: url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 100 100' fill='none' stroke='%23fff' stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round'><path stroke-width='2.4' d='M3 3 C 26 10 33 26 36 44 C 38 60 46 70 60 78 C 74 86 84 86 97 84 M16 7 C 22 2 30 1 40 2 M14 17 C 8 24 5 33 4 45 M35 40 C 45 36 56 37 66 41 M34 49 C 30 60 30 71 33 83 M52 73 C 60 66 70 64 82 65 M58 80 C 55 90 56 97 60 99'/><path stroke-width='1' opacity='0.8' d='M24 9 L30 3 M10 31 L3 34 M41 38 L47 31 M33 61 L26 66 M71 66 L79 61 M49 55 L44 49 M22 24 L17 20'/></svg>");
+  --cs-barb: url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 120 22' fill='none' stroke='%23fff' stroke-width='1.6' stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round'><path d='M2 11 C 24 4 40 18 60 11 C 80 4 96 18 118 11'/><path stroke-width='1.3' d='M18 8 L22 1 M30 13 L27 21 M48 12 L48 2 M60 11 L60 1 M72 12 L76 20 M90 9 L87 1 M104 13 L108 21'/></svg>");
+  --cs-cursor: url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 36 36' fill='none' stroke='%23fff' stroke-width='1.6' stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round'><path d='M18 1 L18 12 M18 24 L18 35 M1 18 L12 18 M24 18 L35 18 M18 1 L15 5 M18 1 L21 5 M18 35 L15 31 M18 35 L21 31 M1 18 L5 15 M1 18 L5 21 M35 18 L31 15 M35 18 L31 21'/><path d='M18 14 L22 18 L18 22 L14 18 Z'/></svg>");
+}
+
+/* Heads — VT323 bitmap, hard, uppercase, slight tracking so the dot-matrix
+ * reads as a corrupted readout rather than a soft retro logo. */
+.cybersigil .prose h1,
+.cybersigil .prose h2,
+.cybersigil h1.font-display,
+.cybersigil h2.font-display,
+.cybersigil .nameplate-title {
+  font-family: var(--font-display);
+  font-weight: 400;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  letter-spacing: 0.03em;
+  line-height: 1.05;
+}
+
+/* Deeper void vignette than breakcore — tube falloff into pure black. */
 .cybersigil body::before {
   background-image: radial-gradient(
     ellipse at center,
-    transparent 40%,
-    color-mix(in srgb, var(--crust) 92%, transparent) 100%
+    transparent 34%,
+    color-mix(in srgb, var(--crust) 96%, transparent) 100%
   );
 }
 
-/* Fine cold grain + tight scanlines. Lower opacity than breakcore, blue-
- * shifted — atmospheric, not blown out. */
+/* Corrupted-tube grain: cold static + tight scanlines, blue-shifted. */
 .cybersigil body::after,
 html.cybersigil body::after {
-  opacity: 0.4;
+  opacity: 0.42;
   background-image:
-    url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='200' height='200'><filter id='n'><feTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='1.4' numOctaves='2' stitchTiles='stitch'/><feColorMatrix values='0 0 0 0 0.31 0 0 0 0 0.91 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0.4 0'/></filter><rect width='100%' height='100%' filter='url(%23n)'/></svg>"),
+    url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='200' height='200'><filter id='n'><feTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='1.5' numOctaves='2' stitchTiles='stitch'/><feColorMatrix values='0 0 0 0 0.31 0 0 0 0 0.91 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0.4 0'/></filter><rect width='100%' height='100%' filter='url(%23n)'/></svg>"),
     repeating-linear-gradient(
       0deg,
       rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0,
       rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 2px,
-      rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.34) 3px,
+      rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.36) 3px,
       rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 4px
     );
   mix-blend-mode: screen;
 }
 
-/* Glow pools — ice-cyan + bruised magenta, large + faint. Moody, not lit. */
-.cybersigil .salon-atmosphere::before {
-  background: var(--sky);
-  opacity: 0.07;
+/* Atmosphere glows — barely-lit cold pools. */
+.cybersigil .salon-atmosphere::before { background: var(--sky);   opacity: 0.06; }
+.cybersigil .salon-atmosphere::after  { background: var(--mauve); opacity: 0.05; }
+
+/* ─── cs-fx overlay system (DOM in CyberFx.astro) ─────────────────────────
+ * Inert everywhere; only the cybersigil theme switches it on. Decorative
+ * layers ride above content at low opacity (pointer-events:none); the sigil
+ * cursor sits on top of everything. */
+.cs-fx { display: none; }
+.cybersigil .cs-fx {
+  display: block;
+  position: fixed;
+  inset: 0;
+  z-index: 9;
+  pointer-events: none;
+  contain: strict;
 }
-.cybersigil .salon-atmosphere::after {
-  background: var(--mauve);
-  opacity: 0.06;
+.cybersigil .cs-fx-halftone,
+.cybersigil .cs-fx-wire,
+.cybersigil .cs-fx-tear,
+.cybersigil .cs-fx-corner {
+  position: fixed;
+  pointer-events: none;
 }
 
-/* Selection — magenta block, bone text, cyan bleed. */
+/* Halftone dot screen — fine occult mesh over the whole tube. */
+.cybersigil .cs-fx-halftone {
+  inset: 0;
+  opacity: 0.05;
+  mix-blend-mode: screen;
+  background-image: radial-gradient(
+    var(--sky) 0.6px,
+    transparent 1.4px
+  );
+  background-size: 7px 7px;
+}
+
+/* Slow wireframe mesh drift — a derelict orbital, almost subliminal. */
+.cybersigil .cs-fx-wire {
+  top: 50%;
+  left: 50%;
+  width: 78vmin;
+  height: 78vmin;
+  opacity: 0.07;
+  mix-blend-mode: screen;
+  background: center / contain no-repeat
+    url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 200 200' fill='none' stroke='%234FE9FF' stroke-width='0.6'><circle cx='100' cy='100' r='96'/><ellipse cx='100' cy='100' rx='96' ry='34'/><ellipse cx='100' cy='100' rx='96' ry='66'/><ellipse cx='100' cy='100' rx='34' ry='96'/><ellipse cx='100' cy='100' rx='66' ry='96'/><path d='M4 100 H196 M100 4 V196 M30 30 L170 170 M170 30 L30 170'/></svg>");
+  animation: cs-wire-spin 96s linear infinite;
+}
+
+/* Random horizontal databend tears — bright displaced bars, mostly absent. */
+.cybersigil .cs-fx-tear {
+  left: 0;
+  width: 100vw;
+  height: 2px;
+  opacity: 0;
+  mix-blend-mode: screen;
+  background: var(--sky);
+  box-shadow:
+    0 0 10px var(--sky),
+    0 -3px 0 color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 70%, transparent),
+    0 3px 0 color-mix(in srgb, var(--teal) 60%, transparent);
+  animation: cs-tear 8.5s steps(1, jump-none) infinite;
+}
+.cybersigil .cs-fx-tear::after {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: -22px 0 auto 0;
+  height: 46px;
+  background: repeating-linear-gradient(
+    0deg,
+    transparent 0 2px,
+    color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 22%, transparent) 2px 3px
+  );
+}
+
+/* Thorny sigil growths anchoring the four screen corners. */
+.cybersigil .cs-fx-corner {
+  width: clamp(96px, 13vw, 188px);
+  height: clamp(96px, 13vw, 188px);
+  background-color: var(--sky);
+  opacity: 0.26;
+  -webkit-mask: var(--cs-corner) center / contain no-repeat;
+  mask: var(--cs-corner) center / contain no-repeat;
+  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 5px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 45%, transparent));
+  animation: cs-flicker 7s steps(1, jump-none) infinite;
+}
+.cybersigil .cs-fx-corner--tl { top: 0;    left: 0;  }
+.cybersigil .cs-fx-corner--tr { top: 0;    right: 0; transform: scaleX(-1); animation-delay: -1.7s; }
+.cybersigil .cs-fx-corner--bl { bottom: 0; left: 0;  transform: scaleY(-1); animation-delay: -3.4s; }
+.cybersigil .cs-fx-corner--br { bottom: 0; right: 0; transform: scale(-1);  animation-delay: -5.1s; }
+
+/* ─── Sigil crosshair cursor + fading trail ─── */
+.cybersigil .cs-cursor {
+  position: fixed;
+  top: 0;
+  left: 0;
+  width: 34px;
+  height: 34px;
+  margin: -17px 0 0 -17px;
+  z-index: 99999;
+  opacity: 0;
+  will-change: transform;
+  transition: opacity 0.16s linear;
+}
+html.cs-cursor-on.cybersigil,
+html.cs-cursor-on.cybersigil * { cursor: none !important; }
+html.cs-cursor-on .cybersigil .cs-cursor,
+html.cs-cursor-on.cybersigil .cs-cursor { opacity: 1; }
+.cybersigil .cs-cursor-ring {
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: 0;
+  background-color: var(--sky);
+  -webkit-mask: var(--cs-cursor) center / contain no-repeat;
+  mask: var(--cs-cursor) center / contain no-repeat;
+  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 4px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 65%, transparent));
+  transition: transform 0.12s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 1),
+              background-color 0.12s linear, filter 0.12s linear;
+}
+.cybersigil .cs-cursor--hot .cs-cursor-ring {
+  background-color: var(--mauve);
+  transform: scale(1.32) rotate(45deg);
+  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 7px color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 75%, transparent));
+}
+.cybersigil .cs-cursor--down .cs-cursor-ring { transform: scale(0.78); }
+.cybersigil .cs-cursor--hot.cs-cursor--down .cs-cursor-ring { transform: scale(1.05) rotate(45deg); }
+.cybersigil .cs-cursor--gone { opacity: 0; }
+.cybersigil .cs-trail {
+  position: fixed;
+  width: 5px;
+  height: 5px;
+  margin: -2.5px 0 0 -2.5px;
+  z-index: 99998;
+  pointer-events: none;
+  background: var(--sky);
+  transform: rotate(45deg);
+  animation: cs-trail-fade 480ms linear forwards;
+}
+
+/* Selection — magenta block, bone glyph, cyan bleed. */
 .cybersigil ::selection {
   background: var(--mauve);
   color: var(--rosewater);
   text-shadow: 0 0 6px var(--sky);
 }
 
-/* Static chromatic aberration on display heads + nameplate (resting state). */
+/* Resting chromatic split on display heads + nameplate. */
 .cybersigil .prose h1,
 .cybersigil .prose h2,
 .cybersigil h1.font-display,
 .cybersigil .nameplate-title {
   text-shadow:
-    -1px 0 0 color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 72%, transparent),
-    1px 0 0 color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 72%, transparent),
-    0 0 22px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 28%, transparent);
+    -1px 0 0 color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 75%, transparent),
+    1px 0 0 color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 75%, transparent),
+    0 0 22px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 26%, transparent);
 }
 
-/* Nameplate underline → ice rule, hard magenta offset + cyan bloom. */
+/* Nameplate = the system handle. `> ` prompt + live block caret. */
+.cybersigil .nameplate-title::before {
+  content: "> ";
+  color: var(--sky);
+  -webkit-text-fill-color: var(--sky);
+}
+.cybersigil .nameplate-title::after {
+  content: "";
+  display: inline-block;
+  width: 0.52em;
+  height: 1em;
+  margin-left: 0.14em;
+  vertical-align: -0.12em;
+  background: var(--mauve);
+  box-shadow: 0 0 8px color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 70%, transparent);
+  animation: cs-blink 1.05s steps(1, jump-none) infinite;
+}
+.cybersigil .nameplate-subtitle {
+  font-family: var(--font-sans);
+  font-style: normal;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
+  font-size: 0.72rem;
+  color: var(--subtext0);
+}
+.cybersigil .nameplate-subtitle::before {
+  content: "// ";
+  color: var(--sky);
+  opacity: 0.8;
+}
 .cybersigil .nameplate::after {
   height: 2px;
   bottom: -7px;
@@ -1950,7 +2131,7 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
   0%   { clip-path: inset(0 0 0 0);     transform: translateX(0);
          text-shadow: -1px 0 0 var(--sky), 1px 0 0 var(--mauve); }
   22%  { clip-path: inset(14% 0 58% 0); transform: translateX(-6px);
-         text-shadow: -6px 0 0 var(--sky), 6px 0 0 var(--mauve); }
+         text-shadow: -7px 0 0 var(--sky), 7px 0 0 var(--mauve); }
   45%  { clip-path: inset(60% 0 12% 0); transform: translateX(5px);
          text-shadow: 5px 0 0 var(--teal), -5px 0 0 var(--mauve); }
   68%  { clip-path: inset(28% 0 44% 0); transform: translateX(-3px);
@@ -1962,70 +2143,65 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
   animation: cs-shear 320ms steps(4, jump-none) 1;
 }
 
-/* Display heads — slow melancholic glitch-in on load (sadder than the
- * breakcore snap; longer settle, deeper offsets). */
+/* Slow melancholic glitch-in on display heads. */
 @keyframes cs-load-glitch {
-  0%   { opacity: 0;   clip-path: inset(48% 0 48% 0); transform: translateX(-12px); }
-  18%  { opacity: 1;   clip-path: inset(6% 0 74% 0);  transform: translateX(9px); }
-  38%  {               clip-path: inset(70% 0 6% 0);  transform: translateX(-6px); }
-  58%  {               clip-path: inset(22% 0 40% 0); transform: translateX(4px); }
-  78%  {               clip-path: inset(4% 0 86% 0);  transform: translateX(-2px); }
-  100% { opacity: 1;   clip-path: none;               transform: translateX(0); }
+  0%   { opacity: 0; clip-path: inset(48% 0 48% 0); transform: translateX(-12px); }
+  18%  { opacity: 1; clip-path: inset(6% 0 74% 0);  transform: translateX(9px); }
+  38%  {             clip-path: inset(70% 0 6% 0);  transform: translateX(-6px); }
+  58%  {             clip-path: inset(22% 0 40% 0); transform: translateX(4px); }
+  78%  {             clip-path: inset(4% 0 86% 0);  transform: translateX(-2px); }
+  100% { opacity: 1; clip-path: none;               transform: translateX(0); }
 }
 .cybersigil .prose h1,
 .cybersigil h1.font-display {
   animation: cs-load-glitch 620ms steps(5, jump-none) backwards;
 }
 
-/* Plate — dark glass card, ice frame, barbed sigil corner-brackets. The
- * brackets are the theme signature: thin angular vector marks that ignite
- * magenta on contact. */
+/* Plate — corrupted terminal panel. Scanline fill, thorny sigil growth at
+ * two corners (organic, not HUD brackets), ignites magenta on contact. */
 .cybersigil .plate {
   position: relative;
-  background: var(--surface0);
+  background:
+    repeating-linear-gradient(
+      0deg,
+      rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0 2px,
+      color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 6%, transparent) 2px 3px,
+      rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 3px 4px
+    ),
+    var(--surface0);
   box-shadow:
-    inset 0 0 0 1px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 26%, transparent),
-    0 0 0 1px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 14%, transparent),
-    0 22px 44px -28px rgba(79, 233, 255, 0.28),
-    0 0 26px -10px color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 36%, transparent);
+    inset 0 0 0 1px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 24%, transparent),
+    0 0 0 1px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 12%, transparent),
+    0 22px 44px -28px rgba(79, 233, 255, 0.26),
+    0 0 26px -10px color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 34%, transparent);
 }
 .cybersigil .plate::before,
 .cybersigil .plate::after {
   content: "";
   position: absolute;
-  width: 26px;
-  height: 26px;
-  border: 1.5px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 70%, transparent);
-  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 4px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 45%, transparent));
+  width: 34px;
+  height: 34px;
+  background-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 78%, transparent);
+  -webkit-mask: var(--cs-corner) center / contain no-repeat;
+  mask: var(--cs-corner) center / contain no-repeat;
+  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 3px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 45%, transparent));
   pointer-events: none;
-  transition: border-color 0.18s ease, filter 0.18s ease;
-}
-.cybersigil .plate::before {
-  top: -1px;
-  left: -1px;
-  border-right: 0;
-  border-bottom: 0;
-  clip-path: polygon(0 0, 100% 0, 100% 20%, 32% 20%, 32% 100%, 0 100%);
-}
-.cybersigil .plate::after {
-  right: -1px;
-  bottom: -1px;
-  border-left: 0;
-  border-top: 0;
-  clip-path: polygon(100% 0, 100% 100%, 0 100%, 0 80%, 68% 80%, 68% 0);
+  transition: background-color 0.18s ease, filter 0.18s ease;
 }
+.cybersigil .plate::before { top: 5px; left: 5px; }
+.cybersigil .plate::after  { right: 5px; bottom: 5px; transform: scale(-1); }
 .cybersigil .plate:hover {
   transform: translateY(-3px);
   box-shadow:
-    inset 0 0 0 1px color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 40%, transparent),
-    0 0 0 1px color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 26%, transparent),
+    inset 0 0 0 1px color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 38%, transparent),
+    0 0 0 1px color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 24%, transparent),
     0 32px 60px -28px rgba(200, 50, 122, 0.42),
     0 0 34px -8px color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 48%, transparent);
 }
 .cybersigil .plate:hover::before,
 .cybersigil .plate:hover::after {
-  border-color: var(--mauve);
-  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 7px color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 60%, transparent));
+  background-color: var(--mauve);
+  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 6px color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 60%, transparent));
 }
 .cybersigil .plate:focus-visible {
   box-shadow:
@@ -2036,14 +2212,12 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
 .cybersigil .plate:hover .plate-caption-title {
   text-shadow: -1px 0 0 var(--sky), 1px 0 0 var(--mauve);
 }
-.cybersigil .plate-image {
-  background: var(--mantle);
-}
+.cybersigil .plate-image { background: var(--mantle); }
 .cybersigil .plate:hover .plate-image img {
   filter:
     drop-shadow(-3px 0 0 color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 70%, transparent))
     drop-shadow(3px 0 0 color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 70%, transparent))
-    saturate(0.92) contrast(1.05) brightness(0.96);
+    saturate(0.9) contrast(1.06) brightness(0.95);
 }
 .cybersigil .plate .plate-image::after {
   content: "";
@@ -2073,6 +2247,38 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
 .cybersigil .plate:focus-visible .plate-image::after {
   animation: cs-scan 0.78s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 1;
 }
+
+/* Scroll-entry databend (class toggled by CyberFx IntersectionObserver). */
+@keyframes cs-databend {
+  0%   { clip-path: inset(0 0 0 0); transform: translateX(0); filter: none; }
+  12%  { clip-path: inset(38% 0 30% 0); transform: translateX(-9px);
+         filter: drop-shadow(-5px 0 0 var(--mauve)) drop-shadow(5px 0 0 var(--sky)); }
+  28%  { clip-path: inset(8% 0 72% 0); transform: translateX(7px);
+         filter: drop-shadow(4px 0 0 var(--teal)) drop-shadow(-4px 0 0 var(--mauve)); }
+  46%  { clip-path: inset(64% 0 10% 0); transform: translateX(-4px); filter: saturate(1.3) contrast(1.1); }
+  64%  { clip-path: inset(24% 0 50% 0); transform: translateX(2px); filter: none; }
+  100% { clip-path: inset(0 0 0 0); transform: translateX(0); filter: none; }
+}
+.cybersigil img.cs-databent {
+  animation: cs-databend 560ms steps(5, jump-none) 1;
+}
+
+/* Prose image framing — thorny growth at opposing corners + cold edge. */
+.cybersigil .prose figure { position: relative; }
+.cybersigil .prose figure::before,
+.cybersigil .prose figure::after {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  width: 40px;
+  height: 40px;
+  background-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 70%, transparent);
+  -webkit-mask: var(--cs-corner) center / contain no-repeat;
+  mask: var(--cs-corner) center / contain no-repeat;
+  pointer-events: none;
+  z-index: 1;
+}
+.cybersigil .prose figure::before { top: -8px; left: -8px; }
+.cybersigil .prose figure::after  { right: -8px; bottom: -8px; transform: scale(-1); }
 .cybersigil .prose figure img,
 .cybersigil .prose img {
   background:
@@ -2080,14 +2286,14 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
     linear-gradient(135deg, color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 40%, var(--surface2)), color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 40%, var(--surface1))) border-box;
 }
 
-/* Section rule — masked barbed sigil glyph between cyan→magenta filaments. */
+/* Section rule — terminal divider `// ……… [sigil] ……… //`. */
 .cybersigil .section-rule {
   color: var(--sky);
-  font-family: var(--font-mono);
+  font-family: var(--font-sans);
   font-style: normal;
-  font-size: 0.76rem;
+  font-size: 0.72rem;
   text-transform: uppercase;
-  letter-spacing: 0.24em;
+  letter-spacing: 0.22em;
 }
 .cybersigil .section-rule::before,
 .cybersigil .section-rule::after {
@@ -2103,18 +2309,15 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
 }
 .cybersigil .section-rule .ornament {
   color: transparent;
-  width: 1.1em;
-  height: 1.1em;
+  width: 2.4em;
+  height: 1.2em;
   background-color: var(--sky);
-  -webkit-mask: var(--cs-sigil) center / contain no-repeat;
-  mask: var(--cs-sigil) center / contain no-repeat;
-  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 5px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 60%, transparent));
-}
-.cybersigil {
-  --cs-sigil: url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 24 24' fill='none' stroke='%23fff' stroke-width='1.5' stroke-linecap='round'><path d='M12 1 L12 23 M12 1 L9 4 M12 1 L15 4 M12 7 L7 10 M12 7 L17 10 M12 13 L8.5 16 M12 13 L15.5 16'/></svg>");
+  -webkit-mask: var(--cs-barb) center / contain no-repeat;
+  mask: var(--cs-barb) center / contain no-repeat;
+  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 4px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 55%, transparent));
 }
 
-/* Readability — lift dim-on-near-black copy spots to the subtext ramp. */
+/* Readability — lift dim-on-void copy to the subtext ramp. */
 .cybersigil .prose h6,
 .cybersigil .prose del,
 .cybersigil .hljs-comment,
@@ -2124,18 +2327,20 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
   color: var(--subtext0);
 }
 
-/* Chips — thin ice outline, mono caps. */
+/* Chips — `[ TAG ]` bracketed mono. */
 .cybersigil .chip {
   background: transparent;
   border-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 55%, transparent);
   color: var(--sky);
-  font-family: var(--font-mono);
+  font-family: var(--font-sans);
   font-style: normal;
-  font-size: 0.7rem;
+  font-size: 0.68rem;
   text-transform: uppercase;
-  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
+  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
   border-radius: 0;
 }
+.cybersigil .chip::before { content: "["; margin-right: 0.3em; opacity: 0.7; }
+.cybersigil .chip::after  { content: "]"; margin-left: 0.3em; opacity: 0.7; }
 .cybersigil .chip-accent {
   background: var(--mauve);
   color: var(--rosewater);
@@ -2147,19 +2352,32 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
   color: var(--green);
 }
 .cybersigil .plate-caption-meta {
-  font-family: var(--font-mono);
-  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
-}
-.cybersigil .plate-caption-sep {
-  color: var(--sky);
-  opacity: 1;
+  font-family: var(--font-sans);
+  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  font-size: 0.7rem;
 }
+.cybersigil .plate-caption-sep { color: var(--sky); opacity: 1; }
+.cybersigil .plate-caption-sep::after { content: "//"; }
 
-/* Buttons & inputs — square, hard offset, ice→magenta neon. */
+/* Buttons — raw `[ LABEL ]` chrome, square, hard cold offset. */
 .cybersigil .btn,
 .cybersigil .field-input,
 .cybersigil .topbar-control,
 .cybersigil .topbar-control kbd { border-radius: 0; }
+.cybersigil .btn {
+  font-family: var(--font-sans);
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
+}
+.cybersigil .btn::before {
+  content: "[\00a0";
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, currentColor 70%, transparent);
+}
+.cybersigil .btn::after {
+  content: "\00a0]";
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, currentColor 70%, transparent);
+}
 .cybersigil .btn--primary {
   color: var(--rosewater);
   border-color: var(--mauve);
@@ -2178,9 +2396,7 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
 .cybersigil .btn--danger {
   box-shadow: 3px 3px 0 0 color-mix(in srgb, var(--red) 60%, var(--crust));
 }
-.cybersigil .btn--danger:hover {
-  box-shadow: 3px 3px 0 0 var(--mauve);
-}
+.cybersigil .btn--danger:hover { box-shadow: 3px 3px 0 0 var(--mauve); }
 .cybersigil .btn--danger:active {
   transform: translate(2px, 2px);
   box-shadow: 1px 1px 0 0 var(--mauve);
@@ -2189,11 +2405,6 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
   border-color: var(--sky);
   box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px var(--sky);
 }
-.cybersigil .field-input:focus {
-  border-color: var(--sky);
-  background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--surface0) 85%, var(--sky) 8%);
-  box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 35%, transparent);
-}
 .cybersigil .btn--ghost {
   color: var(--sky);
   border-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 55%, transparent);
@@ -2210,17 +2421,25 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
   transform: translate(2px, 2px);
   box-shadow: 1px 1px 0 0 var(--mauve);
 }
+.cybersigil .field-input {
+  font-family: var(--font-sans);
+}
+.cybersigil .field-input:focus {
+  border-color: var(--sky);
+  background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--surface0) 85%, var(--sky) 8%);
+  box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 35%, transparent);
+}
 
-/* Back-link → sigil-marked neon return tab. */
+/* Back-link — `‹ RETURN_` command prompt with live caret + barb mark. */
 .cybersigil .back-link {
   display: inline-flex;
   align-items: center;
   gap: 0.5em;
-  font-family: var(--font-mono);
+  font-family: var(--font-sans);
   font-style: normal;
   font-size: 0.7rem;
   text-transform: uppercase;
-  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
+  letter-spacing: 0.14em;
   color: var(--sky);
   padding: 7px 13px;
   background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--crust) 70%, transparent);
@@ -2230,13 +2449,18 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
 }
 .cybersigil .back-link::before {
   content: "";
-  width: 0.95em;
+  width: 1.5em;
   height: 0.95em;
   flex: none;
   background-color: currentColor;
-  -webkit-mask: var(--cs-sigil) center / contain no-repeat;
-  mask: var(--cs-sigil) center / contain no-repeat;
-  transform: rotate(-90deg);
+  -webkit-mask: var(--cs-barb) center / contain no-repeat;
+  mask: var(--cs-barb) center / contain no-repeat;
+  transform: scaleX(-1);
+}
+.cybersigil .back-link::after {
+  content: "_";
+  margin-left: -0.1em;
+  animation: cs-blink 1.05s steps(1, jump-none) infinite;
 }
 .cybersigil .back-link:hover,
 .cybersigil .back-link:focus-visible {
@@ -2251,17 +2475,27 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
   box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 var(--mauve);
 }
 
-/* Top-bar chrome — cold mono caps, hard offset. */
+/* Top-bar chrome — `> CMD` prompts with a blinking caret. */
 .cybersigil .topbar-control {
-  font-family: var(--font-mono);
+  font-family: var(--font-sans);
   font-style: normal;
   font-size: 0.72rem;
-  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
+  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
   text-transform: uppercase;
   color: var(--sky);
   background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--crust) 60%, transparent);
   border-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 50%, transparent);
 }
+.cybersigil .topbar-control::before {
+  content: ">\00a0";
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, currentColor 75%, transparent);
+}
+.cybersigil .topbar-control::after {
+  content: "_";
+  margin-left: 0.18em;
+  opacity: 0.85;
+  animation: cs-blink 1.05s steps(1, jump-none) infinite;
+}
 .cybersigil .topbar-control:hover {
   color: var(--crust);
   background: var(--mauve);
@@ -2289,7 +2523,7 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
   );
 }
 
-/* Post prev/next — neon offset panels + cyan eyebrow. */
+/* Post prev/next — terminal jump panels. */
 .cybersigil .post-nav a { transition: box-shadow 0.15s ease, border-color 0.15s ease; }
 .cybersigil .post-nav a:hover {
   border-color: var(--mauve);
@@ -2299,15 +2533,17 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
 }
 .cybersigil .post-nav .pn-eyebrow {
   color: var(--sky);
-  font-family: var(--font-mono);
-  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
+  font-family: var(--font-sans);
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
   text-shadow: 0 0 6px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 45%, transparent);
 }
+.cybersigil .post-nav .pn-eyebrow::before { content: "// "; opacity: 0.7; }
 
-/* Prose / code — cold terminal, amber inline, magenta quote, barbed rule. */
+/* Prose / code — terminal log. Cold console, amber inline, magenta quote. */
 .cybersigil .prose pre {
   color: var(--sky);
-  background-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--crust) 88%, transparent);
+  background-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--crust) 90%, transparent);
   background-image: repeating-linear-gradient(
     0deg,
     rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0 2px,
@@ -2326,11 +2562,19 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
   background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--yellow) 12%, transparent);
   border-bottom-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--yellow) 55%, transparent);
 }
+.cybersigil .prose :not(pre) code::before,
+.cybersigil .prose :not(pre) code::after { content: "`"; opacity: 0.5; }
 .cybersigil .prose blockquote {
   border-left-color: var(--mauve);
   background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 8%, transparent);
   box-shadow: -3px 0 16px -5px color-mix(in srgb, var(--mauve) 55%, transparent);
   padding: 0.5rem 0 0.5rem 1.4rem;
+  font-style: normal;
+}
+.cybersigil .prose blockquote p:first-of-type::before {
+  content: "> ";
+  color: var(--mauve);
+  font-weight: 700;
 }
 .cybersigil .prose hr {
   height: 3px;
@@ -2346,18 +2590,30 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
   background: var(--sky);
   box-shadow: 0 0 8px var(--sky);
 }
+.cybersigil .prose h3,
+.cybersigil .prose h4,
+.cybersigil .prose h5 {
+  font-family: var(--font-sans);
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
+}
 .cybersigil .prose h3 { color: var(--pink); }
+.cybersigil .prose h3::before { content: "## ";  color: var(--sky); opacity: 0.65; }
 .cybersigil .prose h4 { color: var(--teal); }
-.cybersigil .prose h5 { color: var(--green); font-family: var(--font-mono); }
+.cybersigil .prose h4::before { content: "### "; color: var(--sky); opacity: 0.6; }
+.cybersigil .prose h5 { color: var(--green); }
+.cybersigil .prose h5::before { content: "#### "; color: var(--sky); opacity: 0.55; }
 .cybersigil .prose a {
-  text-decoration-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 55%, transparent);
+  text-decoration-style: dotted;
+  text-decoration-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 60%, transparent);
 }
 .cybersigil .prose a:hover {
   color: var(--mauve);
   text-decoration-color: var(--mauve);
+  text-shadow: -1px 0 0 var(--sky), 1px 0 0 var(--mauve);
 }
 
-/* Scrollbar + caret — full-immersion cold chrome. */
+/* Scrollbar + caret — hard cold chrome. */
 .cybersigil {
   scrollbar-color: var(--sky) var(--crust);
   caret-color: var(--mauve);
@@ -2378,9 +2634,9 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
   box-shadow: 0 0 8px var(--sky), 0 0 3px var(--mauve);
 }
 
-/* Glass / tooltip / catalogue tag — cold neon parity with breakcore. */
+/* Glass / tooltip / tag — square cold terminal parity. */
 .cybersigil .glass {
-  background-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--surface0) 72%, transparent);
+  background-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--surface0) 74%, transparent);
   border-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 42%, var(--surface2));
   box-shadow:
     inset 0 0 0 1px color-mix(in srgb, var(--sky) 22%, transparent),
@@ -2392,8 +2648,9 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
   color: var(--sky);
   border: 1px solid var(--mauve);
   border-radius: 0;
-  font-family: var(--font-mono);
-  font-weight: 500;
+  font-family: var(--font-sans);
+  font-weight: 700;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
 }
 .cybersigil .kbd-tip {
   background: var(--crust);
@@ -2410,22 +2667,65 @@ html.cybersigil body::after {
 }
 .cybersigil input[type="date"] { color-scheme: dark; }
 
-/* Confirm dialog — hard edge, ice→magenta cap, chromatic title. */
+/* Confirm dialog — hard terminal halt prompt. */
 .cybersigil .cdialog-panel {
   border-radius: 0;
-  padding-top: 1.85rem;
+  padding-top: 1.95rem;
 }
 .cybersigil .cdialog-panel::before {
-  content: "";
+  content: "// SYSTEM.HALT?";
   position: absolute;
   inset: 0 0 auto 0;
-  height: 2px;
+  height: 1.5rem;
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  padding: 0 0.75rem;
+  font-family: var(--font-sans);
+  font-size: 0.62rem;
+  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
+  color: var(--crust);
   background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--sky), var(--mauve));
 }
 .cybersigil .cdialog-title {
+  font-family: var(--font-display);
+  text-transform: uppercase;
   text-shadow: -1px 0 0 var(--sky), 1px 0 0 var(--mauve);
 }
 
+/* ─── Theme keyframes ─── */
+@keyframes cs-blink {
+  0%, 49%  { opacity: 1; }
+  50%, 100% { opacity: 0; }
+}
+@keyframes cs-wire-spin {
+  from { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(0deg); }
+  to   { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(360deg); }
+}
+@keyframes cs-flicker {
+  0%, 8%    { opacity: 0.26; }
+  9%        { opacity: 0.46; }
+  10%, 70%  { opacity: 0.26; }
+  71%       { opacity: 0.08; }
+  72%       { opacity: 0.34; }
+  73%, 100% { opacity: 0.26; }
+}
+@keyframes cs-tear {
+  0%, 21%   { opacity: 0; top: 18%; }
+  22%       { opacity: 0.85; top: 18%; transform: translateX(-7px); }
+  23%       { opacity: 0; }
+  46%       { opacity: 0; top: 63%; }
+  47%       { opacity: 0.7; top: 63%; transform: translateX(6px) skewX(-12deg); }
+  48%, 49%  { opacity: 0; }
+  79%       { opacity: 0; top: 41%; }
+  80%       { opacity: 0.9; top: 41%; transform: translateX(-4px); }
+  81%       { opacity: 0.2; }
+  82%, 100% { opacity: 0; }
+}
+@keyframes cs-trail-fade {
+  0%   { opacity: 0.7; transform: rotate(45deg) scale(1); }
+  100% { opacity: 0;   transform: rotate(45deg) scale(0.2); }
+}
+
 /* ═══ Reduced motion — universal kill-switch. Final word in the file so it
  * overrides every animation/transition above, all themes. Content still
  * resolves to its final state (forwards-filled keyframes complete). ═══ */