:root{
  --vellum:#EFEAE0;      /* primary background */
  --paper:#FAF7F0;       /* card/panel background */
  --ink:#1C4768;         /* primary brand color, links, CTAs */
  --ink-dark:#13344C;    /* hover state for ink */
  --charcoal:#272420;    /* body text, dark sections */
  --brass:#A3793A;       /* accent CTA */
  --brass-hover:#8e6730;
  --mist:#8C8779;        /* secondary/muted text */
  --mist-light:#DCD6C7;  /* borders, form fields */
  --gold:#d8b97f;        /* accent on dark backgrounds (replaces brass for contrast) */
  --line:rgba(39,36,32,0.14);
}