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+# GEMINI.md - Echoes of the Ash
+
+## Project Overview
+- **Type**: Dark Fantasy RPG Adventure
+- **Stack**: Monorepo with Python/FastAPI backend and React/Vite/TypeScript frontend.
+- **Infrastructure**: Docker Compose (Postgres, Redis, Traefik).
+- **Primary Target**: Web (PWA + API). Electron is secondary.
+
+## Commands
+
+### Development & Deployment
+- **Start (Dev)**: `docker compose up -d`
+- **Apply Changes**: `docker compose build && docker compose up -d` (Required for both code and env changes)
+- **Restart API**: `docker compose restart echoes_of_the_ashes_api` (This does not apply changes to the code)
+- **View Logs**: `docker compose logs -f [service_name]` (e.g., `echoes_of_the_ashes_api`, `echoes_of_the_ashes_pwa`)
+
+### Frontend (PWA)
+- **Directory**: `pwa/`
+- **Build and run**: `docker compose build echoes_of_the_ashes_pwa && docker compose up -d` (Required for both code and env changes)
+
+### Backend (API)
+- **Directory**: `api/`
+- **Dependencies**: `requirements.txt`
+- **Build and run**: `docker compose build echoes_of_the_ashes_api && docker compose up -d` (Required for both code and env changes)
+
+### Testing
+- No automated testing
+- Do not use the automated browser
+
+## Architecture & Code Structure
+
+### Backend (`api/`)
+- **Entry**: `main.py`
+- **Routers**: `routers/` (Modular endpoints: `game_routes.py`, `combat.py`, `auth.py`, etc.)
+- **Core**: `core/` (Config, Security, WebSockets)
+- **Services**: `services/` (Models, Helpers)
+- **Pattern**: 
+    - Use `routers` for new features.
+    - Register routers in `main.py` (auto-registration logic exists but explicit is clearer).
+    - Pydantic models in `services/models.py`.
+
+### Frontend (`pwa/`)
+- **Entry**: `src/main.tsx`
+- **Styling**: Standard CSS files per component (e.g., `components/Game.css`). No Tailwind/Modules. Read `VISUALS_GUIDE.md` for styling guidelines.
+- **State**: Zustand stores (`src/stores/`).
+- **Translation**: i18next (`src/i18n/`).
+- **Reusable Components**: `src/components/common/` (e.g., `Button.tsx`, `Modal.tsx`, etc.)
+
+## Style Guidelines
+- **Python**: PEP8 standard. No strict linter enforced.
+- **TypeScript**: Standard ESLint rules from Vite template.
+- **CSS**: Plain CSS. Keep component styles in dedicated files. Read `VISUALS_GUIDE.md` for styling guidelines.
+- **Docs**: update `QUICK_REFERENCE.md` if simplified logic or architecture changes.
diff --git a/VISUALS_GUIDE.md b/VISUALS_GUIDE.md
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+# Visual Style Guide - Echoes of the Ash
+
+This document defines the unified visual system for the application, ensuring a consistent, mature "videogame" aesthetic.
+
+## 1. Core Design Philosophy
+- **Aesthetic**: **Mature Post-Apocalyptic**. Think "High-Tech Scavenger".
+    - **Dark & Gritty**: Deep blacks (`#0a0a0a`) mixed with industrial dark greys (`#1a1a20`).
+    - **Sharp & Distinct**: Avoid overly rounded "Web 2.0" corners. Use chamfered corners (clip-path) for a militaristic/industrial feel.
+    - **Glassmorphism**: Use semi-transparent backgrounds with blur (`backdrop-filter`) to keep the player connected to the world.
+    - **Cinematic**: High contrast text, subtle glows on active elements, and distinct borders.
+- **Interaction**: **Instant Feedback**. 
+    - **Custom Tooltips**: **MANDATORY**. Do NOT use the HTML `title` attribute. All information must appear instantly in a custom game-styled tooltip anchor.
+    - **Micro-animations**: Subtle pulses, border glows on hover.
+
+## 2. CSS Variables (Design Tokens)
+Defined in `:root`.
+
+### Colors
+```css
+:root {
+  /* Backgrounds */
+  --game-bg-app: #050505;                 /* Deepest black */
+  --game-bg-panel: rgba(18, 18, 24, 0.96); /* Almost solid panels */
+  --game-bg-glass: rgba(10, 10, 15, 0.85); /* Overlays */
+  --game-bg-slot: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);      /* Item slots - darker than panels */
+  --game-bg-slot-hover: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08); 
+
+  /* Borders / Separators */
+  --game-border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
+  --game-border-active: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);
+  --game-border-highlight: #ff6b6b; /* Red accent border */
+
+  /* Corner Radius - Tighter for mature look */
+  --game-radius-xs: 2px;
+  --game-radius-sm: 4px;
+  --game-radius-md: 6px; 
+
+  /* Typography */
+  --game-font-main: 'Saira Condensed', system-ui, sans-serif;
+  --game-text-primary: #e0e0e0; /* Off-white is better for eyes than pure white */
+  --game-text-secondary: #94a3b8; /* Cool grey */
+  --game-text-highlight: #fbbf24; /* Amber/Gold */
+  --game-text-danger: #ef4444;
+
+  /* Semantic Colors (Desaturated/Industrial) */
+  --game-color-primary: #e11d48;    /* Blood Red - Action/Health */
+  --game-color-stamina: #d97706;    /* Amber - Stamina */
+  --game-color-magic: #3b82f6;      /* Blue - Mana/Tech */
+  --game-color-success: #10b981;    /* Emerald - Durability High */
+  --game-color-warning: #f59e0b;    /* Amber - Warning */
+  
+  /* Rarity Colors */
+  --rarity-common: #9ca3af;
+  --rarity-uncommon: #ffffff;
+  --rarity-rare: #34d399;
+  --rarity-epic: #60a5fa;
+  --rarity-legendary: #fbbf24;
+
+  /* Effects */
+  --game-shadow-panel: 0 8px 32px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8);
+  --game-shadow-glow: 0 0 15px rgba(225, 29, 72, 0.3); /* Subtle red glow */
+}
+```
+
+## 3. Tooltip System (CRITICAL)
+**Goal**: Replicate a native game HUD tooltip. 
+**Rule**: NEVER use `title="Description"`.
+
+### The Component: `<GameTooltip />`
+Every interactive element with info must be wrapped or associated with this component.
+- **Behavior**: Appears instantly on hover (0ms delay). Follows cursor OR anchored to element.
+- **Visuals**:
+    - Background: Solid dark (`#0f0f12`) with high opacity (98%).
+    - Border: Thin accent border (`1px solid --game-border-color`).
+    - Shadow: Strong drop shadow to separate from UI.
+    - Content: Supports HTML (rich text, stats, icons).
+
+```tsx
+// Usage Example
+<GameTooltip content={<ItemStats item={sword} />}>
+  <button className="game-slot">
+    <img src="sword.png" />
+  </button>
+</GameTooltip>
+
+## 4. Reusable Components
+Use these React components located in `pwa/src/components/common/` to ensure visual consistency.
+
+### Buttons: `<GameButton />`
+**Look**: Rectangular, tactile, with optional mecha-cut corners.
+- **Variants**: `primary`, `secondary`, `success`, `danger`, `info`, `warning`.
+- **Sizes**: `sm`, `md`, `lg`.
+- **States**: Auto-handles hover glows and active transforms.
+
+```tsx
+<GameButton variant="success" size="md" onClick={handleSave}>
+  Save Game
+</GameButton>
+```
+
+### Tooltips: `<GameTooltip />`
+**Rule**: NEVER use the HTML `title` attribute.
+- **Behavior**: Appears instantly (0ms), follows cursor. Rendering via React Portal avoids z-index clipping.
+- **Usage**: Wrap any interactive element.
+
+```tsx
+<GameTooltip content="Drains 10 Stamina">
+  <button className="ability-slot">Dash</button>
+</GameTooltip>
+```
+
+### Item Content: `<ItemTooltipContent />`
+Specialized sub-component for rich item data (stats, weight, durability bars).
+- **Props**: `item`, `showValue` (for trading), `showDurability`.
+
+```tsx
+<GameTooltip content={<ItemTooltipContent item={sword} />}>
+  <div className="inventory-slot">...</div>
+</GameTooltip>
+```
+
+### Progress Bars: `<GameProgressBar />`
+For health, stamina, XP, weight, and volume.
+- **Types**: `health`, `stamina`, `xp`, `weight`, `volume`, `durability`.
+- **Modes**: Supports `showText`, custom `label`, and alignment.
+- **Logic**: Auto-colors (e.g., weight turns red as it nears capacity).
+
+```tsx
+<GameProgressBar 
+  value={80} 
+  max={100} 
+  type="health" 
+  showText 
+  label="Health" 
+/>
+```
+
+### Dropdowns: `<GameDropdown />`
+Contextual menus that render outside the DOM hierarchy.
+- **Features**: Auto-positioning (flips up if near bottom), click-outside to close.
+
+```tsx
+<GameDropdown isOpen={menuOpen} onClose={() => setMenuOpen(false)}>
+  <div className="menu-item">Inspect</div>
+  <div className="menu-item">Discard</div>
+</GameDropdown>
+```
+
+### Notifications: `<NotificationContainer />`
+Global toast system. Used via `useNotification` hook.
+- **Types**: `success`, `error`, `info`, `warning`.
+- **Visuals**: Slide-in/out animations, industrial styling.
+
+## 5. UI Layout Patterns
+
+### Panels & Containers (`.game-panel`)
+Use this class for modals and sidebars.
+- **Visuals**: 96% opacity dark panels, 8px blur, 1px subtle border.
+
+### Grid Slots (`.game-slot`)
+Consistent 1:1 ratio slots for items or abilities. Darker background than panels to create depth.
+
+---
+*Updated: Feb 16, 2026*