Now that all the basic administrative and framework stuff is finished with Nocturne, I can begin planning out mechanics. For anyone interested, here's one of them:

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Eclipse is dark energy that resides within the city-plane of Nocturne. Everything native there is mostly crafted from Eclipse and relatively stable. However, as Eclipse is shaped it unleashes tainted radiation that corrupts souls. In the MUD, there will be an Exposure and Tolerance stat. Slowly being exposed to Eclipse will boost tolerance over time while sharp bursts will raise exposure dramatically without an appreciable increase in tolerance. Too much exposure will begin to cause massive system failure in visitors to Nocturne, and it may even turn them into a native or worse.

Eclipse can be used to fuel supernatural powers such as 'Surge' which allows one to act faster than normal. This slowly chews up the character's Eclipse reserve and bombards them and those around them with radiation.

Eclipse is also used as a trading currency and resource with which to build equipment in the game. Infusions are a type of equipment which is permanent as they are grafted to the user to grant a substantial tolerance to further exposure and replacing the need for armor slightly.

For inexperienced players, Eclipse management will not be required but it will be an aspect of the game required to obtain mastery. Anyone who dabbles or occasionally runs into Eclipse-use will probably not suffer too much. If one ever hopes to overcome the ruling Servitors of Nocturne (the founding forces behind the City) though, they'll have to adopt the dark power's gifts.