ADDED   mods/starlit-eco/init.lua
Index: mods/starlit-eco/init.lua
==================================================================
--- mods/starlit-eco/init.lua
+++ mods/starlit-eco/init.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,80 @@
+local world = starlit.world
+local lib = starlit.mod.lib
+
+world.ecology.biomes.link('starlit:steppe', {
+	nightTempDelta = -30;
+	waterTempDelta = 0;
+	--               W    Sp   Su    Au   W
+	seasonalTemp = {-50, -10, 5, 5, -20, -50};
+	def = {
+		node_top      = 'starlit:greengraze', depth_top = 1;
+		node_filler   = 'starlit:soil',    depth_filler = 4;
+		node_riverbed = 'starlit:sand',  depth_riverbed = 4;
+		y_min = 0;
+		y_max = 512;
+		heat_point = 10;
+		humidity_point = 30;
+	};
+})
+
+world.ecology.biomes.link('starlit:forest', {
+	nightTempDelta = -20;
+	waterTempDelta = 0;
+	--               W    Sp   Su    Au   W
+	seasonalTemp = {-40, -8, 10, 10, -14, -40};
+	def = {
+		node_top      = 'starlit:greengraze', depth_top = 1;
+		node_filler   = 'starlit:soil',    depth_filler = 4;
+		node_riverbed = 'starlit:sand',  depth_riverbed = 4;
+		y_min = -100;
+		y_max = 256;
+		heat_point = 13;
+		humidity_point = 40;
+	};
+})
+
+world.ecology.biomes.link('starlit:desert', {
+	nightTempDelta = -40;
+	waterTempDelta = 0;
+	--               W    Sp  Su    Au   W
+	seasonalTemp = {-10, -5, 15, 15, -5, -10};
+	def = {
+		node_top      = 'starlit:sand',  depth_top = 1;
+		node_filler   = 'starlit:sand',  depth_filler = 4;
+		node_riverbed = 'starlit:sand',  depth_riverbed = 4;
+		y_min = 0;
+		y_max = 512;
+		heat_point = 20;
+		humidity_point = 10;
+	};
+})
+
+world.ecology.biomes.link('starlit:ocean', {
+	nightTempDelta = -35;
+	waterTempDelta = 5;
+	seasonalTemp = {0}; -- no seasonal variance
+	def = {
+		y_max = 3;
+		y_min = -512;
+		heat_point = 15;
+		humidity_point = 50;
+		node_top    = 'starlit:sand', depth_top    = 1;
+		node_filler = 'starlit:sand', depth_filler = 3;
+	};
+})
+
+minetest.register_craftitem('starlit_eco:fiber', {
+	description = "Plant Fiber";
+	groups = {fiber = 1};
+	inventory_image = lib.image('starlit-eco-plant-fiber.png'):shift(lib.color(0,1,0)):render();
+	_starlit = {
+		recover_vary = function(rng, ctx)
+			return starlit.type.fab {
+				element = { carbon   = rng:int(0,1) };
+			};
+		end;
+	};
+})
+
+starlit.include 'plants'
+starlit.include 'trees'

ADDED   mods/starlit-eco/mod.conf
Index: mods/starlit-eco/mod.conf
==================================================================
--- mods/starlit-eco/mod.conf
+++ mods/starlit-eco/mod.conf
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+name = starlit_eco
+title = starlit ecosphere
+description = plants and biomes
+depends = starlit

ADDED   mods/starlit-eco/plants.lua
Index: mods/starlit-eco/plants.lua
==================================================================
--- mods/starlit-eco/plants.lua
+++ mods/starlit-eco/plants.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,175 @@
+local world = starlit.world
+local lib = starlit.mod.lib
+
+local function dropCat(a,b)
+	local function strdrop(s)
+		if type(s) == 'string' then
+			return {max_items = 1; items = {{items={s}}}}
+		else return s end
+	end
+	a = strdrop(a)
+	b = strdrop(b)
+	return {
+		max_items = a.max_items + b.max_items;
+		items = lib.tbl.append(a.items, b.items);
+	}
+end
+local function stalkPlant(def)
+	local function stage(s, drops, swap)
+		return {
+			tex = lib.image(string.format('starlit-eco-plant-stalk%s.png',s)):shift(def.color);
+			drop = drops;
+			swap = swap;
+		}
+	end
+	local function plantMatter(opts)
+		local dps = {
+			seed = def.seed;
+			fiber = def.fiber;
+			leaf = def.leaf and def.leaf.drop or nil;
+			berry = def.berries and def.berries.drop or nil;
+		}
+		local t = {max_items=0, items={}}
+		for k,v in pairs(opts) do
+			if dps[v] then t = dropCat(dps[v], t) end
+		end
+		return t
+	end
+
+	local fg
+	local stages = {
+		stage('-grow-1', '');
+		stage('-grow-2', plantMatter{'seed'});
+		stage('-grow-3', plantMatter{'seed','fiber'});
+		stage('', plantMatter{'seed','seed','fiber'});
+	};
+	if def.leaf then
+		local ps = stage('', plantMatter{'seed','seed','seed','fiber','leaf'})
+		ps.tex = ps.tex .. lib.image('starlit-eco-plant-stalk-petals.png'):shift(def.leaf.color)
+		table.insert(stages, ps)
+	end
+	if def.berries then
+		local ps = lib.image.clone(stages[#stages])
+		ps.tex = ps.tex:blit(lib.image('starlit-eco-plant-stalk-berries.png'):shift(def.berries.color))
+		ps.drop = def.berries.drop;
+		ps.swap = #stages
+		table.insert(stages, ps)
+	end
+
+	if def.biolum then for i,v in ipairs(stages) do
+		v.biolum = math.floor(def.biolum * (i/#stages))
+	end end
+
+	world.ecology.plants.link(def.id, {
+		name = def.name;
+		stages = stages;
+		decoration = def.decoration;
+		meshOpt = 3;
+	})
+end
+
+local function simpleDrop(rarity, what)
+	return {
+		max_items = 1;
+		items = {
+			{rarity = rarity, items = {what}};
+		};
+	};
+end
+
+function stalkPlantAuto(def)
+	local id = def.id
+	local id_berries = def.id .. '_berry'
+	local id_seed = def.id .. '_seed'
+
+	local p = lib.tbl.proto({}, def)
+	if def.berries then
+		local bdef = lib.tbl.defaults({
+			name = def.name .. ' Berry';
+			tex = lib.image('starlit-eco-plant-berry-bunch.png'):shift(def.berries.color or def.color):render();
+			color = def.color;
+		}, def.berries)
+		bdef.name = bdef.name
+		starlit.item.food.link(id_berries, bdef)
+		p.berries = {
+			color = def.berries.color;
+			drop = id_berries;
+		}
+	end
+
+	if def.seed then
+		local sdef = lib.tbl.defaults({
+			name = def.name .. ' Seed';
+			tex = lib.image('starlit-eco-plant-seeds.png'):shift(def.seed.color or def.color):render();
+			color = def.color;
+			grow = {kind = 'plant', id = id};
+		}, def.seed)
+
+		starlit.item.seed.link(id_seed, sdef)
+		p.seed = id_seed
+	end
+
+	return stalkPlant(p)
+end
+
+stalkPlantAuto {
+	id = 'starlit_eco:moondrop';
+	name = "Moondrop";
+	fiber = simpleDrop(2, 'starlit_eco:fiber');
+	seed = {};
+	color = lib.color(.5, .7, 1);
+	biolum = 5;
+	leaf = {
+		color = lib.color(.6, .8, .8);
+		drop = simpleDrop(2, 'starlit_eco:moondrop_petal');
+	};
+	berries = {
+		desc = "The fruits of the moondrop are not very nutritious, but their peculiar sweet-sour flavor profile makes them one Thousand Petal's great delicacies";
+		color = lib.color(1,0,.4);
+		nourish = 10;
+		hydrate = 0.05;
+		taste = 1 * 60;
+		mass = 1;
+	};
+	decoration = {
+		place_on = 'starlit:greengraze';
+		fill_ratio = 0.03;
+		biomes = {'starlit:steppe', 'starlit:forest'};
+		y_min = 10;
+		y_max = 100;
+	};
+}
+
+stalkPlantAuto {
+	id = 'starlit_eco:dustrose';
+	name = "Dust Rose";
+	fiber = simpleDrop(2, 'starlit_eco:fiber');
+	seed = {};
+	color = lib.color(.3, .1, .2);
+	leaf = {
+		color = lib.color(.7, .4, .8);
+		drop = simpleDrop(2, 'starlit_eco:dustrose_petal');
+	};
+	decoration = {
+		place_on = 'starlit:greengraze';
+		fill_ratio = 0.03;
+		biomes = {'starlit:forest'};
+		y_min = -50;
+		y_max = 50;
+	};
+}
+
+stalkPlantAuto {
+	id = 'starlit_eco:harrowstalk';
+	name = "Harrowstalk";
+	fiber = simpleDrop(2, 'starlit_eco:fiber');
+	seed = {};
+	color = lib.color(.3, .2, .1);
+	decoration = {
+		place_on = 'starlit:sand';
+		fill_ratio = 0.03;
+		biomes = {'starlit:ocean', 'starlit:desert'};
+		y_min = -30;
+		y_max = 400;
+	};
+}

ADDED   mods/starlit-eco/trees.lua
Index: mods/starlit-eco/trees.lua
==================================================================
--- mods/starlit-eco/trees.lua
+++ mods/starlit-eco/trees.lua
@@ -0,0 +1,231 @@
+local world = starlit.world
+local lib = starlit.mod.lib
+
+local function woodProps(def) return {
+	recover = starlit.type.fab {
+		time = { shred = 2; };
+		cost = { shredPower = 1.5; };
+	};
+	recover_vary = function(rng, ctx)
+		return starlit.type.fab {
+			element = {
+				potassium = rng:int(0,1);
+				carbon   = rng:int(0,2);
+			}
+		};
+	end;
+	mass = 1.5e3;
+} end
+
+local function leafProps(def) return {
+	recover = starlit.type.fab {
+		time = { shred = .5; };
+		cost = { shredPower = .3; };
+	};
+	recover_vary = function(rng, ctx)
+		return starlit.type.fab {
+			element = {
+				potassium = rng:int(0,2);
+				carbon   = rng:int(0,1);
+			}
+		};
+	end;
+	mass = 100;
+} end
+
+local function regLog(id, def)
+	local base = table.copy(def)
+	base.groups = base.groups or {}
+	base.groups.wood = 1
+	base.groups.log = 1
+	base.groups.falling_node = 1
+
+	local live = table.copy(base)
+	live.drop = id
+	live.groups.alive = 1
+	minetest.register_node(id, base)
+	minetest.register_node(id..'_live', live)
+end
+
+regLog('starlit_eco:lambent_pine_log', {
+	description = 'Lambent Pine Log';
+	drawtype = 'normal';
+	tiles = {
+		'starlit-eco-tree-lambent-pine-trunk-top.png';
+		'starlit-eco-tree-lambent-pine-trunk.png';
+	};
+	_starlit = woodProps{};
+})
+
+
+starlit.item.food.link('starlit_eco:lambent_pine_berry', {
+	name = 'Lambent Pine Berry';
+	desc = 'Though packed with human-compatible nutrients, these berries are almost painfully sour when eaten raw.';
+	tex = lib.image('starlit-eco-plant-berry-bunch.png'):shift{hue=180,sat=-30,lum=30}:render();
+	nourish = 150;
+	taste = -2 * 60;
+	mass = 2;
+})
+
+starlit.item.seed.link('starlit_eco:lambent_pine_seed', {
+	name = 'Lambent Pine Seed';
+	tex = lib.image('starlit-eco-plant-seeds.png'):shift{hue=150, sat=-50, lum=80}:render();
+	grow = {kind = 'tree', id = 'starlit_eco:lambent_pine'};
+})
+
+minetest.register_node('starlit_eco:lambent_pine_bulb', {
+	description = 'Lambent Pine Bulb';
+	drawtype = 'nodebox';
+	connects_to = {'starlit_eco:lambent_pine_needles'};
+	node_box = {
+		type = 'connected';
+		connect_top = {
+			{-.1,  .5, -.1,
+			  .1, .3,  .1};
+		};
+		fixed = {
+			{-.2, -.2, -.2,
+			  .2,  .3,  .2};
+		};
+	};
+	light_source = 6;
+	drop = {
+		max_items = 3;
+		items = {
+			{rarity = 4, items = {'starlit_eco:lambent_pine_seed'}};
+			{rarity = 3, items = {'starlit_eco:lambent_pine_berry'}};
+			{rarity = 2, items = {'starlit_eco:lambent_pine_berry'}};
+			{items = {'starlit_eco:lambent_pine_berry'}};
+		};
+	};
+	groups = {plant=1, attached_node = 4};
+	tiles = {
+		'starlit-eco-tree-lambent-pine-bulb.png';
+	};
+	_starlit = woodProps{};
+})
+
+minetest.register_node('starlit_eco:lambent_pine_needles', {
+	description = 'Lambent Pine Needles';
+	groups = {plant = 1;};
+	drop = '';
+	tiles = {
+		'starlit-eco-tree-lambent-pine-needles.png';
+		'starlit-eco-tree-lambent-pine-needles.png';
+	};
+	_starlit = leafProps{};
+});
+
+regLog('starlit_eco:starblossom_log', {
+	description = 'Starblossom Log';
+	drawtype = 'normal';
+	tiles = {
+		'starlit-eco-tree-starblossom-trunk-top.png';
+		'starlit-eco-tree-starblossom-trunk.png';
+	};
+	_starlit = woodProps{};
+})
+
+minetest.register_node('starlit_eco:starblossom_leaves', {
+	description = 'Starblossom Leaves';
+	groups = {plant = 1;};
+	drop = '';
+	tiles = {
+		'starlit-eco-tree-starblossom-leaves.png';
+		'starlit-eco-tree-starblossom-leaves.png';
+	};
+	_starlit = leafProps{};
+});
+minetest.register_node('starlit_eco:starblossom_leaves_shine', {
+	description = 'Shining Starblossom Leaves';
+	groups = {plant = 1;};
+	drop = '';
+	paramtype = 'light';
+	light_source = 4;
+	tiles = {
+		'starlit-eco-tree-starblossom-leaves.png';
+		'starlit-eco-tree-starblossom-leaves.png';
+		'starlit-eco-tree-starblossom-leaves.png^starlit-eco-tree-starblossom-shine.png';
+	};
+	_starlit = leafProps{};
+});
+
+starlit.world.ecology.trees.meld {
+	['starlit_eco:lambent_pine'] = {
+		name = 'Lambent Pine';
+		def = {
+			axiom = 'TTB';
+			rules_a = '[-[&Tf]Tf][+[^Tf]Tf]f';
+			rules_c = '[-[&Tff]Tff][+[^Tff]Tff]f';
+			rules_b = 'TCA[f]B';
+
+			-- nodes
+			trunk = 'starlit_eco:lambent_pine_log_live';
+			leaves = 'starlit_eco:lambent_pine_needles';
+
+			angle = 90;
+
+			iterations = 7;
+			random_level = 3;
+			trunk_type = 'single';
+			thin_branches = true;
+
+			fruit = 'starlit_eco:lambent_pine_bulb';
+			fruit_chance = 0;
+		};
+		decorate = {
+			{ biomes = {'starlit:forest'};
+				place_on = 'starlit:greengraze';
+				fill_ratio = 0.004;
+				y_min = -30, y_max = 500;
+				seed = 0xe8190e;
+			};
+			{ biomes = {'starlit:steppe'};
+				place_on = 'starlit:greengraze';
+				fill_ratio = 0.002;
+				y_min = -30, y_max = 500;
+				seed = 0xe8190e;
+			};
+		};
+	};
+
+	['starlit_eco:starblossom'] = {
+		def = {
+			axiom = 'TTTTATTTT[&&B]' .. string.rep(string.rep('/', 4) .. '[&&B]', math.floor(360/40));
+			rules_a = 'TTTa';
+			rules_b = 'FF&B';
+
+			trunk_type = 'double';
+			trunk = 'starlit_eco:starblossom_log_live';
+			leaves = 'starlit_eco:starblossom_leaves';
+			leaves2 = 'starlit_eco:starblossom_leaves_shine';
+			leaves2_chance = 20;
+
+			angle = 10;
+			iterations = 13;
+			random_level = 5;
+		};
+		decorate = {
+			{ biomes = {'starlit:forest'};
+				place_on = 'starlit:greengraze';
+				fill_ratio = 0.001;
+				y_min = -20, y_max = 512;
+			};
+		};
+	};
+}
+
+minetest.register_abm {
+	label = "lambent pine fruiting";
+	nodenames = {'starlit_eco:lambent_pine_needles'};
+	neighbors = {'starlit_eco:lambent_pine_log_live'};
+	chance = 40;
+	interval = 80;
+	catch_up = true;
+	action = function(pos, node)
+		local po = pos:offset(0,-1,0)
+		if minetest.get_node(po).name == "air" then
+			minetest.add_node(po, {name='starlit_eco:lambent_pine_bulb'})
+		end
+	end;
+}

Index: mods/starlit-electronics/init.lua
==================================================================
--- mods/starlit-electronics/init.lua
+++ mods/starlit-electronics/init.lua
@@ -520,11 +520,10 @@
 -----------
 
 E.sw = {}
 function E.sw.findSchematicFor(item)
 	local id = ItemStack(item):get_name()
-	print(id)
 	local fm = minetest.registered_items[id]._starlit
 	if not (fm and fm.fab and fm.fab.reverseEngineer) then return nil end
 	local id = fm.fab.reverseEngineer.sw
 	return id, starlit.item.sw.db[id]
 end

Index: mods/starlit/init.lua
==================================================================
--- mods/starlit/init.lua
+++ mods/starlit/init.lua
@@ -350,13 +350,11 @@
 	return a.type ~= b.type
 		or a.type == 'node'   and vector.new(a.under) ~= vector.new(b.under)
 		or a.type == 'object' and a.ref ~= b.ref 
 end
 local function triggerPower(_, luser, point)
-	for k,v in pairs(starlit.activeUsers) do
-	print (k,v) end
-	print("trigger", luser, luser:get_player_name())
+-- 	print("trigger", luser, luser:get_player_name())
 	local user = starlit.activeUsers[luser:get_player_name()]
 	local oldTgt = user.action.tgt
 	user.action.tgt = point
 	if bit.band(user.action.bits, 0x100)==0 then
 		user.action.bits = bit.bor(user.action.bits, 0x100)
@@ -390,13 +388,13 @@
 	wield_image = "wieldhand.png",
 	wield_scale = {x=1,y=1,z=2.5},
 	tool_capabilities = {
 		groupcaps = {
 			plant = {maxlevel=1, times = {.50}};
-			dirt = {maxlevel=1, times = {2.5}};
 
-			log = {maxlevel=1, times = {1}};
+			-- sand, dirt, gravel
+			looseClump = {maxlevel=1, times = {1.5, 2.5}};
 		};
 	}
 })
 
 minetest.register_on_player_inventory_action(function(luser, act, inv, p)
@@ -431,16 +429,21 @@
 			r(pos.y),
 			r(pos.z)
 		)
 	end
 	for i, it in ipairs(drops) do
-		local it = minetest.add_item(jitter(pos), it)
-		local dp = vector.new(0,0,0)
-		if digger then dp = digger:get_pos() end
-		local delta = dp - it:get_pos()
-		it:add_velocity(vector.new(delta.x,0,delta.z));
+		if type(it) == 'string' then it = ItemStack(it) end
+		if not it:is_empty() then
+			local ent = minetest.add_item(jitter(pos), it)
+			if ent ~= nil then -- avoid crash when dropping unknown item
+				local dp = vector.new(0,0,0)
+				if digger then dp = digger:get_pos() end
+				local delta = dp - ent:get_pos()
+				ent:add_velocity(vector.new(delta.x,0,delta.z));
+			end
+		end
 	end
 end
 
 
 -- TODO timer iterates live UI
 

Index: mods/starlit/interfaces.lua
==================================================================
--- mods/starlit/interfaces.lua
+++ mods/starlit/interfaces.lua
@@ -128,11 +128,12 @@
 	return p
 end
 
 local function pptrMatch(a,b)
 	if a == nil or b == nil then return false end
-	return a.chipID == b.chipID and a.pgmIndex == b.pgmIndex
+	return (a.chipID ~= nil and (a.chipID == b.chipID and a.pgmIndex == b.pgmIndex))
+       or (a.ref ~= nil and a.ref == b.ref)
 end
 
 starlit.interface.install(starlit.type.ui {
 	id = 'starlit:user-menu';
 	pages = {
@@ -359,14 +360,53 @@
 						{kind = 'label', w=2, h=barh, text = s.name};
 						{kind = 'hbar',  w=4, h=barh, fac = sv, text = st, color=s.color};
 					})
 				end
 				local abilities = {
-					{id = 'abl_sprint', label = 'Sprint', img = 'starlit-ui-icon-ability-sprint.png'};
+					maneuver = {};
+					direct = {};
+					passive = {};
 				}
-				table.insert(tb, wrapMenu(6.25,4, 1,2, abilities))
+				state.abilityMap = {}
+				for i, a in pairs(user:species().abilities) do
+					local id = 'abl_'..a.id;
+					state.abilityMap[id] = a;
+					table.insert(abilities[a.powerKind], {
+						id = id;
+						label = a.name;
+						desc = a.desc;
+						img = a.img;
+
+						-- HACK
+						color = pptrMatch(user.power.maneuver, {ref=a}) and
+							{hue = 150, sat = 0, lum = .3} or nil;
+					});
+				end
+				for i, n in ipairs {'maneuver', 'direct', 'passive'} do
+					if next(abilities[n]) then
+						table.insert(tb, wrapMenu(6.25,4, 1,2, abilities[n]))
+					end
+				end
 				return starlit.ui.build(tb)
+			end;
+			handle = function(state, user, q)
+				for k,a in pairs(state.abilityMap) do
+					if q[k] then
+						if a.powerKind == 'maneuver' then
+							if pptrMatch(user.power.maneuver, {ref=a}) then
+								user.power.maneuver = nil
+							else
+								user.power.maneuver = {ref=a}
+							end
+							user:suitSound 'starlit-configure'
+							return true
+						elseif a.powerKind == 'direct' then
+						elseif a.powerKind == 'passive' then
+						else error('bad ability kind ' .. a.powerKind) end
+						break
+					end
+				end
 			end;
 		};
 		suit = {
 			render = function(state, user)
 				local suit = user:getSuit()

Index: mods/starlit/species.lua
==================================================================
--- mods/starlit/species.lua
+++ mods/starlit/species.lua
@@ -12,10 +12,22 @@
 	}
 end
 
 -- constants
 local animationFrameRate = 60
+
+local bioAbilities = {
+	sprint = {
+		id = 'sprint';
+		name = 'Sprint';
+		desc = 'Put on a short burst of speed at the cost of some stamina';
+		img = 'starlit-ui-icon-ability-sprint.png';
+		powerKind = 'maneuver';
+		run = function(user, ctx)
+		end;
+	};
+}
 
 local species = {
 	human = {
 		name = 'Human';
 		desc = 'The weeds of the galactic flowerbed. Humans are one of the Lesser Races, excluded from the ranks of the Starlit by souls that lack, in normal circumstances, external psionic channels. Their mastery of the universe cut unexpectedly short, forever locked out of FTL travel, short-lived without augments, and alternately pitied or scorned by the lowest of the low, humans flourish nonetheless due to a capacity for adaptation unmatched among the Thinking Few, terrifyingly rapid reproductive cycles -- and a keen facility for bribery. While the lack of human psions remains a sensitive topic, humans (unlike the bitter and emotional Kruthandi) are practical enough to hire the talent they cannot possess, and have even built a small number of symbiotic civilizations with the more indulging of the Powers. In a galaxy where nearly all sophont life is specialized to a fault, humans have found the unique niche of occupying no particular niche.';
@@ -60,10 +72,11 @@
 					irradiation = 0.8; -- you are smaller, so it takes less rads to kill ya
 					sturdiness = 0; -- women are more fragile and thus susceptible to blunt force trauma
 					metabolism = .150; -- kCal/s
 					painTolerance = 0.4;
 					dehydration = 10e-4; -- L/s
+					speed = 1.1;
 				};
 			};
 			male = {
 				name = 'Human Male';
 				eyeHeight = 1.6;
@@ -80,14 +93,16 @@
 					painTolerance = 1.0;
 					lungCapacity = 1.0;
 					sturdiness = 0.3;
 					metabolism = .150; -- kCal/s
 					dehydration = 15e-4; -- L/s
+					speed = 1.0;
 				};
 			};
 		};
 		traits = {};
+		abilities = {bioAbilities.sprint};
 	};
 }
 
 
 starlit.world.species = {

Index: mods/starlit/stats.lua
==================================================================
--- mods/starlit/stats.lua
+++ mods/starlit/stats.lua
@@ -24,30 +24,30 @@
 starlit.world.stats = {
 	psi        = {min = 0, max = 500, base = 0, desc = U('ψ', 10), color = C(320), name = 'Numina'};
 	-- numina is measured in daψ
 	warmth     = {min = -1000, max = 1000, base = 0, desc = U('°C', 10, true), color = C(5), name = 'Warmth'};
 	-- warmth in measured in d°C
-	fatigue    = {min = 0, max = 76 * 60, base = 0, desc = U('hr', 60, true), color = C(288,.3,.5), name = 'Fatigue'};
+	fatigue    = {min = 0, max = 76 * 60, base = 0, desc = U('hr', 60, true), color = C(288,.3,.5), name = 'Fatigue', srzType = T.decimal};
 	-- fatigue is measured in minutes one needs to sleep to cure it
 	stamina    = {min = 0, max = 20 * 100, base = true, desc = U('m', 100), color = C(88), name = 'Stamina'};
 	-- stamina is measured in how many 10th-nodes (== cm) one can sprint
 	nutrition  = {min = 0, max = 8000, base = 0, desc = U('kCal', 1, true), color = C(43,.5,.4), name = 'Nutrition', srzType = T.decimal};
 	-- hunger is measured in kcalories one must consume to cure it. at 0, you start dying
 	hydration  = {min = 0, max = 4, base = 0, desc = U('L', 1), color = C(217, .25,.4), name = 'Hydration', srzType = T.decimal};
 	-- thirst is measured in L of H²O required to cure it
-	morale     = {min = 0, max = 24 * 60 * 10, base = true, desc = U('hr', 60, true), color = C(0,0,.8), name = 'Morale'};
+	morale     = {min = 0, max = 10 * 24 * 60, base = true, desc = U('hr', 60, true), color = C(0,0,.8), name = 'Morale', srzType = T.decimal};
 	-- morale is measured in minutes. e.g. at base rate morale degrades by
-	-- 60 points every hour. morale can last up to 10 days
+	-- 60 points every hour. morale can last up to 10 earthdays
 	irradiation = {min = 0, max = 10, base = 0, desc = U('Gy', 1), color = C(141,1,.5), name = 'Irradiation', srzType = T.decimal};
 	-- irrad is measured is milligreys
 	-- 1Gy counters natural healing
 	-- ~3Gy counters basic nanomedicine
 	-- 5Gy causes death within two weeks without nanomedicine
 	-- radiation speeds up psi regen
 	-- morale drain doubles with each 2Gy
-	illness    = {min = 0, max = 1000, base = 0, desc = U('%', 10, true), color = C(71,.4,.25), name = 'Illness'};
+	illness    = {min = 0, max = 1, base = 0, desc = U('%', .01, true), color = C(71,.4,.25), name = 'Illness', srzType = T.factor};
 	-- as illness increases, maximum stamina and health gain a corresponding limit
 	-- illness is increased by certain conditions, and decreases on its own as your
 	-- body heals when those conditions wear off. some drugs can lower accumulated illness
 	-- but illness-causing conditions require specific cures
 	-- illness also causes thirst and fatigue to increase proportionately
 }

Index: mods/starlit/terrain.lua
==================================================================
--- mods/starlit/terrain.lua
+++ mods/starlit/terrain.lua
@@ -2,29 +2,38 @@
 local lib = starlit.mod.lib
 
 starlit.terrain = {}
 local soilSounds = {
 	footstep = 'default-dirt-footstep';
-	dig = 'default-dig-crumbly';
 	dug = 'default-dug-node';
 }
 local sandSounds = {
 	footstep = {name='default-sand-footstep',gain=0.1};
-	dig = 'default-dig-crumbly';
 	dug = 'default-dug-node';
 }
 local grassSounds = {
 	footstep = 'default-grass-footstep';
-	dig = 'default-dig-crumbly';
+	dug = 'default-dug-node';
+}
+local hardSounds = {
+	footstep = 'default-hard-footstep';
 	dug = 'default-dug-node';
 }
 
+local soilDrop = {
+	max_items = 3;
+	items = {
+		{rarity = 2, items = {'starlit:soil_clump'}};
+		{rarity = 3, items = {'starlit:soil_clump'}};
+		{rarity = 4, items = {'starlit:soil_clump'}};
+	};
+}
 minetest.register_node('starlit:soil', {
 	description = T 'Soil';
-	tiles = {'default_dirt.png'};
-	groups = {dirt = 1};
-	drop = '';
+	tiles = {'starlit-terrain-soil.png'};
+	groups = {looseClump = 2, soil = 1};
+	drop = soilDrop;
 	sounds = soilSounds;
 	_starlit = {
 		kind = 'block';
 		elements = {};
 	};
@@ -31,12 +40,12 @@
 })
 
 
 minetest.register_node('starlit:sand', {
 	description = T 'Sand';
-	tiles = {'default_sand.png'};
-	groups = {dirt = 1};
+	tiles = {'starlit-terrain-sand.png'};
+	groups = {looseClump = 1, sand  = 1};
 	drop = '';
 	sounds = sandSounds;
 	_starlit = {
 		kind = 'block';
 		fab = starlit.type.fab { element = { silicon = 25 } };
@@ -48,11 +57,18 @@
 		title = T 'Soil';
 		desc = 'A handful of nutrient-packed soil, suitable for growing plants';
 		color = lib.color(0.3,0.2,0.1);
 	};
 	inventory_image = 'starlit-item-soil.png';
-	groups = {soil = 1};
+	groups = {looseClump = 2, soil = 1};
+	on_place = function(me, luser, point)
+		if me:get_count() < 3 then return end
+		if minetest.place_node(point.above, {name = 'starlit:soil'}, luser) then
+			me:take_item(3)
+		end
+		return me
+	end;
 	_starlit = {
 		fab = starlit.type.fab { element = { carbon = 12 / 4 } };
 	};
 })
 
@@ -68,18 +84,18 @@
 	}
 	minetest.register_node(def.name, {
 		description = T 'Greengraze';
 		tiles = {
 			def.img .. '.png';
-			'default_dirt.png';
+			'starlit-terrain-soil.png';
 			{
-				name = 'default_dirt.png^' .. def.img ..'_side.png';
+				name = 'starlit-terrain-soil.png^' .. def.img ..'-overlay.png';
 				tileable_vertical = false;
 			};
 		};
-		groups = {grass = 1, dirt = 1, sub_walk = 1};
-		drop = '';
+		groups = {looseClump = 2, grass = 1, soil = 1, sub_walk = 1};
+		drop = soilDrop;
 		sounds = grassSounds;
 		_starlit = {
 			fab = def.fab;
 			recover = def.recover;
 			recover_vary = def.recover_vary;
@@ -89,11 +105,11 @@
 
 
 starlit.terrain.createGrass {
 	name = 'starlit:greengraze';
 	desc = T 'Greengraze';
-	img = 'default_grass';
+	img = 'starlit-terrain-greengraze';
 	fab = starlit.type.fab {
 		element = {
 			carbon = 12;
 		};
 		time = {
@@ -158,10 +174,11 @@
 					string.format('default_stone.png^[colorizehsl:%s:%s:%s',
 						m.tone.hue, m.tone.sat, m.tone.lum)
 				}) or {'default_stone.png'};
 		groups = grp;
 		drop = m.rocks or '';
+		sounds = hardSounds;
 		_starlit = {
 			kind = 'block';
 			elements = m.elements;
 			fab = m.fab;
 			recover = m.recover;

Index: mods/starlit/user.lua
==================================================================
--- mods/starlit/user.lua
+++ mods/starlit/user.lua
@@ -57,13 +57,45 @@
 				maneuver = nil;
 			};
 			pref = {
 				calendar = 'commune';
 			};
+			overlays = {};
 		}
 	end;
 	__index = {
+		--------------
+		-- overlays --
+		--------------
+		updateOverlays = function(self)
+			local phys = {
+				speed = self.pheno:trait('speed',1);
+				jump = self.pheno:trait('jump',1);
+				gravity = 1;
+				speed_climb = 1;
+				speed_crouch = 1;
+				speed_walk = 1;
+				acceleration_default = 1;
+				acceleration_air = 1;
+			}
+			for i, o in ipairs(self.overlays) do o(phys) end
+			self.entity:set_physics_override(phys)
+		end;
+		overlay = function(self, o)
+			local id = #self.overlays+1
+			self.overlays[id] = o
+			self:updateOverlays()
+			return id
+		end;
+		deleteOverlay = function(self, id)
+			table.remove(self.overlays, id)
+			self:updateOverlays()
+		end;
+
+		--------------
+		-- personae --
+		--------------
 		pullPersona = function(self)
 			-- if later records are added in public updates, extend this function to merge them
 			-- into one object
 			local s = userStore(self.entity)
 			self.persona = s.read 'persona'
@@ -71,11 +103,16 @@
 		end;
 		pushPersona = function(self)
 			local s = userStore(self.entity)
 			s.write('persona', self.persona)
 		end;
+
 		uiColor = function(self) return lib.color {hue=238,sat=.5,lum=.5} end;
+
+		-----------
+		-- stats --
+		-----------
 		statDelta = function(self, stat, d, cause, abs)
 			local dt = self.persona.statDeltas
 			local min, max, base = self:statRange(stat)
 			if abs then
 				if     d == true  then d = max
@@ -99,18 +136,10 @@
 
 
 			self:updateHUD()
 			-- TODO trigger relevant animations?
 		end;
-		lookupSpecies = function(self)
-			return starlit.world.species.lookup(self.persona.species, self.persona.speciesVariant)
-		end;
-		phenoTrait = function(self, trait, dflt)
--- 			local s,v = self:lookupSpecies()
--- 			return v.traits[trait] or s.traits[trait] or 0
-			return self.pheno:trait(trait, dflt)
-		end;
 		statRange = function(self, stat) --> min, max, base
 			return starlit.world.species.statRange(
 				self.persona.species, self.persona.speciesVariant, stat)
 		end;
 		effectiveStat = function(self, stat)
@@ -126,10 +155,22 @@
 			end
 
 			local d = max - min
 			return val, (val - min) / d
 		end;
+
+		---------------
+		-- phenotype --
+		---------------
+		lookupSpecies = function(self)
+			return starlit.world.species.lookup(self.persona.species, self.persona.speciesVariant)
+		end;
+		phenoTrait = function(self, trait, dflt)
+-- 			local s,v = self:lookupSpecies()
+-- 			return v.traits[trait] or s.traits[trait] or 0
+			return self.pheno:trait(trait, dflt)
+		end;
 		damageModifier = function(self, kind, amt)
 			if kind == 'bluntForceTrauma' then
 				local std = self:phenoTrait 'sturdiness'
 				if std < 0 then
 					amt = amt / 1+std
@@ -137,10 +178,14 @@
 					amt = amt * 1-std
 				end
 			end
 			return amt
 		end;
+
+		---------
+		-- HUD --
+		---------
 		attachImage = function(self, def)
 			local user = self.entity
 			local img = {}
 			img.id = user:hud_add {
 				type = 'image';
@@ -382,20 +427,24 @@
 				update = function(user, set)
 					set('text', hudAdjustBacklight(hudCenterBG):render())
 				end;
 			};
 		end;
-		-- horrible horrible HACK
-		setModeHand = function(self)
-			local inv = self.entity:get_inventory()
-			local hnd
-			if self.actMode == 'off'
-				then hnd = ItemStack('starlit:_hand_dig')
-				else hnd = ItemStack()
+		deleteHUD = function(self)
+			for name, e in pairs(self.hud.elt) do
+				self:hud_delete(e.id)
 			end
-			inv:set_stack('hand', 1, hnd)
 		end;
+		updateHUD = function(self)
+			for name, e in pairs(self.hud.elt) do
+				if e.update then e.update() end
+			end
+		end;
+
+		---------------------
+		-- actions & modes --
+		---------------------
 		onModeChange = function(self, oldMode, silent)
 			self.hud.elt.crosshair.update()
 			if not silent then
 				local sfxt = {
 					off = 'starlit-mode-off';
@@ -415,23 +464,33 @@
 			self:onModeChange(oldMode, silent)
 			if mode ~= oldMode then
 				starlit.ui.setupForUser(self)
 			end
 		end;
-		deleteHUD = function(self)
-			for name, e in pairs(self.hud.elt) do
-				self:hud_delete(e.id)
+		setModeHand = function(self) -- horrible horrible HACK
+			local inv = self.entity:get_inventory()
+			local hnd
+			if self.actMode == 'off'
+				then hnd = ItemStack('starlit:_hand_dig')
+				else hnd = ItemStack()
 			end
+			inv:set_stack('hand', 1, hnd)
 		end;
-		updateHUD = function(self)
-			for name, e in pairs(self.hud.elt) do
-				if e.update then e.update() end
-			end
-		end;
+
+		---------------------
+		-- intel-gathering --
+		---------------------
 		clientInfo = function(self)
 			return minetest.get_player_information(self.name)
 		end;
+		species = function(self)
+			return starlit.world.species.index[self.persona.species]
+		end;
+
+		--------------------
+		-- event handlers --
+		--------------------
 		onSignup = function(self)
 			local meta = self.entity:get_meta()
 			local inv = self.entity:get_inventory()
 			-- the sizes indicated here are MAXIMA. limitations on e.g. the number of elements that may be carried are defined by your suit and enforced through callbacks and UI generation code, not inventory size
 			inv:set_size('main', 6) -- carried items and tools. main hotbar.
@@ -473,14 +532,15 @@
 			giveGifts('main', gifts.carry)
 
 			self:reconfigureSuit()
 
 			-- i feel like there has to be a better way
-			local cx = math.random(-500,500)
+			local posrng = starlit.world.seedbank[0x13f19] -- TODO player-specific seed
+			local cx = posrng:int(-500,500) --math.random(-500,500)
 			local iter, startPoint = 1
 			repeat local temp = -100
-				local cz = math.random(-500,500)
+				local cz = posrng:int(-500,500)
 				local cy = minetest.get_spawn_level(cx, cz)
 				if cy then
 					startPoint = vector.new(cx,cy,cz)
 					temp = starlit.world.climate.eval(startPoint,.5,.5).surfaceTemp
 				end
@@ -599,11 +659,21 @@
 			-- TODO set_clouds speed in accordance with wind
 			starlit.world.species.setupEntity(me, self.persona)
 			starlit.ui.setupForUser(self)
 			self:createHUD()
 			self:updateSuit()
+			self:updateOverlays()
 		end;
+		onPart = function(self)
+			starlit.liveUI     [self.name] = nil
+			starlit.activeUI   [self.name] = nil
+			starlit.activeUsers[self.name] = nil
+		end;
+
+		-----------------------------
+		-- environment suit & body --
+		-----------------------------
 		suitStack = function(self)
 			return self.entity:get_inventory():get_stack('starlit_suit', 1)
 		end;
 		suitSound = function(self, sfx)
 			-- trigger a sound effect from the player's suit computer
@@ -632,13 +702,10 @@
 					sfx = 'starlit-configure'
 				end
 				if sfx then self:suitSound(sfx) end
 			end
 		end;
-		species = function(self)
-			return starlit.world.species.index[self.persona.species]
-		end;
 		updateBody = function(self)
 			local adornment = {}
 			local suitStack = self:suitStack()
 			if suitStack and not suitStack:is_empty() then
 				local suit = suitStack:get_definition()._starlit.suit
@@ -728,30 +795,21 @@
 			return supply, wasteHeat
 		end;
 		naked = function(self)
 			return self:suitStack():is_empty()
 		end;
-		onPart = function(self)
-			starlit.liveUI     [self.name] = nil
-			starlit.activeUI   [self.name] = nil
-			starlit.activeUsers[self.name] = nil
-		end;
+
+		--------
+		-- ui --
+		--------
 		openUI = function(self, id, page, ...)
 			local ui = assert(starlit.interface.db[id])
 			ui:open(self, page, ...)
 		end;
 		onRespond = function(self, ui, state, resp)
 			ui:action(self, state, resp)
 		end;
-
-		updateWeather = function(self)
-		end;
-
-		canInteract = function(self, with)
-			return true; -- TODO
-		end;
-
 		trigger = function(self, which, how)
 			local p
 			local wld = self.entity:get_wielded_item()
 			if which == 'maneuver' then
 				p = self.power.maneuver
@@ -785,19 +843,35 @@
 							run = assert(sw.run, 'missing run() for active software ability ' .. pgm.body.pgmId)
 							break
 						end
 					end
 				end
+			elseif p.ref then
+				run = p.ref.run
 			else
 				error('bad ability pointer ' .. dump(p))
 			end
 			if run then
 				run(self, ctx)
 				return true
 			end
 			return false
 		end;
+
+		-------------
+		-- weather --
+		-------------
+		updateWeather = function(self)
+		end;
+
+		canInteract = function(self, with)
+			return true; -- TODO
+		end;
+
+		---------------
+		-- inventory --
+		---------------
 		give = function(self, item)
 			local inv = self.entity:get_inventory()
 			local function is(grp)
 				return minetest.get_item_group(item:get_name(), grp) ~= 0
 			end
@@ -849,23 +923,57 @@
 		dehydration = dehydration * math.max(1, starlit.world.climate.temp(u.entity:get_pos()) / 10)
 
 		u:statDelta('nutrition', -bmr)
 		u:statDelta('hydration', -dehydration)
 
-		if u:effectiveStat 'nutrition' == 0 then
-			-- starvation
-		end
+		local moralePenalty = -1 -- 1min/min
+		local fatiguePenalty = 1 -- 1min/min
+		local heatPenalty = 1 -- stamina regen is divided by this
 
-		if u:effectiveStat 'hydration' == 0 then
-			-- dying of thirst
+		do local warmth = u:effectiveStat 'warmth'
+			local tempRange = u:species().tempRange
+			local tComfMin, tComfMax = tempRange.comfort[1], tempRange.comfort[2]
+			local tempDiff = 0
+			if warmth < tComfMin then
+				tempDiff = math.abs(warmth-tComfMin)
+			elseif warmth > tComfMax then
+				tempDiff = math.abs(warmth-tComfMax)
+			end
+			moralePenalty = moralePenalty + tempDiff
+			heatPenalty = heatPenalty + tempDiff
 		end
 
+		-- penalize heavy phys. activity
+		local stamina, sp = u:effectiveStat 'stamina'
+		fatiguePenalty = fatiguePenalty * (1 + 9*(1-sp))
+
+		local food = u:effectiveStat 'nutrition'
+		local water = u:effectiveStat 'hydration'
 		local rads = u:effectiveStat 'irradiation'
+		if food < 1000 then moralePenalty = moralePenalty + (1 - (food/1000)) * 5 end
+		if water < 1   then moralePenalty = moralePenalty + (1 - (water/1)) * 10 end
+
 		if rads > 0 then
 			u:statDelta('irradiation', -0.0001 * biointerval)
+			local moraleDrainFac = 2^(rads / 2)
+			moralePenalty = moralePenalty * moraleDrainFac
+		end
+
+		u:statDelta('morale', moralePenalty * biointerval)
+		u:statDelta('fatigue', fatiguePenalty * biointerval)
+
+		if food == 0 then -- starvation
+			u:statDelta('health', -5*biointerval)
+		end
+
+		if water == 0 then -- dying of thirst
+			u:statDelta('health', -20*biointerval)
 		end
 
+		if sp < 1.0 then
+			u:statDelta('stamina', u:effectiveStat 'staminaRegen' / heatPenalty)
+		end
 	end
 end)
 
 local cbit = {
 	up   = 0x001;
@@ -895,30 +1003,36 @@
 		end
 		local skipBits = 0
 		if user.action.bits ~= bits then
 			local mPrimary = what(cbit.dig)
 			local mSecondary = what(cbit.put)
+			local mManeuver = what(cbit.manv)
 			if mPrimary == mustInit then -- ENGINE-BUG
 				user.action.tgt = {type='nothing'}
 				user.action.prog = {}
 			elseif mPrimary == mustHalt then
 				user:trigger('primary', {state='halt'})
 			end
 			if mSecondary == mustHalt then
 				user:trigger('secondary', {state='halt'})
 			end
+			if mManeuver == mustInit then
+				user:trigger('maneuver', {state='init'})
+			elseif mManeuver == mustHalt then
+				user:trigger('maneuver', {state='halt'})
+			end
 		end
 		--bits = bit.band(bits, bit.bnot(skipBits))
-		if bit.band(bits, cbit.dig)~=0 then
-			user:trigger('primary', {state='prog', delta=delta})
+		local function prog(what)
+			user:trigger(what, {state='prog', delta=delta})
 		end
-		if bit.band(bits, cbit.put)~=0 then
-			user:trigger('secondary', {state='prog', delta=delta})
-		end
+		if bit.band(bits, cbit.dig)~=0  then prog 'primary'   end
+		if bit.band(bits, cbit.put)~=0  then prog 'secondary' end
+		if bit.band(bits, cbit.manv)~=0 then prog 'maneuver'  end
 		user.action.bits = bits
 		-- ENGINE-BUG: dig and put are not handled equally in the
 		-- engine. it is possible for the put bit to get stuck on
 		-- if the key is hammered while the player is not moving.
 		-- the bit will release as soon as the player looks or turns
 		-- nonetheless this is obnoxious
 	end
 end)

Index: mods/starlit/world.lua
==================================================================
--- mods/starlit/world.lua
+++ mods/starlit/world.lua
@@ -98,10 +98,11 @@
 	local function stageID(n)
 		if n == stageCt then return id end
 		return id .. string.format('_stage_%s', n)
 	end
 	b.stageNodes = {}
+	b.req = b.req or {}
 	local function regStage(n, st)
 		local base = {
 			description = b.name;
 			drawtype = "plantlike";
 			tiles = { tostring(st.tex) };
@@ -111,10 +112,11 @@
 			walkable = false;
 			buildable_to = true;
 			groups = {
 				plant = 1;
 				plant_grow = stageCt ~= n and 1 or 0;
+				attached_node = 3;
 			};
 			drop = st.drop;
 			_starlit = {
 				plant = {
 					id = id, stage = n;
@@ -132,11 +134,11 @@
 					};
 				end;
 			};
 		}
 		if st.swap then
-			base.node_dig_prediction = stageID(st.swap)
+			base.node_dig_prediction = ""
 			function base.after_dig_node(pos, node, digger)
 				node.name = stageID(st.swap)
 				minetest.swap_node(pos, node)
 				return true
 			end
@@ -234,16 +236,18 @@
 	end
 end)
 
 
 world.ecology.trees.foreach('starlit:tree-gen', {}, function(id, t)
-	local dec = {
-		deco_type = 'lsystem';
-		treedef = t.def;
-	}
-	for k,v in pairs(t.decorate) do dec[k]=v end
-	minetest.register_decoration(dec)
+	for i,td in ipairs(t.decorate) do
+		local dec = {
+			deco_type = 'lsystem';
+			treedef = t.def;
+		}
+		for k,v in pairs(td) do dec[k]=v end
+		minetest.register_decoration(dec)
+	end
 end)
 
 minetest.register_abm {
 	label = "plant growth";
 	nodenames = {'group:plant_grow'};
@@ -250,10 +254,25 @@
 	chance = 15;
 	interval = 20;
 	catch_up = true;
 	action = function(pos, node)
 		local def = minetest.registered_nodes[node.name]._starlit.plant
-		local plant = starlit.world.ecology.plants.db[def.id]
-		local nextStage = plant.stageNodes[def.stage + 1]
-		minetest.swap_node(pos, {name=nextStage})
+		-- 5 W: maximum power for UV lamps
+		-- 7 W: maximum solar power
+		local uv = (minetest.get_natural_light(pos) / 15) * 7
+		-- TODO compute artificial contribution
+		local req = lib.tbl.defaults({
+			uv = 3;
+			soil = 'soil';
+			temp = -10;
+			humid = nil;
+		}, def.growReq);
+
+		-- TODO check other reqs
+
+		if uv > req.uv then
+			local plant = starlit.world.ecology.plants.db[def.id]
+			local nextStage = plant.stageNodes[def.stage + 1]
+			minetest.swap_node(pos, {name=nextStage})
+		end
 	end;
 }

Index: mods/vtlib/math.lua
==================================================================
--- mods/vtlib/math.lua
+++ mods/vtlib/math.lua
@@ -131,6 +131,19 @@
 	__add = function(self, n)
 		return fn.seedbank(self.seed + n)
 	end;
 }
 -- function fn.vlerp
+
+function fn.timespec(n)
+	if n == 0 then return '0s' end
+	if n < 0 then return '-' .. fn.timespec(n*-1) end
+
+	local sec = n % 60
+	local hr = math.floor(n / 60)
+	local spec = {}
+
+	if sec ~= 0 then table.insert(spec, string.format("%ss",  sec)) end
+	if hr  ~= 0 then table.insert(spec, string.format("%shr", hr))  end
+	return table.concat(spec, ' ')
+end
 return fn

Index: starlit.ct
==================================================================
--- starlit.ct
+++ starlit.ct
@@ -40,10 +40,15 @@
 
 ### shadows
 i was delighted to see dynamic shadows land in minetest, and i hope the implementation will eventually mature. however, as it stands, there are severe issues with shadows that make them essentially incompatible with complex meshes like the Starlit player character meshes. for the sake of those who don't mind these glitches, Starlit does enable shadows, but i unfortunately have to recommend that you disable them until the minetest devs get their act together on this feature.
 
 ## gameplay
+the most important thing to understand about starlit is that is is [*mean], by design.
+
+* chance plays an important role. your escape pod might land in the midst of a lush, temperate forest with plenty of nearby shipwrecks to scavenge. or it might land in the exact geographic center of a vast, harsh desert that your suit's cooling systems can't protect you from, ten klicks from anything of value. "unfair", you say? tough. Thousand Petal doesn't care about your feelings.
+* death is much worse than a slap on the wrist. when you die, you drop your possessions and your suit, and respawn naked at your spawn point. this is a serious danger, as you might be kilometers away from your spawn point -- and there's no guarantee someone else won't take your suit before you can find your way back to it. good luck crossing long distances without climate control! if you haven't carefully prepared for this eventuality by keeping a spare suit by your spawn point, death can be devastating, to the point of making the game unsurvivable without another player's help. 
+
 starlit is somewhat unusual in how it uses the minetest engine. it's a voxel game but not of the minecraft variety.
 
 ### controls
 summon your Suit Interface by pressing the [*E] / [*Inventory] key. this will allow you to move items around in your inventory, but more importantly, it also allows you select or configure your Interaction Mode.