The complete loop
A Crimson Moon run is a selected mission, not one uninterrupted open-world campaign. Prepare in Sanctus Clypeus, choose a Ward and difficulty at the War Table, deploy, clear linked areas and Nexus objectives, then return to the hub with whatever progression the result preserves.
Each Ward mission can contain ordinary enemies, elites, mini-bosses, secrets, loot, and a final boss. Nexus Gates act as progression checks inside a mission and offer temporary Boon choices, so the build develops during the run.
Death and the life pool
A run uses a limited life pool rather than ending at the first defeat. When that pool is exhausted, the current attempt ends. You do not simply respawn at the exact failed location to recover everything.
What survives
Permanent character experience already earned, unlocked equipment, purified gear, certain stored finds, and collected lore scrolls can carry forward. Temporary Boons, some Souls, mission-completion bonuses, unbanked equipment, and acquired consumables can be lost on failure.
The safest beginner rule is to treat every successful Nexus Gate and completed mission as a banking opportunity. Do not evaluate a run only by whether its final boss falls; lasting unlocks can still widen the options available next time.