I do notice the mana costs feel a bit heavy when I try to use Nocturnal Sect as AST. I think that one could use a mana refund mechanic when a barrier is fully used up. Of course, an internal cooldown of maybe 10 - 20s may be needed so Aspected Helios doesn't become busted with it. The Neutral Sect barrier from Diurnal Sect doesn't need this from what I gather.

The play card spell granting some mana for both sects I could get behind.