[ShadowsDawn]

I assume you are wanting Java because it is an interpreted language, and thusly when applied right is fairly platform independent and will allow you to develop from your windows machine. If that is the reason, you could look into andLinux. It is a version of linux that runs side by side with your windows session. Instead of having the linux-like environment of cygwin(which is still problematic) you get the benefit of a full on linux environment that plays nice with your windows OS.

By making use of andLinux you would be able to choose any codebase out there, including the RPI engine or Argila (if you can find it) which include many of the features you are looking for already and then some. Or you could go with comehting like NakedMUD, which is very bare bones and will allow you to code your skill system and such however you wish without worrying about havign to retool existing systems to make them still work. NakedMUD also has the advantage of using Python in addition to the C based core. Things are developed to the point that all coding can be done with Python alone, and since the in game scripting system is Python you could theoretically create your game solely with triggers and progs attatched to rooms & such while inside the game.

Python is also interpreted, like Java, and is platform independent as well. One nice thign with it though, is it is generally easier to learn, and in most cases development is much faster, especially when trying to get a prototype system up and going as fast as possible.