Double post for update:
Server is updated to 1.6.4 pretty quickly as it is a minor update, but I'm not 100% sure of compatibility.
In preparation for 1.7, make sure to visit any natural structures (villages, witch huts, pyramids, etc.) so that they'll be reflected in the world file.
Should not be surprising, but I've lately been considering whether to utilise a selection of Forge mods for 1.7 and onwards, in order to greatly broaden the possibilities of the game and encourage more players. I don't want it to go so far as to significantly alter the game mechanics (so nothing like BuildCraft or IC2). Clients will need to install Forge to run these mods. I'll probably provide a modpack with mods whose permissions allow for modpack inclusion, with the rest being manual downloads.
Mod list with links that I'd like to implement:
- Biomes O' Plenty (lots of new biomes and blocks - chosen over ExtraBiomesXL since default-style worlds can still be made)
- Baikon's Weaponmod (more weps, why not)
- ComputerCraft (adds fully programmable computers, taking tech-oriented players beyond redstone)
- DungeonPack (new dungeon types and better rewards - only server needs it installed)
- CraftGuide (a handy in-game item to list all stock and mod recipes)
- UsefulFood (more food items)
- Jammy Furniture Mod (furniture, finally)
- Alice Doll Mod (by popular demand! Also unclear about permissions)
Alternatively, full mod packs eg. Tekkit Lite or FTB can be used - and these are easier to install and get playing, but since these use 1.4.7 or 1.5.2 code we'd have to start over
entirely to prevent any conflicts; furthermore some of the mods lack current versions.
Ideally this would be up on another server (to preserve the vanilla-esque experience and reduce conflicts), but my finances don't allow that unless we instead run two lower-power servers. That may be an option I'd consider due to the rather low player turnout making the server hardware seem more powerful than needed. Conversely, the separate servers could mean additional content.
Thoughts?