Update: We've decided to go with the name DiggyVerse'.
The server will initially have 30 slots, the same as the current server.
Yes, it will include Tinkers Construct!
I don't want to give too much away but I can also confirm these popular mods are to be included;
Natura, Biomes O' Plenty, Not Enough Items, Iron Chests, Treecapitator, BiblioCraft, BiblioWoods, Metallurgy, ExtraTiC, Chisel, Statues & Vending Blocks.
As previously stated the modpack will not include advanced machine mods such as IndustrialCraft and BuildCraft, this is to reduce lag and glitches/dupes and allow for a more creative build/fun orientated pack, think more 'Minecraft enhanced' than 'Minecraft with machines' as almost every aspect of vanilla Minecraft from enchanting to fishing has been enhanced in some way.
I will be posting a full list crediting all the developers and including links for more information when the pack is ready for launch!
Are you releasing your own mods separately and allowing reuse?
My other mod is very much tailored to our server and adds functionality specific to not just mods but also plugins, it would therefore make little sense to make it public, I also feel that this mod will keep the modpack server unique and make it 'stand out in the crowd' so this will be kept exclusive to the server.
Will you have the same plugins? How will land protection work?
Some but not all, some stopped development before 1.6.4 and for others there are just better options, the casino slots and minigames (+ 3 new game types!) will feature as well as;
Essentials, Multiverse, Lockette, WorldBorder & WorldGuard.
As for land protection we will still use a Protection Stone type system but with some major enhancements, including tying in with my main mod to make it more user friendly. The new plugin allows for city & town type setups with different sized plots that can be rented to other players as well as the ability to buy, sell and rent single regions outside of towns and cities, you will even be able to let multiple players rent the same region at the same time.
There are also lots of other exciting features but you will have to wait and see!
When will it be released? Who gets access when?
For now we are being cautious, but we expect the server to be fully open with any initial kinks ironed out by sometime in August, with my study schedule etc progress will be fairly slow for now but my kids and Tatankore are doing a great job of testing things out and finding odd behaviour for me to fix!
Staff will get access for testing as soon as we have permission for all the mods and my second mod is finished (still ironing a couple of things out). VIP players will get access soon after, followed by Donator and Member+ players, players of Member & New Builder rank will only get access once the server officially launches.
Does this mean the Tekkit Classic server is shutting down soon?
No, the intention is to see how popular Tekkit Classic is towards the end of the year and go from there, with this years funding already covered it will be at least early 2015 before we retire the Tekkit Classic server. Players will be able to transfer some in game money to the new server though if they wish.
Will I keep my rank?
This one is a little more complicated, the ranks are being overhauled and there will be some big changes but you will be promoted to an equivalent rank on request.
Here are current details of the new servers ranks:
Well that's it for now, a lot to take in but hopefully it gives you all an idea of what is coming and why it is taking so long, hope to see some of you in game soon!