Spawning Tweaks

I've tweaked the maximums for natural mob spawning from the default values as follows:

squids - decreased by 20%
animals - decreased by 20%
hostile mobs - decreased by 30%

I've also decreased monster spawning frequency, which means that for any given chunk the server will attempt to spawn hostile mobs less often.

From a player perspective these changes probably won't even be particularly noticeable, however when you look at the server as a whole this will mean at least 150 less mobs during the day and at least 400 less mobs at night with a typical number of chunks loaded. This will give a noticeable reduction in CPU usage, especially during busier times, and also reduce 'Nether lag' a little.

Server Software Upgrade

The server will be down for up to 40 minutes this morning for a software upgrade, I'll update here when it's complete.

EDIT: 10:10 - The upgrade is complete and the server is now up again!

June Challenge - RollerCoasters

As promised here are some more details on how and when they will be judged...

Judging will take place on Sunday 30th June, sometime in the afternoon.

Entries will be judged by DiggyWig, DigginChickin and 3-6 other random players chosen on the day.

Each judge will make a first and second choice, being selected as a judges first choice will get you 10 points, second choice will get you 5 points, all your points will then be added up to get your basic score.

As well as the basic score bonus points will be awarded for:

Best rollercoaster name - 10 bonus points
Most impressive feature - 10 bonus points
Most unique build - 10 bonus points
Most interesting use of materials - 10 bonus points

For the bonus points each judge will get to cast a single vote for each category, the coaster with the most votes in each category will get the points, or they will be split in the case of a draw.

Once all the votes are in, I will add up everyones points and post details here, the winners name will also be displayed on one of the boards at spawn and images of the builds will be posted here and on the Technic Forums!

The winning entries will also be offered a choice of prizes!

Entries will be disqualified if they cause excessive lag or death of the judges!

To enter you need to send the name/s of the player/s entering the coaster, the name you have given your it and coordinates the judges should teleport to when judging. This information can be sent either by skype (DiggyWig or DigginChickin) or e-mail (admin@diggyminecraft.co.uk) but must be received by midnight on Saturday 29th June for your entry to be included.

I'm looking forward to seeing what you all come up with!

May Castle Challenge - Results!

Votes have been cast and the results are in, thanks to redkid1, BobKiller52 & Tatankore for being the additional judges!

It was very close but here's the results...

1st Place: Tiffaria - Princess Castle
2nd Place: zinatawehowe - Fort Blue River
3rd Place: xPhantomY2kx -  Alkenridge Isle
4th Place: Lorir - Solid Foundations
5th Place: All three remaining entries got the same number of points;

masskiller2011 - StevieWonder
mrgamnamman911 - Corgarff Castle
SHaughey98 - BlackRock2

Congratulations to the winners and thanks to everyone that entered, we'll be arranging the prizes for 1st & 2nd place asap!

Here's some screenshots of the winning entries...

Tiffaria - Princess Castle (Voted: 1st Place, Best Garden, Best Name):

zinatawehowe - Fort Blue River (Voted: 2nd Place, Most Interesting Build):

xPhantomY2kx -  Alkenridge Isle (Voted: Best Moat):

Lorir - Solid Foundations (Voted: Most Unique Build):

Marble End - Reopened!

Marble End has now reopened with some changes to fix the bug...

The command '/home' is now disabled in Marble End.

Rather than 4 entry portals there are now only 2.

A two stage exit portal has been added, meaning you'll need to go through one portal and then another to return to the normal world. 

Please note that player inventories have been reset to make things fairer!

Enjoy!

Castle Challenge - Judging Delayed

Judging for the Castle Challenge has been delayed until tomorrow, and is expected to take place 1-3 pm UK time, this is due to DiggyWig being ill.

Posted By DigginChickin - On behalf of DiggyWig