A lot has been going on since the server went down for 16+ hours a couple weekends ago. I have been trying to fix this and that random issue since the move. Most issues is related to random disconnects from the server for everyone and no access to the Console or FTP, let alone the game itself. This usually happens once or twice every couple days.
We have had a few random freezes of the server, mostly due to hardware that was switched out, I assume. The freezes have not happened in the last four to five days, so I think we are still in the clear. I still plan on readding the plugins I removed one at a time over the course of the next few days to be certain it wasn't a plugin having a memory leak. We suspected Dynmap as we just updated prior to/right after the move.
Speaking of dynmap, we have reset it's config (as mentioned above, could be the reason for the freezes) to have all the newest variable configs and clear out unused junk. The tile rendering should be fixed up and new tiles rendered regularly. If someone happens to be editing in a tile area multiple times, the trigger for that area will not be called more than once per minute.
We have added the ExtraHardMode Plugin with very minimal features enabled. There are two features that will not be enabled until Februrary 10th. These will make players be more creative and decorative with their designs. Starting February 10th, Cobble and Dirt (not mossy cobble or grass) will act like sand and gravel. I suggest everyone redo their ceilings and walkways. Also watch out for cave-ins with dirt. Many changes to how mobs fight and a few discussions on some mob features. Such as Skeletons having 10% chance to spawn
In the update to 1.4.7 with spigot, a couple plugins went on the fritz and/or died off. Our old Mail plugin died, the author quit when CB did their security changes a month or so back. We have found another one that is similar that we plan to add. DeathTpPlus is barely good anymore. Every time someone dies and leaves a chest, the console is spammed with errors. We have replaced the deathchest feature with a new plugin and getting rid of DeathTpPlus. And for the last time, there is no "TP to Death Location" we are running a Hard Mode server. Not everything is going to handed to you on a silver platter.
For those of you who like to rage about being banned for killing a player, let me get something straight on that issue. Due to issues with DiabloDrops, a couple of it's enchants are not effected by Towny or WorldGuard. A very blunt example is the Leech Enchant. If used on a player in a Non-PVP town, they will die in one or two hits. This is an exploit. Anyone using Leech Enchanted Items on any player for any reason will be warned and item removed from their inventory. If a staff member is unable to do so, either by limited permissions or player logging off immediately, the user will be banned a day. Each offense increasing the length a day per event.
Server advertising. What's allowed, what's not. Why do we not allow most or any of it.
Bluntly, stating something about a specific server is not allowed. Good or bad comments of the other server(s) is not allowed. Talking about a plugin you seen on a server without stating what server is fine. Though asking about adding it or such features is fine, to a point. I'd rather have such requests sent to us via Email. We at once tried helping other servers, or even make suggestions. But due to issues in the past, we no longer join other server while helping. We are currently talking over a recent issue with a player that we've known for a while. Good player. They have their own server, for their own reasons, and we don't see them very often. Lately when he joins, he'll mention something relating to his server. In my opinion, he's pushing the boundaries of our rules about no server advertising. Players attempting to push the boundaries regularly to get their way, in one form or another, does bother me. Some times I let it slide as it reminds me that they are just kids. Anyone that joins that we don't know about and starts advertising their server are usually banned on the spot, since they don't bother to read the rules before doing anything. Players that we know usually are warned and to be more careful. Though, joining on, say something about their server without stating specifics of their server, such as access or the name, then leave. That to me leaves it blunt enough that they are trying to catch attention to their server.
Think of it this way. You set up a nice party, a lot is going on, plenty of food, drinks, games, music, and a big screen tv with the game or special event on, maybe even the bass cranked up and the neighbors don't care. You worked hard on getting it set up with your friends/family and payed a fair bit. How would you feel if someone came over and tries to be sly and pull people away to their party? Wouldn't you feel like there is competition? Your party not good enough? We're not trying to make money, though enough to pay for the server is nice. We're trying to fun a nice small server of 20 slots (future goal) with PVP sandbox feel. Though we haven't made it to 20 slots nor see much in the way of pvp and group fights, we're still working that way.
