Thursday 25 April 2013

MEGA ANNOUNCEMENT: Obsidian Gaming Website, A Few Tweaks and More!

Hi guys!

Mario here with a MEGA ANNOUNCEMENT!!! :D

So, I realized that I was putting a lot of minigame and modding content on this site, but I intended this site to spotlight awesome servers and give YouTube updates. So, I thought about it, and I've decided to launch a new website:

OBSIDIAN GAMING

Obsidian Gaming will be a website where I post all of my Minecraft minigame, modding and texture packing (whatever you call it) updates. This site WILL STILL BE HERE, this will just contain Server Spotlights, YouTube Updates and all of the stuff it already had, just not with the minigame and modding content.

This will probably be released TOMORROW (April 26th), the day I promised for the Modern Craftfare Map Names! The names will now be posted on the Obsidian Gaming site, so check there, not here!


There's also a couple of tweaks and changes I'd like to talk about:

VIDEOS COMING SUPER-SOON!
I get my money in 5 DAYS TIME (finally, for the love of waffles). I will be buying the Black Ops 2 Camos and Uprising DLC, but I will finally buy the Screencast-o-Matic Premium for a year! This means commentaries, better-quality videos, a video every day, new series, Server Xperiences, longer videos, edited videos and a ton more! I'm also gonna do a bit of 'life saving' to try and get an awesomenaut computer, so faster video quality!

'HUB' PAGE ON OBSIDIAN COMMUNITY WEBSITES!
There will now be a page on every website entitled 'HUB'. Here, you can access all of the Obsidian websites, including Obsidian Gaming, The Minecraftia, Call of Duty with Mario and any other websites I have released! This means obsidi-hopping! :D

MODERN CRAFTFARE UPDATE!
When the website is released tomorrow, all of the first 12 Modern Craftfare Multiplayer maps and the 3 Zombies maps names will be released (not the actual maps). There has, however, been a massive change to the Multiplayer maps. I'm going to make this bigger, so that you can treat the map like a MC Call of Duty game. I'm adding EVERY MAP INTO ONE WORLD!! This means you can download one world, and all of the maps will be implemented on that world. The reason for this is that I can then add stuff like:

  • Leveling Systems - Experience and levels could be added, I would add it so you got 100 XP for every kill. Once you get enough XP (300 needed for Level 2, and it increases with every level up to 55), you will level up, which then leads to:
  • Unlockable Weapons - There's a system with Command Blocks I can use which allows me to test to see if the player has unlocked a certain weapon. If they haven't it will display what Level you need to be to unlock it. If you HAVE unlocked it, you can use it as normal.
  • Unlockable Scorestreaks - I can make it so Scorestreaks will only activate if you are a certain level, you'll start with the 3 lowest Scorestreaks and the Nuke (accessible always, a Scorestreak you must earn) and then you will unlock more.
  • PRESTIGING - Once you hit Level 55 and reach a set amount of XP, you can prestige! This resets your level back to Level 1 and you need to re-unlock every weapon and Scorestreak again. However, there are a few perks you can get. You will get an option of a few perks, which are not yet decided on.

The reason I changed this is because I wanted to implement the above features, but I couldn't if every map was seperate as you would be playing the same map a million times before you could prestige. I will release seperate versions with DLC maps (4 maps in 4 packs, 16 in total) at a later date.

-Mariobros980

Obsidian Miner

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Quick Update: Learning Mod Creation Has Begun!

Hi guys!

Mario here with a quick update on modding!

I've been wanting to make a mod for a while now. If you've seen mods like Divine RPG, you'll know what kind of mod: a mod that comes with new mobs, dimensions, items, weapons, armor, tools, magic and more! However, there was one problem: I had no idea on how to make a mod. However, I'm planning to look on YouTube to see if there's some base tutorials for Java coding, and it turns out there is! I'm currently getting set up to make a bit of a test mod, but if I manage it, I will maybe be able to release the RPG mod that I've been planning on!

If the test mod somehow works, it will be called the Armor God Mod, and it will include a ton of armor sets that can buff you in certain ways. Some, like the Dirt Armor I'm planning, simply give you a tiny little bit of protection, where as some, like the Water Armor or the Lava Armor, will allow you to swim in lava and breathe underwater. I'll provide a full list if I ever get it done!

So, the current to-do list is:

- Work on Modern Craftfare some more
- Finish MineMine (new minigame)
- Try and produce the Armor God Mod

-Mariobros980
Obsidian Miner

Monday 22 April 2013

Server Spotlight: Wasted!

Hi guys!

Mario here with another Server Spotlight!

This time it's the Wasted server on the ShotBow Network. First, the ShotBow Network are the people that invented minigames such as MineZ, Last Man Standing and Death by Void. And also, this IS NOT a server where you get drunk and walk around weirdly, so clear those thoughts!

Wasted is a Minecraft attempt at the Arma II Wasteland mod. This server brings guns, vehicles and objectives into Minecraft! You start at the spawn, and you are faced with two choices - either role out solo as an Independent assassin, and work for yourself, or join one of the four colorful teams! There are 5 teams total, listed below:

  • Independents - the Independents are against EVERYONE (even other Independents) and can only use a Random Spawn. They must quickly loot chests and kill as many people as possible. This is the way you should play if you're a kind of guy who likes to bombard enemies with bullets and not a very strategic player. Also note that the Independents are usually the highest on the Kills leaderboard.
  • Nightmare - Nightmare is one of the more popular teams, and usually finish first excluding the Independents. They are some of the most strategic players, meaning if you try to escape with their Cars and Storage Trucks, they will kill you (despite there being a limited Friendly-Fire).
  • Initiative 1 - Initiative 1 are the 3rd best team and are pretty well organized and strategic players, and the cars I escape in usually get blown up on this team. A lot of the high-tier cities are owned by Initiative 1.
  • Team Cobra - Team Cobra are one of the lower teams, and are great for newbies who need some practice without being instantly bombarded by enemies. Pretty good team, but you'll probably be running alone if you're trying to get the hi-tech weapons from the drop zones.
  • Power Rangers - The Power Rangers are similar to Team Cobra, and this is probably the best team to join if you're new to the server. Not too many gunfights combined with a decent amount of supplies makes this a pretty fair team. However, you'll almost definitely be rolling solo if you're going for the objective or drop zones.

There are 'cities' scattered around the 6,000 x 6,000 block map, which contain guns, ammunition and sometimes, if you're lucky, NPCs (usually PauseUnpause) that act as shops where you can buy LOTS of items that you can't get from loot chests. Listed below are most (not all) of the weapons:

  • MP5 - Uses 9mm ammo
  • UMP45 - Uses .45 ACP ammo
  • M4 - Uses 5.56x45 NATO ammo
  • AK47 - 7.62x39 ammo
  • M16A3 - uses 5.56x45 NATO ammo
  • M240 - 7.62x51 NATO ammo
  • SCAR-H - 7.62x51 NATO ammo
  • Remington 870 - 12ga Buckshot ammo
  • AA-12 - 12ga Buckshot ammo
  • P30 - 9mm ammo
  • SW1911 - .45 ACP ammo
  • M249 - 5.56x45 NATO ammo
  • Rocket Launcher - Uses Rockets as ammo
  • M79 Grenade Launcher - Uses HE Grenades as ammo
  • Mosin Nagant - 7.62x54R

There's a couple more weapons which you can collect from places called 'Drop Zones'. These contain the high-tier weaponry and need to be held down by a team. Whichever team controls the Drop Zone when the items fall will be able to collect the items. These are usually stuff like Launchers and OP Weapons.

There are vehicles on this server. There are 2 main kinds and then there's a Battle Mech, but I'm not quite sure how the Battle Mech works yet. The 2 kinds of vehicles that you'll be coming across often are the Car and the Storage Truck. The Car is a pig, and mounting it will give it your nametag. If you left click on it whilst not on it, you will see there are 9 slots of Storage Space for you. You must hold the Steering Wheel in order to drive the pig, and it's simple controls after that. Pigs will only drive well if you're on a road, or Stone Bricks. Going on the grass will slow the car down A LOT!
          Storage Trucks have 18 slots of Storage Space, but they move a little slower than cars, making it ideal for long-living players who need to store a ton of ammo and weapons in their car.

The Final Objective is similar to a Drop Zone, except it's a little different. A team player must hold onto a diamond and, whoever has the diamond at the end, wins the game. A pretty cool minigame if you ask me! :)

-Mariobros980
Obsidian Miner

Thursday 18 April 2013

Quick Update: MiniGames Page and KickStarter To Donate To (Not Mine :P)!

Hi guys!

Mario here with a quick yet important update!

First of all, I've just set up my MiniGames page on this website. There, you can see all of my minigame ideas PLUS any download links to the finished ones. You can click 'MC Minigames' at the top, underneath the title!

Now, this is the more important part. A YouTuber that recently hit 1 million subscribers, ChimneySwift11 (you probably know him) just launched a KickStarter project. He wants to raise $100,000 (it may seem a lot, but it's worth it for what he's going to do) in order to make a live-action series starring himself, other YouTubers and any donators that donate $10,000+. But, because he is using the KickStarter website, you can get rewards for donating. Some of the rewards include a CD with the series on, Backers-Only updates, a 1-hour Minecraft session with Chim, a 1-to-1 recording session with Chim, Posters, a prop from the stage signed by Chim after it's been used and, if you donate the top amount of $10,000, you get to go and stay at the set for 2 days, have lunch with Chim, your name in the starting credits of the series and a Director's chair with your name on it (Note: doesn't include travel and lodging).
          This isn't my project, but it'd make Chim's day if he could reach the $100,000 target and make the series, so please go donate here, he deserves it for all his hard work (over 2,000 videos in 2 years)! :)

-Mariobros980
Obsidian Miner

My Thoughts on the Way Minecraft Servers Have Changed!

Hi guys!

Mario here with a few quick thoughts on a subject!

So, this is about how Minecraft servers have and haven't changed over the few years the game has been out!

At first, I believe that the top Minecraft servers were the survival ones, where you just survived like in normal Minecraft. Then Factions and PvP elements were added to the Multiplayer servers, and people were griefed, killed and trolled before they could even begin building a house (Minecraft Stories #2 coming soon, folks!).

Then, the first Hunger Games map was made, and everyone loved it. Survival Games and Hunger Games servers began to take over and become more popular on voting websites, and everyone, even a lot to this day, find it a fun mini-game.

Then there were TONS of mini-game servers released: Prison Servers, Paintball Servers, Call of Duty servers, Nazi Zombies servers, Infected servers, CTF Servers, Organized PvP Arena Servers and Mob Arena Servers to name a few. In my opinion, this is the direction a lot of the servers should be taking. Mini-games are fun and a change from the original Survival and Creative Minecraft, despite these still being as awesome as they were. Sure, there are still some survival servers that are awesome, which are (in my opinion) the ones where you have the OPTION to choose PvP or Mobs on. You don't HAVE to have that element, it's there for those who want it (next Server Spotlight includes one of these servers).

I honestly like mini-game servers better than any server. Yes, I do play survival or survival servers every so often, especially the one in the next Server Spotlight now, but the mini-games listed above are almost all of the ones I have on my server list, and a few more. I'm not saying survival servers should just shut down and stop altogther, I'm just suggesting that there should be more of an option to how you play. If you don't wanna play with PvP on, then you shouldn't have to! If you don't want mobs griefing and killing you, you shouldn't be forced to play with that!

I'm currently working on two new mini-games which I would like to see turn into something new, especially the second one. One is called MineMine, and the second one called Craft Tower Defense. If you've never played a Tower Defense before, search for 'BTD5' as this is probably the best one I've found. I want to make something like this into Minecraft, with upgradable turrets, different types of monsters and more! Even if MineMine, the one I'm currently working on alongside Modern Craftfare (these won't go away, these will always be worked on until they are finished) managed to get some attention that would be great as I really want to promote mini-games and show how good they can be if people worked on them!

-Mariobros980
Obsidian Miner

Sunday 14 April 2013

Modern Craftfare Update #3: First Multiplayer and Zombies Map Names Are Ready! (Includes Minecraftia ALPHA Info)

Hi guys!

Mario here with the third update on Modern Craftfare!

So, I know there's been a lot of these posts lately, but there's an awesome Server Spotlight coming up after this post! Anyways, on with the news!

I've begun to come up with names for the Multiplayer and Zombies maps! At the time of posting, I have 6/12 Multiplayer map names and 1/3 Zombies map names, which is pretty decent as that's pretty much halfway! I'm currently struggling to do Weapon Testing (testing a weapon in the actual game, and then trying to make it similar in the Minecraft version). I achieve the different fire rates with different levels of Haste (Note: high fire-rate weapons will probably be nerfed a little, especially the Skorpion EVO, which has high damage AND fire rate in the actual game, and there's no way to change Range, and Accuracy depends on your sensitivity).

The release date for the names will be in a week's time, or April 21st. This will include all of the 12 Multiplayer maps and 3 Zombies maps that you will start off with (not including any Bonus Packs). To see what the names are on this day, click the 'Modern Craftfare [COMING SOON]' tab below the title.

Speaking of titles and designs, the Minecraftia ALPHA is still in progress. The next release version will be coming tomorrow, April 15th, which will be 'The Minecraftia ALPHA v2'! On the same day as the name releases for the Modern Craftfare maps (April 21st) I'll release a code which you will be able to use on a page entitled 'Access to Alpha!', and if you enter the e-mail you used for your Blogger account (we don't need your password, just the e-mail, as this is what we must type in to give you access) and the code (case sensitive). That's it, and if you're one of the first people to enter the code, you'll get access. If you don't get in, we will NOT keep your Blogger account e-mail, we will delete the Document on Google Docs that we use and all the results will be gone!

So, there's the news! Tomorrow is Alpha v2, and April 21st is the Modern Craftfare map name releases! There will also be videos going out showing my progress on the maps).

-Mariobros980
Obsidian Miner

Saturday 13 April 2013

Modern Craftfare Update #2: Progress So Far!

Hi guys!

Mario here with an update on the Modern Craftfare project!

CAMPAIGN
Campaign has been barely started yet, and will probably be released a little after the Multiplayer and Zombies, but I have managed to work with one thing, and that's how unlocking stages works. Basically, at the end of each stage, you will be given a lever. You must place that lever on the Gold Block of the next level and then activate it. If you do not have a lever there, you will not be allowed into the level.

MULTIPLAYER
Multiplayer has been currently worked on the most, and I have finished most of the main redstone. There's a Killstreak system, a TDM total kill limit and 2 different teams which each have a color to represent them as well as Friendly Fire being off. If you're wondering how the Multiplayer will work, this is how:

  • On the launch day of Modern Craftfare (unannounced currently) 12 Mutliplayer maps and 3 Zombies maps will be released, alongside Campaign (if it's finished by then).
  • After that I will launch 4 map packs (don't be fooled by the name, they will all be free) which will each contain 3 new Multiplayer maps and a Zombies map. There will be at least a 1 month gap, and I will release the maps as soon as they are done.
  • With the FINAL map pack, there will still be 3 new Multiplayer maps and a Zombies map, but I will roll all of the Multiplayer maps into one map so that you can play them all on one map. This will be the final release of Modern Craftfare Multiplayer.

ZOMBIES
Finished the redstone for the Perk Machines, Doors and Wall Guns. I have yet to do the Mystery Box, the Pack-a-Punch and the Zombie spawning, but I already have the Zombie spawning figured out (it'll probably be zombies that spawn with a Leather Tunic and Resistance using MCEdit Spawners). The current perks that I have are:
  • Reviva-Cola (gives you Regeneration I, I'll probably do buffed and nerfed versions in future maps)
  • Juggernaut Juice (gives you Resistance I)
  • Speed Soda (gives you Swiftness I)
  • Hasty H2O (gives you Haste I, means you can spam-click more!)
  • Electric Espresso (gives your armor Thorns I, damages Zombies that touch you)
  • Strength Shake (gives you Strength I, you do more damage)
  • Fizzy Feather (gives you boots with Feather Falling IV, great for those maps with big heights)
  • Aqua (gives you a Respiration I, Aqua Affinity I Helmet, basically gives you a lot more skills underwater)
  • Flaming Cocktail (gives you Fire Resistance II potion effect, makes you take no fire damage)

Not all of the perks will be implemented in all of the maps, but some of them will come in useful for different maps, as I plan on having maps with different elements...

The first three maps will be general names for places (similar to Town and Farm from BO2 Zombies), and then you will start moving on to more complex and element-related maps (I already have 2 of the Zombies DLC maps planned...).

Anyways, that's it for now, I'll probably be posting a ton of these as I'm excited to see what I can do with redstone and the Modern Craftfare project!

-Mariobros980
Obsidian Miner

Friday 12 April 2013

Modern Craftfare Update #1: Weapon List

Hi guys!

Mario here with a full weapon list of all the guns that will be in Modern Craftfare!

All of the guns will be tested in Call of Duty and adjusted so that it does similar damage and has similar fire rate (different levels of Haste). They are all in Black Ops 2, and I will change the names so they are more Minecraft related, but the weapons are:

Assault Rifles
MTAR
AK47
Type 25
M27
SMR
AN-94
Galil*
FAL
SCAR-H
M8A1
Colt M16A1**

SMGs (Sub Machine Guns)
MP5*
MP7
PDW-57
Vector K10
MSMC
Chicom CQB
Skorpion EVO
AK74u**
Peacekeeper

LMGs (Light Machine Guns)
Mk48
QBB LSW
LSAT
HAMR
RPD**
M60*

Sniper Rifles
SVU-AS
DSR 50
Ballista
XPR 50
Barrett M82A1*

Shotguns
R870 MCS
S12
KSG
M1216
Olympia**
M14**

Pistols
Five-seven
Tac-45
B23R
Executioner
KAP-40
FMG9***
Python**

*Will be tested in Black Ops 2 Campaign mode
** Will be tested in Black Ops 2 Zombies mode and tweaked to be a little weaker considering zombies are weaker than humans
***Will be made off of YouTube videos and past use of this weapon, will not be as accurate as the actual weapon was

I'll tweak the names and post these again with the new names! Already got a few down!

-Mariobros980
Obsidian Miner

YouTube Series Coming Soon...

Hi guys!

Mario here with an update on YouTube!

First thing you're gonna need to know for what's coming is that I'm British. I already mentioned this a few times, but it's just there in case you thought I was from another country!

Ok, so now onto the new series that I'll be starting, which are listed below:

  • CTM Map Playthrough - I changed my mind about doing a Vechs map because everyone does them, so I might play through one that doesn't get as much attention. #
  • Redstone - This is a series where I run through everything you'll need to know about Redstone (Season 1 will be just the basics, such as what each individual piece of redstone does, simple contraptions etc.)
  • Modern Craftfare Updates - How I'm getting on with the Modern Craftfare project (Note: Modern Craftfare won't be maps copied from games, they'll be on the same page, but I'll be making different maps with the same weapons from the games that you know).

Now, I'm sorry to say but there's been a delay again (you guys are probably getting sick of all these delays, but after this everything will get sorted). I won't be able to get the recording software until around April 26th. This means none of the series above will begin until then, but there will still be videos coming out.

-Mariobros980
Obsidian Miner

New Blocktopia Server: Premium TNT!

Hi guys!

Mario here with another Blocktopia update!

The Blocktopia staff recently announced that there will be a new server coming out named Premium TNT. This is named after a Classic server called TNT Wars, in which you threw TNT at people and tried to kill them. There were different types of TNT that you could spend points on, like C4, Land Mines and more! However, the popularity has dramatically decreased, and they can no longer afford to keep it running. So, they took the idea, and made Premium TNT!

There's no confirmed launch date, but it shouldn't be too long now!

-Mariobros980
Obsidian Miner

Saturday 6 April 2013

Project Modern Craftfare!

Hi guys!

Mario here with a brand new project I'll be working on!

This is called Modern Craftfare, which is basically an extra part to my MC Nazi Zombies project. I'm going to (hopefully) make three different gamemodes: Campaign (pretty much like an adventure map, with knives, guns and warfare), Multiplayer (taking a Call of Duty/FPS map and making it into Minecraft, which you can play with no plugins or mods) and Zombies (endless waves of zombies that you must kill to earn points, buy items and survive). Some of this I won't be able to post on the Minecraft Forum or Planet Minecraft, as the copyright is very intense, despite me not going to be copying much (taking a few Redstone tutorials from PixelPredators for the Zombies maps and a Command Block tutorial to show how 'testfor', 'teams' and 'objectives' work).

I won't be copying anyone's work, if I build an already-built map it will be built by me and I will also build small DLC maps until I get better at building, then I'll make some better maps. I'll explain below how each one works:

CAMPAIGN
Pretty simple: you run through several levels of a storyline, using different weapons and defeating enemies. There may be challenges you can complete, and you will have to do it in level order (e.g. you start at Level 1, you may not choose to start at Level 5 unless you have unlocked that stage).

MULTIPLAYER
Designed for either big parties of people or for use on Multiplayer Minecraft servers. There will be Command Blocks setting up teams and making it so friendly fire is off, each team member has a colored nametag etc. It will be designed for up to 12 players, with 6 v 6 games of Team Deathmatch or Domination (these will have to be seperate maps, I'm not so good at redstone that I can put both into one map). There will be a new page on the site entitled 'Modern Craftfare' where I will post the Multiplayer and Zombies maps. I will post any Campaign maps I do on Planet Minecraft, and then put a link for the page on this website.

ZOMBIES
This has got nothing to do with ZombieCraft. Zombies is a gamemode where zombies will endlessly spawn, and you must kill them in order to earn Points. Points are used as a currency and you can buy perks, guns, random weapons, an upgrade for your weapons and more! You may also have to find a power switch, or none of the Perk Machines or Pack-a-Punch machine will work!

This will be coming as soon as the second Black Ops 2 DLC (Uprising) is released, on April 16th (Note: it may be May 16th due to the fact that I have a PS3). I could begin work on the Campaign. I will make videos on my own channel (now called NeonZonkles, which is my favorite random word) showing progress that I make and more content, like MCPvP Hunger Games and some Dwarves v Zombies gameplay.

-Mariobros980
Obsidian Miner

P.S Commentary is coming VERY shortly, stay tuned on ObsidianMiners' channel!

Thursday 4 April 2013

Computer Problems and Video Making!

Hi guys!

Mario here with a quick update!

So, the other day my computer was infected with a virus. Don't worry, they've both been deleted, but it keeps closing all of my programs. This is the reason my first commentary hasn't gone out yet. First of all, I need to wait to get the money in order to buy Screencast-o-Matic Premium (let's hope the video quality is a lot better) and then what video I'm going to post (first one will be 16-30 mins long, in order to test the upload time of longer videos, and then we will begin uploading proper videos).

I've also figured that once you get to know redstone a little better, it can be so easy! I need a lot of redstone for my Nazi Zombies maps, so I've been watching Kyle's videos (check them out here) to get a tutorial on the redstone, and once you've followed along with the tutorial once, you can do them on your own!

Anyways, I'll be making a new 'Redstone', showing simple AND complex tutorials on redstone, but not too hard, otherwise it may get kinda crazy! So, new series, first commentary soon, lots to look forward to!

-Mariobros980
Obsidian Miners

Tuesday 2 April 2013

Server Spotlight: Blocktopia Rituals of Fire!

Hi guys!

Mario here with another Server Spotlight!

This time it's a Blocktopia server. In case you didn't know, Blocktopia is a community of players who have 7 different servers: 3 Classic Servers (Lava Survival, Zombie Survival and TNT Wars) and 4 Premium servers (Rituals of Fire, Buildbox, Journey to Elysium and Army of Darkness). I'm doing a review on the Rituals of Fire server, which is the Premium version of the Classic Lava Survival. You will basically start in a tutorial which shows you the objective of the game (personally it is my favorite room), shops and different blocks and which ones melt. You will then be asked to right-click a sign to rank up to Player, and I'll explain ranks later.

You start by going through the portal. Here, you will have to collect resources around the map and build a house out of the toughest materials you can collect at the time (Bricks and Stone Bricks survive all kinds of lava, whilst some melt on all kinds of lava). Whilst you're collecting resources, make sure you remember there are several lava spawners underneath the map that keep spawning layers of lava which will then attempt to burn your house down (and Cobblestone will melt on specific types of lava, so don't think you can get away with it that easily). You also want to collect ores and look in chests scattered around the map, as you will need general pickaxes/armor for your journey through Rituals of Fire! Mobs are on, so that makes night time very difficult. Some maps are noted to have a lot of Skeletons spawn, which isn't the nicest thing to come across.
          If you manage to survive a round, you will get a certain amount of cookies depending on your rank, from 10 to all the way up to 300 (300 is top-rank). Using cookies, you can buy certain things from the store. At first, you will only be able to get Wood Tools, blocks, food and a Book and Quill. However, after ranking up, you will get access to more stuff to enhance your game experience. Below now are the different ranks you can get:

Guest
To get Guest, simply join the server by going through the portal in the lobby. Go through the tutorial and then you will be able to rank up!

Player
To get Player, simply right-click the sign after completing the tutorial! Players get access to the base shop with Wood Tools, food, blocks and Book and Quills and receive 10-30 cookies per survived round.

Crafter
To get Crafter, you must purchase the rank from the Base Shop for 250 cookies. It is the first rank that can be bought from the server's shop and they get 30-60 cookies per survived round. Crafters also get access to a new Area in the shop, which will allow them to access Ender Chests, Furnaces, Crafting Tables and various items Players cannot access.

Apprentice
To get Apprentice, you must purchase the rank from the Shop for 1000 cookies. It is the second rank that can be bought from the server's shop and they get 60-100 cookies per survived round. Apprentices also get access to a new Area in the shop, which is an Armory, and allows them to access Tools, Armor, Items and other things Players and Crafters cannot access.

Journeyman
To get Journeyman, you must purchase the rank from the Shop for 3500 cookies. It is the third rank that can be bought from the server's shop and they get 100-150 cookies per survived round. Journeymen will also get access to a new Area in the shop, which is a large room that provides use of levels such as enchantment tables and access to brewing. It also provides items that are very hard to acquire as well as items that are not available in other parts of the shop.

Expert
To get Expert, you must purchase the rank from the Shop for 7000 cookies. It is the fourth rank that can be bought from the server's shop and they get 150-200 cookies per survived round. Experts will also get access to a new Area in the shop, which provides some 'amusing' redstone materials (as the Wiki describes), some first tiered potions and a variety of other useful items in the main area. There is a music disc shop, which includes every disc including the rarely-dropped 'wait'. There is also a preserved portal and a room with brewing stands, furnaces, a Crafting Table, an Ender Chest and two Anvils.

Master
To get Master, you must purchase the rank from the Shop for 15,000 cookies. It is the fifth rank that can be bought from the server's shop and they get 200-250 cookies per survived round. Masters will also get access to a new Area in the shop, which provides diamond equipment, second tiered potions, potion ingredients, enchanted books with a level 30 enchantment table and a variety of staff/other heads. The Master temple also has a private portal and a crafting room with Furnaces and Crafting Tables.

Grand Master
To get Grand Master, you must purchase the rank from the Shop for 30,000 cookies. It is the final rank that can be bought from the server's shop and they get 250-300 cookies per survived round. Grand Masters will also get access to a new Area in the shop, which is yet to be built (I'll update this when it is built, depending on the time span between now and then).

Operator
To get Operator, you must apply on the Rituals of Fire Forum page (click here to go there). After you post it, the staff will vote on whether you become Operator or not. If it is accepted, you will get promoted. If it is denied, you will stay at the rank you were on already. Rarely, players will get handpicked to be Operator.

Veteran Operator
In game your tag will say VetOp. To get Veteran Operator, you must be chosen by higher-ranked staff to be promoted for fantastic work and a drive to make the server a better place. You are still expected to ensure rules are kept, but you get some special commands, such as /gamemode and some WorldEdit commands.

Controller
To get Controller, you must be handpicked by the leading staff on the server. Controllers monitor the Operators to ensure they are doing their job correctly and that rules are met. They also get a choice in specific promotions, demotions and warnings. They are also forum moderators and keep track of ban appeals, map submissions and staff applications.

Director
To get Director, you must be handpicked by the Head Administration of Blocktopia. Directors are also referred to as Admins, and have to watch over all aspects of the server. They have to ensure new maps are added, have a balanced gameplay, they create and edit rules of the server, they decide on staff promotions, demotions, warnings and training. They have the final say on anything on the Rituals of Fire server.

The Lava God controls the lava in almost every way (he doesn't change the way the lava flows). The Lava God has (I believe) 4 states of anger. If the Lava God is Calm, only materials like wood and snow will melt, but everything else is stable. If the Lava God is Annoyed, it means that a few more strong materials will melt. If the Lava God is Angry, it means that blocks such as Cobblestone will melt. If the Lava God is FURIOUS, almost every block melts, apart from a certain few such as Nether Brick, Stone Brick and Brick Blocks. The lava piles on layer by layer every 5-10 minutes until the whole map is covered in lava. Then, you will have to survive around another 5 minutes and the game will end. You will then receive a Cookie reward depending on rank, as well as maybe a few other items (ores).
          Try to set yourself a ton of challenges, because then gameplay will get boring if you just build a house and then sit in it for 25 minutes until the round is up. I'll post a huge amount of challenges for this server, as well as MCInfected and MCSkullHunter, because I support both Super Gaming and Blocktopia more than I've ever supported any server (apart from PvPZone, that was one epic server!).

Ok, I hope you've enjoyed this Server Spotlight! There will be a new page for challenges soon!

-Mariobros980 
Obsidian Miner