Veterancraft 1.4.2 Update Happening Soon!!! | Veterancraft Dedicated Server | Forum

I'm happy to say that we are very close to upgrading Veterancraft to 1.4.2. Its been a long and grueling week working with plugins updates, fixes, configuration changes, etc. Most of it was because of the update, but we also fixed some issues that have been on the back burner for a while. There is still a lot more to do, but that can happen at a more relaxed pace.

I am not certain yet of the exact upgrade timing. All I can say it will happen within the next 24-48 hours. Given that I'm tied up with other projects today, I will not begin the update cycle until some time tomorrow. I will give everyone 1-2 hours warning here and via Twitter when I get closer to pushing changes up to the server. I expect that the server will be down for no more than 2 hours. It will probably be more to the tune of 30-45 minutes, but I'm giving myself a little wiggle room for unknowns. After all, this is a new server and the update process isn't yet as well-oiled as it was at our prior home.

Here are some of the highlights/cautions you might be interested in:

• We will be running CraftBukkit 1.4.2 Beta Build #2446 or better
• Any plugins that had updates as of 3 days ago have been updated.
• Residence has not yet been updated for 1.4.2. Some of the newer 1.4.2 items may not be offered any protection.
• mcMMO also has not yet officially been updated, but we will be running the latest development build.
• Simplespleef has become a defunct project. There haven't been updated in 5 months. Our current version works most of the time - sometimes we get missing arena blocks - so that will have to do until with find a suitable replacement. Actually, we are considering making this an in-house project, since many other alternatives don't seem to be current or are heavyweights trying to do way more than manage a Spleef game. We prefer small, simple, and modular plugins rather than monolithic "swiss army knife" solutions. If you come across another viable solution, please feel free to submit plugin suggestions (in the appropriate place).
• I've replaced OtherDrops (another defunct plugin) with ecoCreatures to pay monetary rewards when killing mobs.
  • As usual, hostile critters will drop some reward 50% of the time.
  • Be careful not to kill Villagers or you will suffer a fiscal penalty.
  • You will also gain a small reward every time you level a mcMMO skill.
  • Some rewards and reward types may change as we become accustomed to ecoCreatures way of doing things.
• Its been long overdue, but we've made LocalShops an in-house project. We will be adding additional features over time to make it better and easier to use. But because it is an essential plugin, we have to tread carefully. Here are some of the changes that have already been made.
  • Localshops now supports all 1.4.2, and below items - pistons, blaze rods, potions, etc. No, you still can't sell enchanted items without wiping enchantments, but that's a feature on the drawing table.
  • Fixed many code issues causing dreaded "An internal error..." particularly when using commands that use an item in hand when there wasn't one.
  • Shop signs now actually update whenever prices or inventory levels change.
  • Chances are that there will still be some minor issues lingering around. Just make sure to report them so they don't go unnoticed.
• Dynamic maps will be available again (http://maps.veterancraft.net). A significant change has been made in the mapping of secondary worlds. Rather than starting with blank maps, we will provide a medium resolution topographical map of secondary worlds. We believe this to be a good compromise between those that want to explore and those that want know the lay of the land. A topo map offers enough details for players to choose certain landscape features without giving too much away. However, that is the only map type that will be available for secondary worlds.
• There is a chance that we will be generating a new secondary world to offer all 1.4.2 features. This means that you will be saying goodbye to the Outer Reaches - after all that is the purpose of having our secondary worlds. Don't worry, this won't happen instantaneously - there will be a transition period during which the new world and Outer Reaches coexist.