Ambervale

Background: Ambervale is a project that I began in the summer of 2014 while serving as a Soldier in Afghanistan. Fundamentally, it's an endeavor that allowed me to enjoy two great hobbies: playing Minecraft and world building. On a deeper level, however, this project was a way for me to escape the high operational tempo, boredom and stress of life in a combat zone. 


I shared a few images of my progress on Reddit and, to my surprise, Ambervale was very well received. The overwhelmingly-positive response inspired me to continue building even after I returned home. While I'll be the first to admit that I am not the strongest builder architecturally, I've developed a fair reputation for developing atmosphere and environment. 


Initially I had no plans to release Ambervale unfinished, but two realizations compelled me to have a change of heart:

1.) I may never personally be satisfied with calling this project “finished.”


2.) If I can enjoy this unfinished project so much, why wouldn't others be able to do the same?


I am eager to give people the opportunity to get into the world and explore. I’m also curious to see how people may continue building in ways that make Ambervale better than I could have ever imagined. Of course, I will continue with my own progress as well. 


 Enjoy!


Before you Explore Ambervale:


This project was built with one texture pack exclusively in mind – “Conquest” by Monsterfish. From the very first block, this is the texture pack I have used and I honestly have no idea what the project would look like using any other pack, to include vanilla. I also highly recommend that you install “optifine,” which will enable Conquest’s connected textures and fog settings. I adjust the atmospheric fog settings to the lowest distance. The results are absolutely gorgeous. If you’re going to play in my world, you should experience it as it was designed to be experienced.


http://www.planetminecraft.com/texture_pack/conquest-32x32/

Fictional Background:


The village of Ambervale rests quietly long the banks of the river Scarlett in the sovereign summer lands of Adelysia. Tucked away in a sequestered corner of the realm, Ambervale has enjoyed peace and prosperity for more than 600 years. The ruins of a large stone stronghold silently decay in the forest west of the village. Now covered in moss and vegetation, the stronghold whispers of an ancient time when Adelysia’s old friends were once bitter enemies. Today, townsfolk work hard on their fertile lands and relax when the sun begins to cast its golden rays upon the surrounding fields.


If you seek excitement and adventure, then you are advised to look elsewhere. But if it is tranquil beauty you are after, then look no further.


Credit Where Credit is Due:


I would like to acknowledge jortgutter, whose castle ruins have a near facsimile residing in the woods outside of Ambervale. While I did build the Ambervale stronghold brick by brick, completely from scratch, the design is based off of jortgutter’s outstanding work. Thank you.   


I would also extend a huge acknowledgement to lentebriesje’s custom trees. I based my trees off of so many of his designs and without them as a foundation, I would have never been inspired to build Ambervale in the first place.


When designing the homes of Ambervale, I had a “Tudor” style in mind.  A google search inspired with several images that I used as reference when building some of the homes in my villiage. If you see a house that looks familiar, it could be that I built my home by looking off of a picture of yours. I will happily give you credit you demonstrate that this is the case.