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Introduction

The Allegorical Build, a Forge-based modpack by Concordia University's TAG Minecraft Bloc, originated as an experiment in using a modded Minecraft server as a university classroom and experiential laboratory. Through gameplay juxtaposed with course readings, students explore allegorical relationships between modernity and Minecraft.

The Classic Edition is the original iteration of the project. Given substantial chances introduced with the now-active second version, and the need for simplicity and ease of use with audiences unfamiliar with modded Minecraft, we have separated out this prior version into its own project.

Core Design

We attempt to strike a balance between...
1. A feature-rich environment in which players can explore multiple progression systems and approach tasks in multiple ways.
2. Keeping the pack as light-weight as possible so that it can run on the less-powerful hardware that many students have.

The pack was originally used, and intended, for players ranging from experienced Minecraft veterans to total newbies - including people who are not habitual gamers and do not possess high-end gaming computers. Additionally, mods were chosen to make things interesting enough for experienced players without completely overwhelming the newcomers.

Three mods featuring complex progression systems, automation, and high-power end-game production options, form the backbone of The Allegorical Build:

Immersive Engineering (with Immersive Petroleum and Immersive Posts)
Nature's Aura (with Auraddons)
Productive Bees

This particular blend was chosen to cover the two thematic antipodes of industrial tech and magic (the bees are somewhere in between).

A couple of other mods are added to provide a bit of extra mystery and discovery to the mix - principally, Rocket Squids and our own experimental WIP mod, Moloch the Consumer - a demonic machine that periodically demands offerings from players, consumes them, and rewards or punishes accordingly. (Currently, Moloch must be placed and managed by server admins, using commands to edit its NBT, plan its demands, and script rewards or punishments - see the GitHub page for detailed usage information).

Building Extras

We include a few additional mods to increase the range of architecture and decor that players can experiment with.

Quark, with its marble and other additional types of rock
Sweet Concrete - because concrete is the soul of modernity
Extended Lights and Neon Craft - because artificial lighting is... also the soul of modernity

Infrastructure and Logistics

Storage Drawers + Drawers Tooltip, because you'll need it for all the stuff you'll produce/accrue
Packing Tape
Curios / Curious Shulker Boxes
Snail Mail
Areas, allowing student teams to mark regions where they are building

Documentary Tools

A blend of tools to facilitate recording and documenting gameplay/builds for posterity. These can be used for various purposes by students, teachers, and support staff.

Quark for its enhanced screenshot-taking interface
Camera Mod for an immersive means of taking photographs and displaying them in-game
CMDCam for documentary videographers

QoL - GUI enhancements

JEI + addons
Better Advancements
Crafting Tweaks
Light Overlay
Xaero Minimap/World Map
Loading screen Tips
When Was That Again
Controlling - easier client-side keymapping tool
Inventory Tweaks Renewed - inventory auto-sorting
Quark, of course, offers various GUI tweaks as well
HWYLA - so players can sort out what all these new modded blocks are

QoL - In-game tweaks

Deadly End Phantoms - because the normal insomnia mechanic was too disruptive for the class, but we wanted membranes to be available
GraveStone - making death a bit less punishing
Crafting Station - more convenient crafting
Save Your Pets - because players were reluctant to use pets at all since they died too easily
Fast Leaf Decay

Administrator Tools

WorldEdit

The Allegorical Build - Classic Edition