This modpack is being created for my group of friends to play on our "Playing Our Way" server. This is a small, private server. All of them except for me and my wife are newbie players, so I intend to dial back some of the difficulty and add mods I know will resonate with them so they can enjoy the game.

The modpack is based off of the "World of Dragons" modpack but has some additional mods and slight tweaks. Feel free to download it and play it. Below is a list of the change I have done:

Additional Mods:

Doggy Talents - This mod was added because my friends are animal lovers and the idea that they can have a pet dog that they can train excited them. Being new players, this will also help them watch their back when outside of a base.
Dimensional Doors - This mod was added for two reasons:
- Pocket Dimensions - The ability to have a pocket dimension for making custom locations.
- Teleport Hub - This provides the ability to allow a Pocket Dimension to server as a hub between the player bases across the map and Dimensions. Thus making a log trek possible within a few seconds and in complete safety. Thus increasing player interaction.
Dynamic Surroundings - This mod was added to create further immersion in the game as it adds environment sound effects by biome as well as player actions sound effects like walking on sand vs walking on stone.
PlayerRevive - This mod was add to encourage players to adventure into the world in groups. It allows a down (dead) player to be revived by another player within 1 minute. It really works well in groups of 3 because it allows one person to get the dragon's attention and pull them away while a second player revives the dead player.
Secret Rooms - This mod was added to allow players to make various secret chests to store gear, secret doors for hidden tunnels, etc. (This was added in the 1.0.1 version)
OpenBlocks Elevators - I added this mod to make it easy to travel vertically in the base without using ladders or stairs. It was was intended to be a 2nd level ladders while not requiring redesign of your base because it can directly replace the location the ladders are in.
Expanded Bonemeal - I added this to allow players to grow sugar cane faster for their doggy treats. (This was added in the 1.0.2 version)
Snad - This was also added to increase growth of sugarcane. (This was added in 1.0.3 version.)
Extra Utilites 2 - This was added mainly for the sound muffler because Dynamic Surroundings water is sometimes very noisy. Also we wanted some automation stuff (This was added in 1.0.4 version.)
Cyclic - Added this for some automation blocks that don't require power.

WoD Mods:

ZAWA -
- I tweaked the animal spawn config to remove a lot of the animals from the Nether and "The End" dimensions. It just didn't seem right.
- I changed a lot of animals to not spawn in the desert, like Elephants for instance. This was done to help keep closer to reality.
- I changed a lot of animals to not spawn in frozen biomes, like the Igauna for instance. This was done to help keep closer to reality.

Future Plans:

POW GuideBook - We have had interest from several more people and based on input from the first couple friends, we are considering adding a POW Guide Book to help newbie Minecraft Players get accustomed to the basics.
Custom NPCs - My friends wish to add some custom NPCs to MineColonies. I will be adding them as time permits.