I found a small Java semi vanilla server that just released after about 4 months of work. It is built around realism so you have to earn your progress and it is not just free stuff.
It has a completely custom map plus custom ore generation. It also has custom combat and a climate system and more.
Auto farms are disabled so you cannot just automate everything. There is also a 125 dollar contest running for redesigning the servers logo and banner and you enter by submitting your own image.
Semi Vanilla Java With Realism Systems
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP
Find the Light in Lumenor SMP
I found a server called Lumenor SMP and it tries to do stuff different from a lot of other servers. The community is said to be polite and the staff helps fast. Even when staff is not around people in chat are supposed to help you.
It runs on the latest version 1.21.11 and it also lets in 1.21.4+ players with ViaVersion. It supports Java Bedrock and even cracked so you can join from more places.
The server has a role system so peaceful players can do their thing and the chaos players can fight and grief. There is also a trading style shop where players put items up and trade like villager trades.
The world is described as custom vanilla with custom biomes and big structures like ancient temples. There is an arena for PvP where you can fight without losing your items because keep inventory is only on in the arena. It also mentions trims that give small buffs and a custom nether that should be opening around now plus a strong anticheat to catch hackers.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPEurope Nations SMP War For Power
I found this political survival server launching on 1.21.1 and it uses a full Europe map. The whole point is player conflict and control and who ends up running what.
There is no scripted roleplay and there are no admin made nations. Players make the nations and cities and empires and players can also wipe them out.
Wars are for land and resources and dominance and it has real consequences. People can do diplomacy and alliances then betray each other and even push propaganda.
You can build capitals and borders and big fortifications. Trade routes and the economy matter since the server is player driven.
Gameplay is Vanilla plus with no modpacks and no hand holding. It also has extra systems like alcohol and social mechanics. If you want power you have to organize and take it.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPStafford City Bedrock Serious Life RP
Stafford City is a Bedrock Life RP server that feels like a real city. It is made for people who want serious roleplay and not random chaos.
Players pick a life and actually stick to it. You can be police and respond to incidents. You can work in the legal system like a lawyer or judge. You can join emergency services and help people. You can be a worker or run a business and build your way up. You can also just live as a citizen and own property and build your reputation.
The city is meant to stay busy and active with people out on the streets and stories happening all the time. The server cares a lot about realism with laws and procedures and how people act. You are expected to stay in character and treat the city like a real place.
They also want builders who like realistic city design and detailed builds so the city can keep expanding.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPFoxCraft SMP Semi-Anarchy Survival Chaos
FoxCraft SMP is a semi anarchy survival server that tries to keep things wild but still playable. It feels like the kind of place where you can actually get jumped and have to stay sharp.
Raiding and griefing are allowed so people can play how they want. You can build up a base or go looking for other players and see what happens. Betrayals can happen and your name on the server is basically your choice.
The rules are simple. No hacking and no lag machines. It also supports cross play for Java and Bedrock and it runs on the latest version 1.21.11 with the newest 1.21 stuff.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPATCLAN BEDROCK SMP PRE RELEASE CHAOS
This is a Bedrock Edition SMP that feels like a pre release hangout where you can jump in fast and just play.
The owner says they will be online a lot and they are messing with command blocks so stuff can get interesting.
Rules are simple no racism no hacking and no inappropriate or sexual stuff.
On the server you are allowed to dupe and grief and you can team up with two or more people. It is pretty much do what you want survival with chaos.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP