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 IPJava Survival Semi-Vanilla Long-Term SMP
This is a Java survival server that wants everything to feel legit. Every block on the world is mined and placed by players so the map feels really handmade and not like it came from random plugins.
The server is semi vanilla and uses custom plugins for basic commands and land protection. It does not use the common plugins that everyone sees everywhere so the gameplay has its own style. The staff try to keep it feeling like normal Minecraft but still protected.
The community is open to players who are 13 or older. It is not a strict family friendly server but there are rules so chat does not get too wild. People are expected to be respectful and kind to each other.
The rules say no super offensive language and no politics or other big controversial topics. No hacking or cheating or abusing exploits. You are not allowed to mess with other players builds and you should not build too close to them. There is also no advertising allowed.
The server has been running for a long time with multiple seasons so it feels like a place that will not vanish suddenly. The owners want it to be a main Minecraft home where players can stay for a long time and have a real history. The players get a say in what happens and the server exists more for the community than for the staff.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP