I found this Minecraft server called Kingdoms and it is all about semi vanilla roleplay. It runs on version 1.21.10 and it is whitelisted so you have to apply before you can join. The whole idea is player driven politics and big geopolitical stories between different players.
On this server you can create your own kingdom using a custom mod. You can change how your name looks in the tab list and in chat so you can really act like a new character. People make alliances and enemies and build up power over time.
The server has a 24 hour ban if you die in PVP. That makes every fight feel scary and important because if you lose you are gone for a whole day. There is also voice chat so talking and roleplaying with others feels more real.
They use improved terrain and Carpet Mod with player commands to make things smoother but they still keep all the normal vanilla game mechanics. They even bring back old things like string duplication void trading and update suppression for players who like that style.
The community seems focused on serious roleplay and careful survival. If you like kingdoms politics and making your own story this server is built for that.
