Shobies SMP is a Java SMP that is meant to feel alive but still chill. It keeps the vanilla feeling so it does not feel like a totally different game.
I noticed it has custom mobs and custom items. It sounds like extra stuff to find and fight but without changing the whole vibe.
They just started Season 2 so it is a good time to jump in. Rules are shared in their Discord and you need to get whitelisted to play.
