Seed & Map: crowquill

Special Achievements

• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Rolling! Higher than 8 out of 10 in hills and mountains.
• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• ++ Intermediate ++
• Advanced
• Expert
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn and Version

Spawn: 0.72.0
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 8.1 DW 5.2 C 6.1 W 5.5 SP 5.8 VR 5.9 AF 9.5     46.1

Etymology

You know when you see an old-fashioned pen in a bottle of ink like they used to use in the old days. That actually has a name: it's known as a crowquill. There is a modern-day version of this same tool that uses inks and a very fine point to allow artists to make detailed illustrations and architects to make powerful line-drawings.

My Review

Just like it's namesake, this seed is very exacting. The mountains here are stunning and very difficult to traverse. Do not play this if you are a beginner. However, this level isn't so difficult that only the best dare venture here. On the contrary, there are many clean caves and easy to find resources making this an ideal seed for someone looking for a challenging day of Minecrafting with yet enough pockets of epic, twisted caves that someone looking to die has a good shot at that as well.

Can't Miss

The large, Gargamel-style cavern at -155.73.-360 is something you definitely need to see. Ironically, if you manage to scale the interior cliff and make it to the far exit, you'll find that you're on top of another cliff and falling off could severely injure or even kill you. So if you're being chased by zombies/spiders, you'll either have to turn and do battle or make some kind of hasty staircase to manage escape.

Map

This seed has almost no snow, a nice chunk of flatland, and plenty of trees. The east side of the map is more tame; the west is more crazy.

SEED MAP PIXEL COUNTS Classification: Peninsula water 41.1% forest 12.7% plains 33.3% sand 1.8% ice/snow 5.1% * margin of error +/- 1.1%

Overhangs

• [-254.75.-53] cliff-side double overhang
• [-176.65.-49] dumbbell overhang
• [-179.70.-120] monster overhang
• [-243.73.-112] large overhang
• [-197.76.-179] epic overhang and deep basin
• [-226.73.-352] medium overhang
• [-254.99.-387] medium overhang #2
• [-102.69.-172] medium overhang and medium waterfall
• [397.73.59] rail thin overhang

Items of Interest

• [-53.68.44] small flatland and sugar
• [-120.66.315] medium clay
• [-168.80.320] medium floater and medium spire
• [-364.65.221] underwater lava pit, instant obsidian
• [-293.65.221] pumpkins and sugar
• [-249.71.79] medium and small floaters
• [-317.70.43] small crater
• [-318.72.-7] large crater lake
• [-297.65.-65] cool bay and sugar
• [-134.67.-98] pumpkins
• [-199.71.-153] medium mesa
• [-336.80.-249] medium hidi-hole
• [-155.73.-360] massive Gargamel-style cavern
• [-108.69.-227] medium lava fall
• [-88.66.-244] medium alluvial gravel
• [5.64.-155] massive underwater gravel deposit
• [50.65.-340] medium floater
• [198.67.-372] erosion with coal
• [271.75.-392] large shortcut cave inside butte
• [346.65.-217] medium clay
• [346.71.-188] pumpkins
• [367.69.-97] small flatland
• [236.69.-97] small beachfront flatland and large clay
• [219.65.74] small clay
• [402.69.116] medium arête
• [348.77.188] medium cliff dive
• [344.65.305] medium ravine
• [62.65.308] sugar
• [77.65.302] small cave with lots of coal
• [56.70.182] large flatland

Images

The first image is of an overhang I found kind of looks kinda like a fish. It's a member of a pack of four overhangs that live right next to each other around a central valley. The image in the Can't Miss section highlights the most magnificent feature of this map: the Gargamel-style mega cavern. Don't let the fact that you can see sky through this thing fool you -- it's dark in there and both entrance and exit are blocked by a steep climb.

Looking to the images on the right, you'll find first two small overhangs that frame this lovely yet treacherous valley quite nicely. Basically, if you're going to find daywalkers (or rather, they'll find you), then it's probably going to be under one of these trees.

Also at right is a dumbbell-shaped butte with a table-top overhang at the top. There were some pigs up there, but they failed to heed my safety warnings. You can risk the edge at -176.65.-49. Finally, another view of the same fish-shaped overhang and one of it's companions. The valley below is bordered by steep cliffs on all sides with only a thin exit provided by the end of the map and a dangerous, shady entrance under the far overhang.

Seed & Map: spacemanspiff

Special Achievements

• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Rolling! Higher than 8 out of 10 in hills and mountains.
• Spelunked! Higher than 8 out of 10 in caves.
• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Expert
• ++ Suicidal Expert ++

Spawn and Version

Spawn: -60.71.222
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 8.7 DW 4.1 C 9.4 W 0.8 SP 7.2 VR 6.3 AF 9.2     45.7

Etymology

One of Calvin's many alter-egos, Spaceman Spiff is an intrepid space explorer -- the first man they call when a new planet is discovered and needs investigating. Spaceman Spiff makes many appearances in the comic Calvin and Hobbes.

My Review

The biggest problem with this seed is that just when you think you found an amazing mountain, you realize it's not a mountain at all but just an empty shell around a huge cave complex. This happens over and over again. It's quite annoying. There are a lot of good hidi-holes near deep caves where you can set up shop and then go exploring. Most of the time, this helps, but there are cave complexes so complicated that in order to get "unlost" you're going to have to go crying to the customer service desk and have them page your mother so she can come pick you up. This level is only for the best of the best. You've been forewarned.

Map

SEED MAP PIXEL COUNTS Classification: Glacier water 14.2% forest 5.1% plains 19.1% sand 1.8% ice/snow 53.9% * margin of error +/- 1.1%

Underground

• [66.70.-326] deep dead drop cave, Y=12
• [61.27.-320] x4 gold
• [36.17.-301] x2 lapis lazuli
• [64.30.-306] large cavern
• [65.12.-300] x4 red stone, obsidian generator
• [54.14.-283] x4 gold and mega coal

Other Underground

• [287.14.352] obsidian generator, red stone
• [287.12.384] x5 diamonds
• [296.58.341] deep pitfall cave, Y=12

Items of Interest

• [-56.70.239] small cave complex
• [-2.68.241] small overhang, large mountain, and small waterfall
• [6.57.281] deep dead drop cave, Y=28, with many waterfalls
• [1.71.302] epic overhang henceforth known as "The Sharkbit Surfboard"
• [22.80.326] hollow mountain
• [-121.68.313] medium cave, Y=40
• [-250.63.330] dungeon, x2 chests, music disk, iron, x8 gunpowder, saddle
• [-344.68.208] small erosion
• [-290.72.-211] huge flatland
• [-288.80.-338] lava pit
• [-242.73.-327] small sinkhole
• [-107.71.-330] small waterfall
• [49.66.-333] medium pitfall cave
• [81.78.-358] medium hidi-hole
• [130.67.-326] lava pit
• [161.65.-384] amazing overhang, medium ravine
• [136.65.-303] two floating water anomalies, large cave complex
• [124.91.-259] epic hidi-hole
• [164.83.-255] dead drop cave, medium floaters, pumpkins
• [144.93.-231] large overhang
• [191.92.-273] suspicious hole
• [227.69.-305] small cave complex
• [256.65.-316] sugar
• [367.67.10] false dungeon
• [376.65.175] sugar
• [359.77.340] moon shaped crater lake, small cliff dive
• [188.65.262] medium cave complex
• [61.75.299] small floater and medium overhang
• [14.67.249] hidden lava pit
• [134.65.-48] tiny lava pools
• [101.72.-72] two small waterfalls, small overhang
• [-15.89.-46] small thin butte, small floater
• [-64.71.-72] huge flatland
• [-224.87.-84] tabletop mesa

Images

This top image is the epic overhang known henceforth as the "Sharkbit Surfboard". It's a monster and hangs off the end of a skinny spire just taunting the laws of physics. Directly underneath of that is a nice little hillside with a single tree. I just through it was nice to find some calmness amongst the insanity of this level.

Moving on to the images at right, this is another craggy, twisted overhang that kind of looks like a raptor claw. It creates a lot of shade, so beware of zombies. In the middle shot, these pumpkins have an excellent view of this thin overhang and the valley below.

Finally, I tried waiting for it to stop snowing, but that didn't work out so I just snapped the shot. This was a really cool table-top overhang situated atop a single thin spire. Could be a great place to set up a base camp.

Seed: sableandindia

Special Achievements

• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• ++ Expert ++
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn and Version

Spawn: -150.67.-250
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 7.7 DW 5.0 C 7.5 W 4.1 SP 5.5 VR 4.3 AF 8.2     42.3

Etymology

India ink is a standard black ink used by cartoonists and graphic novelists. A sable brush is a brush with particularly soft hairs made from the tail of a kolinsky -- a type of weasel. So technically, it's a weasel brush.

My Review

This is a fantastically beautiful and scenic seed. The pack of mountains around the monster volcano-style crater at -184.105.-184 could easily keep you busy for an entire game and you would never have to leave. But you should, because this level is gorgeous and some of these other features are to die for. Mountains abound on this seed, but really they are only shells for caves. Some of these caves go down to even Y=30, but none of them cut past the diamond/lava barrier. I found one real dungeon and one false dungeon.

Can't Miss

With so many things to see on this map, you'd think that there would be more than one can't miss, but this one is extra special. This underwater gravel deposit is absolutely massive and it sits precariously above an underground cave. If you dig in the wrong spot, you can easily destroy the cave and kill yourself -- although it is fun to run from the falling gravel (save game before attempting). There is already an entrance to the cave, but it's underwater so it's going to take some time to get there. Once inside, the cave is beautiful. Enjoy.

Underwater

• [-10.66.-351] humongous underwater gravel deposit
• [-33.64.313] deep underwater hole, down then west for huge cave
• [-61.63.324] underwater hole

Items of Interest

• [-109.65.-188] two medium overhangs and large land bridge
• [-168.65.-146] monster lava fall, so big you can find it on the map
• [-179.83.-199] tiny gorge with large coal
• [-184.105.-185] huge volcano-like crater
• [-194.114.-225] tall waterfall (cliff dive)
• [-159.120.-227] tallest point
• [-239.90.-239] cool valley
• [-251.77.-222] hidden cave and small land bridge
• [-273.73.-244] dead drop cave and small flatland
• [-281.72.-237] medium pitfall cave, Y=45
• [-363.70.-263] medium cave, Y=39
• [-263.87.-333] small sinkhole
• [-186.87.-315] small overhang and shortcut cave
• [-132.73.-367] large overhang and medium waterfall
• [-133.71.-325] medium overhang
• [-107.67.-314] sugar
• [121.76.-359] deep cave
• [216.73.-223] deep cave
• [245.70.-254] dungeon with one chest, 3 saddles and a hidi-hole, medium floater, and medium overhang
• [252.76.-319] massive overhang/land bridge, deep pitfall cave
• [217.80.-392] large overhang/land bridge combo, tall waterfall
• [346.67.-263] false dungeon
• [349.66.-228] medium clay
• [363.65.-95] large lake
• [329.68.-58] two small waterfall streams
• [306.69.38] two small overhangs
• [-160.69.326] medium flatland
• [-284.77.274] large hidi-hole
• [-373.69.362] medium spire
• [-357.71.242] large overhang
• [-359.68.76] deep dead drop cave, Y=32
• [-215.73.137] erosion with coal
• [-96.65.136] hidi-hole with coal
• [79.69.-102] large tabletop overhang
• [156.67.-98] large tabletop land bridge

Images

This level is so scenic that narrowing all of the photographs down to five actually pained me. The top image is of a beastly overhang/land bridge combo. As for the image right below it, how about that shot! It's like standing inside the visor of a massive space trooper. It was taken from inside the same formation looking out at the next formation, which was also beautiful. You can find it at 252.76.-319.

Moving on to the smaller images at right, the first is of a medium-sized butte as seen from between the legs of a medium land-bridge. It's a weird formation because this area was mostly desert.

Below that, I took this shot from almost the same spot where I spawned. This image and the one below it are from the same circular range of mountains that form a massive crater. These mountains go up to Y=120 and have a lava fall flowing out of them. So really, this formation is as close as you're ever going to get to volcano in Minecraft -- unless they program volcanoes into Minecraft (which would be awesome!)

Seed & Map: electriclady

Special Achievements

• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.

Rating

• ++ Beginner ++
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Expert
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn and Version

Spawn: -67.65.40
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 6.3 DW 6.8 C 7.3 W 7.5 SP 2.1 VR 5.9 AF 4.8     40.7

My Review

This premium seed is a treat for anyone -- beginner or seasoned player. You're going to have a time of it if you camp in the desert areas, but everywhere else is easily accessible and full of trees, caves, and resources. You won't run out of things to do in this one. Ironically, even though all the islands are connected by isthmuses, I spawned on a tiny desert island in the middle of nowhere and had to swim to someplace more reasonable.

Map

This map is basically a series of islands connected by (in some cases) rail thin isthmuses. Trees are plentiful, but the center of the map is two big deserts separated by a river.

SEED MAP PIXEL COUNTS Classification: Archipelago water 42.2% forest 16.6% plains 21.5% sand 11.6% ice/snow 3.4% * margin of error +/- 1.0%

Underground

• [-355.75.-304] deep cave, Y=35
• [-384.36.-270] dungeon, two chests, iron and gunpowder
• [352.57.324] deep cave, Y=30
• [312.18.269] x4 lapis lazuli, coal, redstone, and iron
• [204.63.327] deep cave, Y=12
• [187.17.316] obsidian generator, lots of redstone
• [178.12.304] diamonds

Items of Interest

• [-157.66.-22] lava pit
• [-200.74.-43] sea mound with nearby coal
• [-353.80.147] medium waterfall
• [-395.77.-6] small arête
• [-369.72.-158] hidi-hole
• [-305.66.-207] medium cave with lava fall
• [-361.67.-284] shortcut cave with hidi-hole
• [-367.70.-360] pumpkins
• [16.78.-351] small cliff diving event
• [273.67.-370] huge shortcut cave with small waterfall inside
• [342.109.-213] tallest point, hill
• [310.73.-196] lone pumpkin and large coal
• [286.68.-252] medium cave with coal and iron
• [380.65.180] sugar
• [353.72.278] large land bridge, small waterfall, small overhang, and sheer cliff
• [365.84.301] great hidi-hole/dead drop
• [358.68.314] large cascading waterfall with large overhang
• [369.70.371] huge mesa
• [142.68.361] large erosion with large coal and small iron
• [-139.65.326] small flat beach
• [-300.75.314] small valley
• [-337.79.312] small arête
• [-84.68.185] small erosion with coal and iron
• [-10.65.198] small flat beach
• [32.64.197] stairway to hell (tell me this thing isn't taking you somewhere)
• [109.65.158] small flat beach
• [121.67.135] medium falling sand
• [-112.65.47] medium clay
• [-269.65.-352] medium underwater clay
• [11.67.-259] medium clay

Images

At the top, this thing is going to take some explaining. First of all it's two mountains connected by a flat, tabletop land bridge. Three are three small floaters in the area (one shown) and there is a really nice medium-sized cascading waterfall pouring out of the side of one of the mountains.

At right, this tall waterfall pours down a steep cliff into a sandy valley. The shaded small overhang at right is too small to create creepers. Below that, this is a view of the underground cavern and obsidian generator at 187.17.316.

Seed & Map: plethoraofdiamonds

Special Achievements

• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Spelunked! Higher than 8 out of 10 in caves.
• Cakewalk! Higher than 8 out of 10 in visible resources.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• ++ Advanced ++
• Expert
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn and Version

Spawn: -293.68.262
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 7.2 DW 5.4 C 8.7 W 6.9 SP 5.0 VR 8.1 AF 5.9     47.2

My Review

This is a fantastic seed that has some good formations and iconic landmarks but is mostly remarkable for the large island in the southwest corner that is practically hollow. Within seconds of reaching the island, you can descend all the way down to Y=13. From there, you have full access to all the goodies, including redstone, bluestone, a dozen or so diamonds, and the usual large quantities of iron and coal. The huge number of branching caves under the surface will keep you busy for hours.

Other than the island, there is a huge lava fall that can be seen night and day from great distances. It's so large that it even appears on the map. There are some nice land bridges and plenty of resources that are just sitting out in the open. Even though the majority of this seed consists of either desert or mountains, there are a few places for flatland fun for all you builders out there.

The east side of the map is all steep mountains. The south and middle of the map are almost all desert. If you like to collapse sand, put an asterisk next to this one. Bottom line, this seed is a definite play; hours of enjoyment and lots to see and do.

Video

This seed appears in episode three of my Xbox Minecraft seed tourism series, This Old Seed. In this video, I start off by focusing on the hollow island in the southwest corner of the map, but then expand to show some of the other features, including the fantastic lava fall.

Nether

The Nether on this level is worthless. Don't even bother. I spent over an hour there digging in all directions including up and down to the bedrock borders looking for anything at all. Nothing. I found a crapton of netherrack. Very depressing.

Items of Interest

• [-303.49.244] zombie spawn with a saddle, four twine, and six gunpowder
• [-368.74.23] deep dead drop cave
• [-351.65.-88] medium flat beach
• [-353.65.-130] exposed stone with medium iron
• [-377.75.-150] hidden deep cave, dig down in rear
• [-340.70.-182] medium cave, dig down for more
• [-330.75.-238] thick forest
• [-343.75.-262] two medium land bridges
• [-21.83.-320] medium cave with waterfall inside
• [4.66.-333] large cave complex, nearby medium floater
• [61.73.-333] spire
• [133.66.-344] medium gravel
• [19..65.-331] large sugar
• [239.68.-340] large cave complex with stalagmites
• [348.67.-356] lava pit
• [374.68.-218] small clay
• [371.87.-163] medium spire, small overhang, and small floater
• [284.73.-148] small flatland
• [232.75.-124] medium cave complex with iron
• [305.94.-92] multiple small overhangs
• [328.96.-44] large cliff dive event from top of tree
• [346.74.-37] large coal deposit
• [273.72.-38] huge lava fall, small coal cave behind
• [276.116.15] highest point
• [305.106.23] dead drop
• [287.95.58] four small floaters
• [301.79.74] medium overhang, small waterfall, valley
• [237.77.114] large overhang, large land bridge
• [263.73.160] medium waterfall
• [375.72.103] two small land bridges and a thick forest
• [325.65.248] small flat beach
• [399.65.298] large island spire
• [122.79.336] collapsible sand, large desert
• [42.87.361] pumpkins
• [-5.80.344] medium sand spire
• [-75.87.242] small floater, medium coal nearby
• [-79.81.166] small river
• [-128.81.137] collapsible sand
• [-107.93.-33] cliff dive into tall waterfall
• [-54.75.-186] small submerged pitfall
• [120.71.-144] flatland on edge of desert
• [26.74.37] medium collapsible sand

Images

At top, this is a huge lava fall that is so big it appears on the map. This thing emits huge amounts of light that makes it visible in either day or night from large distances away. A fantastic landmark. The other image is a view of the edge of the eastern mountain range from the sea. The cave that you see is an excellent hidi-hole... provided you can get up there.

At right, it's rare that I take a photograph of flatland, but this huge swath could be a great place to settle down and build a city with a little elbow grease and a diamond shovel. The other image is of a land bridge "cave" that I found that gets just enough light to keep the creepers from spawning in it.

Seed & Map: theborgiapopes

Special Achievements

• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Treemium! Higher than 8 out of 10 in wood.

Rating

• Beginner
• ++ Intermediate ++
• Advanced
• Expert
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn and Version

Spawn: -78.75.-19
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 6.6 DW 4.8 C 7.4 W 8.2 SP 4.8 VR 3.9 AF 5.1     40.8

Etymology

The Borgias were a famous family of popes who took the Vatican Church to a whole new level of simultaneous corruption and proselytism. Their hedonism, though admirable in most ways, is rumored to have dabbled in the incestuous. And their quest to consolidate their power came at the cost of the entire Italian peninsula. They are literally the definition of Machiavellian.

My Review

The hovering, twisted land bridges and overhangs of this Gothic and beautiful seed hold a debauchery worthy of their namesake. Throughout the level, random creeper after random creeper sits in silence waiting to make his move. Skeletons appear from inside forests to train their bows upon you. It's quite a thing. During the moments of peace, you're going to find hundreds of pumpkins all around the level... staring. Just staring. It's like you owe them money. Suddenly, you find yourself hiding in a cave, weeping at the thought of facing their collective grimace. Always watching.

Eh... anyway... there are some really nice caves to explore and of course plenty of wood. All told, true beginners should shy away but everyone else should at least have a look at this thing because it's truly beautiful. And infested with pumpkins. Grinning... always watching...

Caves

• [338.80.-30] submerged square cave; suspicious...
• [324.72.27] deep pitfall cave with iron
• [-98.65.19] small cave with nearby lava fall and medium coal
• [-103.65.33] shortcut cave with iron
• [-112.68.-176] deep cave
• [-320.74.-103] shortcut cave with deep dead drop inside
• [-322.67.-341] small cave
• [-344.76.-346] shortcut cave with deep hole
• [-351.73.-99] small tabletop overhang and deep cave

What Do You Want From Me?!?

• [322.87.192] pumpkins
• [136.73.-358] pumpkins
• [90.81.-126] pumpkins
• [-165.71.-375] pumpkins
• [-288.68.-266] pumpkins
• [-359.73.-40] pumpkins

Items of Interest

• [17.66.185] small flat beach
• [25.92.-331] dead drop cliff
• [48.65.223] small clay
• [121.71.66] two small tabletop overhangs
• [132.70.-34] deep cave complex
• [155.65.380] sugar
• [159.78.-103] massive overhang
• [189.65.348] medium coal inside large hidi-hole
• [233.65.327] large coal inside hidi-hole
• [285.70.73] large land bridge
• [316.74.-215] tabletop land bridge
• [335.70.-289] small hidi-hole with coal
• [330.73.93] valley of overhangs
• [333.80.110] large hidi-hole
• [303.73.107] medium land bridge
• [359.80.77] medium waterfall
• [353.92.140] medium cave complex
• [-11.77.344] medium lake with medium cliff dive
• [-27.79.-136] thick forest
• [-105.69.364] medium clay with medium cacti
• [-184.72.380] submerged cave with small coal
• [-194.55.281] deep water hole
• [-198.71.-345] small waterfall
• [-315.90.-95] thick forest
• [-394.75.-53] overhang that looks like the bow of a ship with medium coal
• [-398.70.366] small clay

Images

I have in my possession at least another four photographs that are equally compelling. This level has a lot to look at. Starting at the top, a striking overhang that looks a lot like the bow of a ship. Beneath that, you'll find a photo of a less conspicuous overhang and a small hole in the foreground that leads to a dead drop cave.

The two smaller images at right include a photo from within the "overhang valley" of a massive overhang that floats above the trees. Luckily, none of these overhangs are close enough to the ground to house zombies. Finally, this massive beast is only two blocks away from being a land bridge. These are just some of the many things to see and play with in this level. Good luck!

Legendary Seed: ax+by=c

Special Achievements

• Legendary Seed! This seed has scored an astonishing 55+ out of 70 in the overall score.
• Golden! This seed has scored higher than 50 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Abyssal! Higher than 8 out of 10 in deep water.
• Spelunked! Higher than 8 out of 10 in caves.
• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• ++ Advanced ++
• Expert
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn and Version

Spawn: 18.67.-76
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 7.3 DW 8.3 C 8.9 W 7.1 SP 6.2 VR 7.9 AF 9.6     55.3

Etymology

This equation isn't an equation at all; it's known as the standard form of algebra and it governs the proper way to write an equation. It's sort of like an element of grammar, but for math. Regardless of it's purpose, it's simple, easy to remember, and makes for a great Minecraft seed.

My Review

This level was really amazing. There are things to see in almost every quadrant of the map. I started off hearing a large number of zombie sounds coming from hidden underground tunnels. Then I found my first couple of land bridges. Then some overhangs. Then everything got bigger. Then things were riddled with coal and iron. By the time I realized what I had on my hands, land bridges were spanning mountain valleys and hiding epic caves in their shadows. There are scenic cliff-side hidi-holes that will keep you safe at night, but during the day you are just as screwed because there is shade everywhere. The trees grow in clumps and the formations pump out day-walkers in alarming numbers.

It took me an hour just to complete the map -- an unheard of amount of time that should show you how hard it is to move around. Then I played underground for another three hours, falling from one cave system into another until I reached bedrock. I had diamonds (which I turned into a pickaxe) within my first hour and enough obsidian for a portal at the 150 minute mark.

To try to give you some understanding of how rare some of these things are, I'm now approaching my 200th review and have played another 50 seeds that didn't make the cut and the series waterfall (falling water that falls again further down the stream) at -183.77.266 is only the third I've ever seen. It's not amazing to look at per se, but it is rare. And some of these formations are just incredible. I strongly recommend this seed for anyone looking for a serious challenge.

The Nether

The Nether for this level is absolutely infuriating. It's a labyrinthine nightmare full of side passages that don't go anywhere and tunnels that snake up and down so you have no idea what level you're on. When you finally do break through to the top (and for the love of James Lipton, throw down some torches), what you will find is that you're basically pressed up against the ceiling -- as evidenced by the easily available glowstone that's right in your face.

Beyond this antechamber is a more traditional Nether world, but it's very small and very cramped. There's not much to see and the lava is way down below and a pain to get to. Getting back to your portal takes forever even when you leave breadcrumbs.

Caves

• [-235.77.131] deep pitfall cave
• [-118.77.-80] shortcut cave and coal
• [-86.84.197] hidden cave inside hidi-hole, large coal
• [-41.67.-105] zombie cave with iron
• [208.73.-34] small coal cave
• [227.66.-298] shortcut cave, large coal
• [251.73.-50] small iron cave, small overhang
• [298.72.44] medium cave
• [329.67.351] hidden cave with stalagmites and large iron
• [371.63.-306] small cave with stalagmites and coal

Overhangs

• [235.71.-166] medium overhang, large sugar
• [234.67.42] large overhang
• [223.71.-348] two medium overhangs, small coal
• [186.71.-13] large overhang, large coal in side of cliff
• [-9.70.145] large overhang
• [-114.80.210] large overhang
• [-133.79.156] narrow small overhang
• [-324.73.94] small overhang

Land Bridges

• [-253.72.-62] medium land bridge
• [-164.72.-39] long medium land bridge
• [-142.71.288] large land bridge, overhang, and hidi-hole
• [-111.66.196] amazing massive land bridge
• [79.73.198] large land bridge
• [180.77.43] large land bridge
• [342.71.352] small land bridge and small crevasse

Under the Epic Land Bridge

• [86.69.28] epic land bridge with two overhangs hiding a large cave complex with mega coal and mega iron deposits in its shadow
• [54.67.34] zombie spawn; if you dig under south moss stone you'll find large coal; chests include four buckets and some cocoa beans
• [24.30.51] gold vein
• [29.17.34] gold vein and dig down for obsidian generator
• [26.21.61] gold vein and medium coal
• [32.13.15] diamond cave
• [30.44.17] pitfall cave

Other Items of Interest

• [2.77.-107] two spires, one small, one medium
• [-19.64.-126] zombie sounds
• [-196.73.-66] mushrooms
• [-208.73.-15] pumpkins
• [-349.76.-182] medium cave
• [-235.65.-328] medium sugar
• [-166.65.-334] small cliff diving event
• [355.69.-322] beware: dead drop
• [338.73.-230] small hidi-hole
• [253.76.-24] large hidi-hole
• [346.84.-58] medium cave complex with large coal
• [342.81.3] gorge
• [195.84.23] cliff-side hidi-hole
• [272.92.0] cliff-side hidi-hole
• [-40.67.299] small hidi-hole
• [-168.73.284] pitfall
• [-183.77.266] rare, tall series waterfall empties into pond
• [-339.67.356] exposed stone with iron
• [-399.64.336] large coal, medium iron, and a small cave
• [-182.80.162] medium cave complex with coal
• [-75.76.208] medium lake

Images

As with all legendary seeds, the one thing you can't do is settle on just two photographs. Starting at the top, we're leading off with our star -- the massive land bridge that spans the hills at 86.69.28. This and it's companion cave are the final pieces that catapulted this level to stardom. The image right below that is a large overhang -- one of many overhangs found on this level.

There are two shots of the Nether in that section. First is one of the few views that I was able to find to demonstrate the size of the primary chamber. As you can see, it's small compared to the average Nether. The second Nether image was taken right as I emerged from the underground labyrinth where my portal deployed. You can see how close to the ceiling I am and you can literally walk up and take the glowstone like picking apples off a tree. This is the only benefit of this Nether.

The final three images are a shot of a medium curved land bridge, a seriously shaded overhang that leaks gravel from the ceiling and births a creeper or two, and finally a pair of complimentary overhangs that almost bridge the gap between these two desert islands. If you take the time to connect them, you can cut the time it takes to travel from one to the other in half.

Seed & Map: a2+b2=c2

Special Achievements

• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Rolling! Higher than 8 out of 10 in hills and mountains.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• ++ Advanced ++
• Expert
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn and Version

Spawn: 27.66.-21
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 8.5 DW 5.9 C 4.7 W 4.8 SP 6.2 VR 6.1 AF 7.0     43.2

Etymology

The Pythagorean Theorem is one of the most useful equations in all of geometry. This is one in a series of mathematically-inspired seed names.

My Review

This is a beautiful, scenic map chock full of numerous rock formations that are absolutely gorgeous. However, above and beyond all the others are the Pythagorean Quintuplets -- a series of four individual mountains that are so close together you could connect them with bridges. The first three (Harriet, Judy, and Celeste) are steep craggy rocks that are hard to climb but full of resources like iron. The fourth -- Bertha -- however is a massive imposing Everest-like mountain full of creepers and death.

Caves

• [300.74.-43] medium cave
• [145.72.102] shortcut cave with coal
• [94.77.-330] deep cave
• [74.70.110] deep cave with lava fall
• [-9.87.157] large overhang and open-air cave
• [-171.64.191] small cave
• [-369.71.-282] nice looking cliff-side cave with pitfall

Landmarks

• [-38.88.-365] Quintuplets: Harriet
• [-39.86.-330] Quintuplets: Judy
• [-47.88.-315] Quintuplets: Celeste
• [-62.85.-280] Quintuplets: Bertha

Other Items of Interest

• [176.94.4] small floater, nearby coal
• [152.77.22] a river
• [287.66.52] sugar and two small spires
• [375.86.-77] medium coal
• [-93.71.-314] medium waterfall
• [-96.79.-351] coal and lone pumpkin
• [-249.74.-256] medium waterfall
• [-387.66.-343] sheer coal-infested cliff face
• [-382.69.-295] large floater, small cave, and medium coal
• [-317.106.18] dead drop from fissure in cliff
• [-264.74.12] medium cliff dive event
• [-249.67.-331] hidden hidi-hole
• [-183.72.347] small flat exposed stone
• [54.67.314] medium smattering of coal and iron
• [352.65.319] sugar
• [359.66.245] pumpkins
• [90.74.86] cave complex with medium iron
• [-3.73.174] tall waterfall

Images

A view of the quintuplets. The three little ones up front (from left to right) are Celeste, Judy, and Harriet. Behind them (far left) in the distance is Bertha.

At right, this is actually an open-air cave out of which is pouring a waterfall. You can find it at -9.87.157. Really cool find and if you kill off the zombie, you can glowstone this thing and make it your living room.

Seed & Map: mal8762

Special Achievements

• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Rolling! Higher than 8 out of 10 in hills and mountains.
• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• ++ Expert ++
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn Coordinates

48.67.-23

Seed Score MH 8.1 DW 4.7 C 6.2 W 5.3 SP 6.9 VR 5.1 AF 8.6     44.9

My Review

This level is a beast! Absolutely gorgeous with plenty of scenic spots and so many floaters you'd think you were underwater. Without question, the highlight of all the landmark spots I found in this level is the massive floating island that looks like a battle cruiser from Star Wars just parked itself above the forest. This thing is so big that at night, even if you wall it all in, zombies will still spawn there if you don't put out some torches. Even though everyone should see this seed, it is definitely designed for experts. I found many wondering day-walkers and the forests are thick and mountains difficult to climb. This one is a challenge.

Items of Interest

Warning: the following list contains coordinates and descriptions of the majority of resources and other features in this seed. If you prefer to discover these things on your own, skip ahead to the final paragraph.

• [40.67.-13] sound of spiders
• [40.68.2] coal and underground lake
• [19.74.1] pumpkins
• [15.77.-25] floater
• [24.84.-88] large land bridge
• [72.79.-90] massive floating island
• [87.71.-9] medium floater
• [89.71.-7] large coal deposit
• [323.66.-338] medium clay
• [335.65.-305] iron
• [315.65.-106] small flatland
• [339.65.104] sugar
• [375.71.150] large exposed stone with coal
• [344.68.260] medium cave with nearby coal
• [367.65.353] sugar
• [85.72.261] medium floater, small floater, and a massive overhang
• [32.83.324] small overhang and coal
• [-163.68.336] massive overhang, two land bridges, and a deep cave
• [-399.81.393] large exposed stone with large coal and small iron deposits
• [-349.65.252] pink sheep
• [-327.63.148] small cave
• [-142.71.-277] large sand out of place, shortcut cave in cliff, tiny floater, and a small waterfall
• [47.66.-413] small clay
• [-59.71.-243] small iron
• [-127.66.-169] large cave complex with small lava fall
• [-173.70.-50] deep dead drop cave
• [-201.73.96] medium cave
• [-202.73.103] medium waterfall flowing into small lake
• [40.82.154] small land bridge with coal
• [126.72.141] deep pitfall cave

Images

This map is clearly best of the day for a reason. While it didn't generate as many photographs as the runner up, don't be fooled... this level has some truly impressive features.

At top, this is the massive spaceship-like island that is floating in the middle of the board. I plan to build my summer home here. At right (top), you'll find a large overhang supported by two land bridges. Below that, I shall henceforth refer to this formation as The Tortoise. This thing is a massive flat-bottomed, shade-making behemoth that generates day-walkers in droves.

Seed & Map: 5amy7

Special Achievements

• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Rolling! Higher than 8 out of 10 in hills and mountains.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• ++ Advanced ++
• Expert
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn Coordinates

36.69.-135

Seed Score MH 8.2 DW 5.9 C 4.9 W 5.2 SP 6.3 VR 5.7 AF 7.2     43.4

My Review

This is one of the best seeds I've found so far. It is chock full of all kinds of amazing formations and great mountains to climb. Second best of the day only because of the massive ice sheet in the bottom left corner that negates about a quarter of the map, I would recommend this board to anyone just so they can see it. Just make sure you've got something built by dusk or you're doomed. This level is particularly awesome because the amazing features are scattered across the whole of the map. So I can't really send you to one quadrant to see them all, you're going to have to take a hike. Don't worry... it's worth it.

Items of Interest

Warning: the following list contains coordinates and descriptions of the majority of resources and other features in this seed. If you prefer to discover these things on your own, skip ahead to the final paragraph.

• [41.72.-139] small hidi-hole
• [72.90.-155] cliff diving event
• [133.73.-184] round overhang
• [284.77.-125] large land bridge
• [318.71.-147] awesome overhang
• [371.76.-121] large overhang
• [162.72.-346] lava fall into cave
• [147.71.-349] medium pitfall cave
• [73.67.-329] deep cave with coal
• [-363.65.-255] hidi-hole
• [-272.78.258] pumpkins
• [-227.65.279] sugarcane growing in a medium lava fall under a large overhang
• [-373.68.389] deep pitfall cave
• [-393.72.371] hidden lava pit
• [-83.66.296] The Great Tunnel: multiple overhangs, land bridges, and two small waterfalls
• [-85.70.352] pitfall hidi-hole
• [-60.73.349] glowing cave with lava fall
• [9.77.368] medium pitfall cave
• [392.66.273] sugar
• [367.69.221] cave complex with underground waterfall
• [304.71.50] pumpkins
• [214.79.83] cliff-side hidi-hole
• [184.83.16] crater lake and medium coal
• [91.95.23] massive basin
• [-100.71.193] a perfect obelisk
• [-139.67.156] medium cave

Images

I'm sorry: there was no way that I was limiting this seed to just two photographs; it is way too good looking. I can't swear that the sugarcane will be growing out of the lava fall when you get there, but this is what I found while wondering around at night. Below that, this is a thick, overhang/land bridge combination that provides a fair amount of shade for day walkers.

At right, here are three bonus images that really help sell how diverse and exciting this seed really is. The first is a shot of what technically is an overhang attached to a tall, ultra-thin spire. If you planned it right, you could run a stairwell all the way to the top with about twenty cobblestone.

Below that, I found this perfect obelisk standing in the middle of a field. The final image is a shot of a massive multi-directional overhang situated above a medium-sized lava fall. Also near this location was a deep pitfall cave. If you plant your stones right, you could conceivably descend from Y=100 to bedrock in about one minute.