TU9 Seed & Map: voussoir

Total Score
14.9 / 30.0 ( 49.7% )
RIM Scores (MAX: 10.0)
REAL	8.2	INT	4.4	MAG	2.3

Rating

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

Technical Details

Seed Number: -161 376 5604
Version: XBL 1.4 (TU9) (no PC equiv)

Etymology

In a stone arch, the keystone is the one that holds them all together, but the other similarly shaped ones on either side are known as the voussoir.

Notes

This seed is just one massive forest.

Villages

• None

Underground

• [-58.27.107] underground large ravine
• [5.25.168] ender portal, x3 eyes, sealed behind wall
• [39.27.162] library

Above Ground

• [48.72.199] dead drop to nowhere
• [137.74.311] pitfall shallow cave
• [357.64.-274] cool erosions
• [-217.63.-335] underwater cave, dig down for more cave and then dig down for even more cave after that
• [-88.65.104] two lava pits

TU9 Seed & Map: hardyboys

Total Score
21.6 / 30.0 ( 72.0% )
RIM Scores (MAX: 10.0)
REAL	7.7	INT	8.8	MAG	5.1

Rating

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

Technical Details

Seed Number: -668 896 747
Version: XBL 1.4 (TU9) (no PC equiv)

Etymology

There is a series of books about two brothers, Frank and Joe, who solve various mysteries together called The Hardy Boys. They were actually written by multiple authors, but published under a single nom de plume: Franklin W. Dixon. The books have been published off and on since 1927 and feature every kind of crime imaginable. It's a very Cabot Cove affair where their home town only has like 1,000 people in it and yet the murder rate is the highest per capita of any city on the earth.

Notes

There's only really the one spot for cool mountains. Really, this seed is all about a deep, thick, lush forest that covers 80% of the map -- including some of the snow covered areas. There's also some tall, thin spires if you're into that sort of thing.

Villages

• [340.75.340] village, x10 buildings, blacksmith, water well, x3 gold

Underground

• [-333.40.-27] dungeon, spider, x2 chests, x3 red stone
• [93.17.159] waterfall room
• [143.38.152] dungeon, zombie, x2 chests

Above Ground

• [288.92.-391] three awesome spires
• [208.113.-400] epic spire
• [-152.68.-371] small ravine
• [-261.62.302] 1/2 & 1/2 wall with a hole in the middle of it
• [-175.65.-141] lava pit
• [-23.65.-164] mini ravine

TU9 Seed & Map: satyagraha

Total Score
16.4 / 30.0 ( 54.7% )
RIM Scores (MAX: 10.0)
REAL	3.8	INT	5.5	MAG	7.1

Rating

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

Technical Details

Seed Number: -145 666 5695
Version: XBL 1.4 (TU9) (no PC equiv)

Etymology

Satyagraha is a Sanskrit word adopted by Mohandas Gandhi to describe his form of non-violent protest. In his case, he rallied people to peacefully protest the restrictions against salt in India. Other leaders, such as Nelson Mandela, have also adopted some or all of the philosophies behind satyagraha in their struggles.

Notes

I was hoping this one would do a little better, but I did find a really cool butte island that's surrounded by equally high mountains. I'm guessing a couple of "rope" bridges in this area could make for a fun time.

Villages

• None

Underground

• [68.29.352] ender portal, x2 eyes

Above Ground

• [-334.69.-19] large, deep, wide ravine
• [-122.69.-327] thin medium ravine
• [49.98.-351] small overhang
• [355.90.-360] amazing butte island
• [340.94.40] small butte
• [53.98.-119] thick forest
• [184.70.82] pumpkins
• [28.65.150] lava pit

TU9 Seed & Map: planetarium

Total Score
12.2 / 30.0 ( 40.7% )
RIM Scores (MAX: 10.0)
REAL	4.4	INT	2.3	MAG	5.5

Rating

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

Technical Details

Seed Number: -137 487 1464
Version: XBL 1.4 (TU9) (no PC equiv)

Etymology

A planetarium is a type of theater in which you can view specially designed light shows that display the universe, the stars in the sky, and the current location of the planets in our solar system.

Notes

Wow are there a lot of trees here. The villages are really nice, so if that's your thing then this one is for you. The nether on this level is not very good at all.

Villages

• [357.72.-140] village, x8 buildings, blacksmith, guard tower, water well
• [340.70.52] village, x7 buildings, water well, cliffside
• [21.70.-139] village, x12 buildings, water well, guard tower

Underground

• [344.57.-307] dig down for medium cave, y=29
• [346.53.-297] dungeon, zombies, x2 chests, music disk "cat"
• [93.26.-55] x4 gold, stronghold
• [71.17.-60] ender portal

Above Ground

• [-368.64.-160] dead drop into large ravine
• [-227.93.-387] tall waterfall
• [-178.67.-336] cavern entrance
• [-141.63.-323] medium cave complex
• [117.61.-324] small erosion
• [355.65.-392] medium pitfall cave complex
• [304.65.161] small flatland desert
• [132.65.154] lava pit
• [-100.65.-2] large flatland desert

TU9 Seed & Map: forest4thetrees

Total Score
20.2 / 30.0 ( 67.3% )
RIM Scores*
REAL	4.3	INT	7.1	MAG	8.8

*Each rating has a maximum value of 10.0

Rating

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

Technical Details

Seed Number: -260 972 677
Version: XBL 1.4 (TU9) (no PC equiv)

Etymology

There's an old saying, "You can't see the forest for the trees." It means that a person is so focused on the problems in front of them that they can't see the overall picture -- the grand plan. This is a problem that effects most people. Grand strategy is all about transcending the day-to-day problems in life and seeing the big picture.

My Review

I love when the seed name describes what you're going to get. That's the case here. The eastern border is absolutely lousy with trees. A thick forest covers over half of the map.

Nether

This is a huge, wide open nether with tons of stuff to see and do. You'll have lots of lava falls, areas that you have to build bridges or staircases to get to, and glowstone that's stunningly hard to get to.

The End

A quick note, The End on this one is exceptionally easy to get from the platform to the main dragon area.

Villages

• [245.84.407] village, x9 buildings, guard tower (coastal)
• [3.81.259] village, x1 building, blacksmith, water well

Underground

• [-320.27.344] x6 gold
• [31.41.257] stronghold
• [-25.31.254] ender portal
• [-316.26.347] dungeon
• [265.30.-309] x8 gold

Above Ground

• [291.68.284] small ravine
• [364.83.-370] strange obelisk
• [272.72.-325] dig down for underground ravine, Y=12
• [-373.64.-352] medium waterfall, small ravine
• [-370.65.-339] giant hole in the ground
• [-328.67.-205] small flatland
• [-359.74.-100] medium overhang over water
• [-361.82.38] medium flat top floater
• [-285.70.68] small land bridge, pumpkins
• [-381.65.359] large, flat desert
• [-327.67.339] dig down exactly here for medium ravine and uber-obsidian.
• [-39.72.344] medium pitfall cave, Y=34
• [-130.73.49] nice spot for fortress
• [-201.106.-45] "Widows Launch", tallest point
• [102.72.-74] large ravine, Y=46

Today's Seeds: Nov 4, 2012

What's crackin' people. I have finally fully recovered from the effects of Hurricane Sandy and now I am back up and running and I have a half dozen seeds for you and, frankly, one entry that isn't a seed so much as it is a broken husk of a map -- a shameful survival nightmare set against the backdrop of a tiny island in the middle of a lake in the middle of nowhere.

• [ 96.8 ] littleblackant
• [ 82.5 ] misfitmadness
• [ 78.1 ] fallentree
• [ 70.2 ] proposedposition
• [ 66.3 ] relegated
• [ 52.8 ] blastdamage
• [ 10.0 ] 6921814811422130416

In addition to these other seeds, I also have a bonus seed that I didn't feel like writing up, but was a very nice beginner level. The seed "intemerata" (no quotes) was one of the best mega-forests I've found. Outside of the trees/wood/forests you won't find much of anything else, but it's a nice place to start for noobs. Here is the map:

Seed & Map: codthumb

SEED MAP PIXEL COUNTS Classification: Waterworld water 39.1% trees 15.1% plains 21.1% sand 6.6% ice/snow 8.4% * margin of error +/- 1.9%

Rating

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

Spawn and Version

Spawn: 312.65.0
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 5.8 DW 4.8 C 4.1 W 7.5 SP 3.3 VR 4.7 AF 3.9     34.1

Etymology

COD thumb is a condition in which you play so much Call of Duty that it begins to effect your Minecrafting. This happens most often when a creeper appears suddenly and you either a) click the left thumbstick to sprint and it changes your perspective destroying any chance you have of getting away, or b) click the right thumbstick to knife the bastard and nothing happens so you die.

My Review

This seed consists of two large landmasses divided by a meandering river. The almost constant feature of this map is the heavy forests that blanket all but the most extreme northwest corner. Even where there's snow you'll find heavy foliage. All parts of the map are easily accessible -- even the northeast island is a short swim if you use the ice patches. A smattering of mountains, some mountaintop dead drops, and a deep cave or two round out this rather nice seed.

Items of Interest

• [337.65.-21] medium floaters
• [332.65.-256] small underwater clay
• [287.76.-354] large hidi-hole
• [261.70.-381] skeleton cave
• [78.65.-346] large clay
• [70.65.-300] large clay
• [49.67.-269] clay and iron hidi-hole
• [-91.109.-339] medium gorge
• [-102.95.-302] dead drop through mountain
• [-139.108.-325] dead drop through mountain #2
• [-211.73.-350] medium spire
• [-255.71.-354] deep spider cave
• [-314.73.-379] collapsed flooded cave (not spawn)
• [-371.73.-227] pumpkins and nook
• [-310.72.-138] lava pit
• [-300.71.-98] deep dead drop cave
• [-365.68.63] falling sand
• [-348.72.103] open air hidi-hole with small land bridge
• [-330.67.173] medium hidi-hole
• [-256.65.305] sugar
• [-109.65.117] medium clay
• [-138.66.56] medium alluvial gravel deposit
• [-164.76.-175] waterfall cave complex with large coal deposit
• [103.65.-139] large lava pit near water: obsidian generator
• [149.65.-77] sugar
• [244.60.-44] huge hidi-hole
• [172.71.157] medium land bridge with small waterfall
• [111.65.323] sugar
• [164.68.352] large, deep lake
• [363.68.282] fortified island
• [256.70.147] deep cave
• [228.75.127] pumpkins
• [211.74.132] deep cave complex

Images

At top, this sandy valley cuts through the center of an interesting mountain range. Even on the extreme hills and mountains, you're going to find a lot of trees.

At right (top), this is a fairly large cave complex with two sister waterfalls waiting at the entrance to greet you. The other image is of a small alluvial gravel deposit surrounded by forest -- a great spot to set up camp.

Seed & Map: philadelphia

SEED MAP PIXEL COUNTS Classification: Forest water 36.6% trees 25.7% plains 23.9% sand 9.6% ice/snow -0.1% * margin of error +/- 1.1%

Rating

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

Spawn and Version

Spawn: -61.69.-106
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 7.5 DW 3.7 C 4.8 W 5.5 SP 6.3 VR 3.2 AF 7.2     38.2

My Review

This is a fantastic level for anyone -- from the newest of the new to the bravest of the seasoned. You will find something on this level that interests you, I promise. It is incredibly well balanced. There are flat lands for flat people and hilly lands for bumpy people. The southwest corner isn't really a land mass as much as it is a shell that hides the caves. The center of the map is a large, crazy mountain range full of pitfalls and sheer cliffs and sinkholes and craters. They are difficult to traverse, but scenic once you get there. I highly recommend this level.

Clay

• [-333.65.-7] medium clay
• [-325.67.151] medium clay
• [144.66.362] medium clay

Items of Interest

• [-182.67.-189] tall waterfall and small land bridge
• [-137.80.-262] deep pit that goes down to Y=12
• [-325.67.175] hidden medium cave with stalactites
• [-334.68.216] deep cave complex with coal and iron
• [-370.67.221] deep pitfall cave
• [-270.93.340] medium overhang
• [-253.80.315] small crater and two medium spires
• [-70.83.60] large floater
• [-47.70.341] medium lake
• [249.65.315] sea mound
• [324.65.332] suspicious erosion island (bring pickaxes)
• [335.70.-132] medium cave
• [322.80.-146] large land bridge
• [343.68.-170] lava pit, forest fire, and medium overhang
• [58.81.-163] long waterfall
• [44.67.-369] small gorge
• [21.108.84] crater
• [0.76.-290] erosion with medium cave and stalactites
• [142.77.-119] two medium waterfalls
• [165.69.-142] small overhang with hidi
• [177.75.-85] long land bridge with deep shadow
• [213.72.-44] long land bridge with deep shadow #2
• [170.65.231] medium lava flow

Images

A small gorge splits this palisade into two. At right, this is a large floater hovering above a hillside. You can build a hut on him at -70.83.60.

Seed & Map: blackspot

Rating

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

Spawn and Version

Spawn: 20.74.-60
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 7.3 DW 3.3 C 4.1 W 3.9 SP 3.3 VR 3.7 AF 6.9     32.5

My Review

While this seed is predominately desert, the real reason to play this level are the epic cliffs that dot the landscape. You'll just be walking along and then all of a sudden the land slips out from beneath your feet leaving you staring into a well-guarded cove or a crater. Both scenic and effective on the difficulty. The deserts are surprisingly difficult to cross, consisting of large sand dunes as opposed to the usual flatland deserts. Great for someone who knows what he or she is doing, lousy for someone who has a tendency to plummet to his or her death.

Cliff Related

• [356.74.168] epic cove
• [156.72.358] shortcut cave in cliff face
• [-28.106.-323] deep valley
• [-85.108.-359] large crater
• [-96.104.-351] high, difficult cliff dive
• [-350.84.192] large crater lake

Items of Interest

• [105.73.-65] dig down for hidden cave
• [-10.78.-142] desert
• [40.107.-252] massive sand dune
• [117.64.-259] deep cave
• [163.66.-282] medium clay
• [330.70.-303] cave complex
• [368.72.-167] hidden deep cave with stalactites
• [374.78.79] thick forest with medium waterfall
• [247.71.342] hidi-hole
• [189.65.354] medium floater
• [147.65.310] wolves and a small cave with stalactites
• [-358.84.-213] pitfall with waterfall inside
• [-344.62.28] deep cave complex with two lava falls
• [-189.72.-370] pitfall cave
• [-107.82.-375] medium overhang
• [-7.84.-258] pumpkins
• [-120.66.-179] medium falling sand
• [-189.64.-69] massive underwater clay deposit
• [233.65.130] tall waterfall
• [222.86.-31] small overhang and small floater

Images

This is one of the best and most clearly defined coves (356.74.168) I've found so far. Both entrances are guarded by waterfalls and entrance from above is difficult to say the least -- requiring a hike down terrifyingly steep cliffs. At right, the mesa in the distance has an odd, bulbous formation living on top of it.

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.