firefrost-operations-manual/docs/planning/soft-launch-server-transition-plan.md

Firefrost Gaming — Soft Launch Server Transition Plan

Created: March 19, 2026
Effective: Immediate
Target Completion: Before soft launch
Owner: Michael "Frostystyle" Krause

---

Executive Summary

This document outlines the complete server fleet transition for Firefrost Gaming's soft launch. We are retiring 9 servers, resetting worlds on 3 servers, and deploying 4 new servers to create a focused, high-quality server lineup aligned with our Fire/Frost philosophy.

Final Server Count: 5-6 public Minecraft servers + 2 addon servers

---

Table of Contents

1. Servers Being Retired
2. Servers Being Reset
3. New Servers Being Deployed
4. Final Server Lineup
5. Procedures
6. Seed Recommendations
7. Timeline

---

Servers Being Retired

Why We're Retiring These Servers

• Strategic focus: Concentrating on servers that clearly fit Fire or Frost paths
• Version consistency: Moving everything to 1.21.1
• Eliminate overlap: Removing servers that duplicate experiences
• Quality over quantity: Better to run 5 great servers than 14 mediocre ones

The Retirement List (9 Servers)

TX1 Dallas Node (3 servers)

1. Reclamation

• Reason: Semi-expert pack, low community interest, dated feel
• Modpack: Reclamation
• Node: TX1 Dallas
• Current Status: Active but unused
• Action: Backup world → Delete

2. Vanilla 1.21.1

• Reason: Generic vanilla server with no unique hook or identity
• Modpack: Vanilla Minecraft
• Node: TX1 Dallas
• Current Status: Active but unused
• Action: Backup world → Delete

3. All of Create (Creative)

• Reason: Internal testing server, not player-facing
• Modpack: All of Create
• Node: TX1 Dallas
• Current Status: Staff testing only
• Action: Backup world → Delete

4. RAD2 (SPECIAL)

• Reason: Retiring after Holly completes her build
• Modpack: Roguelike Adventures & Dungeons 2
• Node: TX1 Dallas
• Current Status: Holly's active build project
• Action: WAIT for Holly to finish → Backup world → Delete
• Note: This is Holly's build — ensure she confirms completion before backup

NC1 Charlotte Node (6 servers)

5. The Ember Project

• Reason: Very low downloads (4.8K), niche magitech appeal
• Modpack: The Ember Project
• Node: NC1 Charlotte
• Current Status: Active but unused
• Action: Backup world → Delete

6. Minecolonies: Create and Conquer

• Reason: Colony building not core to Fire/Frost identity
• Modpack: Minecolonies: Create and Conquer
• Node: NC1 Charlotte
• Current Status: Active but unused
• Action: Backup world → Delete

7. All The Mods 10 (ATM10)

• Reason: Replacing with ATM10 To The Sky (skyblock variant)
• Modpack: All The Mods 10
• Node: NC1 Charlotte
• Current Status: Active but unused
• Action: Backup world → Delete → Deploy ATM10 Sky replacement

8. EMC SubTerra Tech

• Reason: Low downloads (22K), niche automation focus
• Modpack: EMC SubTerra Tech
• Node: NC1 Charlotte
• Current Status: Active but unused
• Action: Backup world → Delete

9. Homestead

• Reason: Overlaps with Society: Sunlit Valley (both cozy farming)
• Modpack: Homestead
• Node: NC1 Charlotte
• Current Status: Active but unused, previously flagged for retirement
• Action: Backup world → Delete

10. Mayview

• Reason: Overlaps with Society + All The Mons (Stardew + Pokémon)
• Modpack: Mayview
• Node: NC1 Charlotte
• Current Status: Active but unused
• Action: Backup world → Delete

Retirement Procedure

For each server above:

1. Panel → Server → Files tab
2. Right-click /world/ folder → Archive
3. Wait for archive creation
4. Right-click archive → Download
5. Rename to: servername-world-2026-03-19.tar.gz
6. Upload to Nextcloud: /Server World Backups/2026-03-Retirements/
7. Verify upload complete
8. Delete server from Pterodactyl Panel

Special Note: RAD2 requires Holly's confirmation of build completion before backup.

Full procedure documentation: docs/procedures/server-retirement-backup.md

---

Servers Being Reset

Why We're Resetting These Servers

• Fresh start for launch: Players begin at the same time, fair competition
• Clean slate: Remove any pre-launch testing artifacts
• Optimized worlds: Use high-quality seeds for better player experience

The Reset List (3 Servers)

1. Society: Sunlit Valley (FIRE PATH)

• Node: TX1 Dallas
• Current Status: Active
• Action:
  • Backup current world
  • Create fresh world with recommended seed
  • Reset server

2. Stoneblock 4 (FROST PATH)

• Node: TX1 Dallas
• Current Status: Active
• Action:
  • Backup current world
  • Create fresh world (Stoneblock doesn't use seeds — world is all stone)
  • Reset server

3. All The Mons (Private Instance) (HYBRID — Staff Only)

• Node: TX1 Dallas (currently) or NC1 Charlotte
• Current Status: Michael/Meg/Holly's private server
• Action:
  • Backup current world
  • Create fresh world with recommended seed
  • Keep this server separate from public All The Mons deployment

Reset Procedure

For each server above:

1. Backup Current World:

   • Panel → Server → Files tab
   • Right-click /world/ folder → Archive
   • Download archive
   • Rename to: servername-pre-launch-backup-2026-03-19.tar.gz
   • Upload to Nextcloud: /Server World Backups/Pre-Launch-Backups/

2. Delete Old World:

   • Panel → Server → Files tab
   • Delete /world/ folder
   • Delete /world_nether/ folder (if exists)
   • Delete /world_the_end/ folder (if exists)

3. Configure New Seed:

   • Panel → Server → Startup tab
   • Set LEVEL_SEED to recommended seed (see Seed Recommendations section)
   • OR leave blank for random (Stoneblock 4)

4. Restart Server:

   • Panel → Server → Console
   • Restart server
   • New world generates with fresh seed

Full procedure documentation: docs/procedures/server-world-reset.md (to be created)

---

New Servers Being Deployed

The Deployment List (4 New Servers)

1. ATM10 To The Sky (FROST PATH)

• Replaces: ATM10
• Why: Skyblock challenge variant, maintains ATM brand, 1.21.1
• Modpack: All The Mods 10 To The Sky
• Version: 1.21.1
• Downloads: 2.2M
• RAM Required: 6-8GB recommended
• Node: TX1 Dallas OR NC1 Charlotte (to be decided)
• Seed: N/A (Skyblock starts with void + one block)
• Description: Start with a tree and one block in the void. Build your empire using ATM's famous 500+ mod collection in skyblock challenge mode.

2. All The Mons — Public Instance (HYBRID)

• Why: Public version of ATM + Pokémon server (private instance stays for staff)
• Modpack: All The Mons (ATM10 + Cobblemon)
• Version: 1.21.1
• Downloads: 773K
• RAM Required: 8GB recommended
• Node: Opposite from private instance (load balancing)
• Seed: See recommendations below
• Description: All The Mods 10 kitchen sink combined with Cobblemon. Catch Pokémon, battle Team Rocket raids, conquer gyms, and automate everything.

3. MYTHCRAFT 5 (FIRE PATH)

• Why: Magic/adventure/exploration focus, fills the "magic for non-tech players" gap
• Modpack: MYTHCRAFT 5
• Version: 1.21.1 (NeoForge)
• Downloads: 196K
• RAM Required: 8GB minimum (Extra Large pack)
• Node: TX1 Dallas OR NC1 Charlotte (to be decided)
• Seed: See recommendations below
• Description: Expansive adventure modpack with 1000+ structures, custom quests, skill progression, overhauled combat, and magic/alchemy/tech fusion. Explore dungeons, battle bosses, and discover new dimensions.

4. Ars Eclectica (FIRE PATH)

• Why: Pure magic showcase for players who want zero tech requirement
• Modpack: Ars Eclectica: An Ars Nouveau Experience
• Version: 1.21.1
• Downloads: 20.2K
• RAM Required: 4-6GB
• Node: TX1 Dallas OR NC1 Charlotte (to be decided)
• Seed: See recommendations below
• Description: Pure Ars Nouveau magic showcase with all major addons. Spell crafting, magical automation (no tech required), clean and focused magical experience.

Deployment Procedure

For each new server:

1. Pterodactyl Panel → Create Server

   • Select appropriate node (TX1 or NC1)
   • Choose modpack from egg/installer
   • Allocate RAM per recommendations above
   • Configure server.properties

2. Set Recommended Seed:

   • Startup tab → LEVEL_SEED variable
   • Enter seed from recommendations section
   • Save configuration

3. First Start:

   • Start server
   • Monitor console for errors
   • Wait for full world generation
   • Stop server

4. Configuration:

   • Verify mods loaded correctly
   • Check server.properties settings
   • Configure any modpack-specific settings
   • Test join/disconnect

5. Documentation:

   • Add to infrastructure manifest
   • Create server info page on Ghost
   • Update Paymenter tier configuration

Full deployment documentation: docs/tasks/server-deployment/ (various deployment guides exist)

---

Final Server Lineup

PUBLIC MINECRAFT SERVERS

FIRE PATH (Community / Casual / Creative)

1. Society: Sunlit Valley ✅ Reset Required

• Classification: FIRE
• Focus: Cozy farming, economy, quests, Stardew-style gameplay
• Downloads: 859K
• RAM: 6GB
• Node: TX1 Dallas

2. MYTHCRAFT 5 🆕

• Classification: FIRE
• Focus: Adventure, exploration, magic, dungeons, bosses
• Downloads: 196K
• RAM: 8GB
• Node: TBD

3. Ars Eclectica 🆕 (Optional — keeping for pure magic option)

• Classification: FIRE
• Focus: Pure magic, spell crafting, no tech requirement
• Downloads: 20.2K
• RAM: 4-6GB
• Node: TBD

FROST PATH (Technical / Challenge / Optimization)

4. Stoneblock 4 ✅ Reset Required

• Classification: FROST
• Focus: Underground survival, vault raiding, automation, progression
• Downloads: 2M
• RAM: 8GB
• Node: TX1 Dallas

5. ATM10 To The Sky 🆕

• Classification: FROST
• Focus: Skyblock challenge, automation, 500+ mods, endgame progression
• Downloads: 2.2M
• RAM: 6-8GB
• Node: TBD

HYBRID (Balanced Fire + Frost)

6. All The Mons (Public) 🆕

• Classification: HYBRID
• Focus: Pokémon + kitchen sink, gyms, Team Rocket, automation
• Downloads: 773K
• RAM: 8GB
• Node: TBD (opposite from private instance)

---

ADDON TIER (Separate Subscription)

7. FoundryVTT ✅

• Type: Virtual Tabletop (not Minecraft)
• Focus: D&D / TTRPG sessions
• Node: TX1 Dallas

8. Hytale ✅

• Type: Future game server
• Status: Placeholder (game has launched but server not yet configured)
• Node: NC1 Charlotte

---

PRIVATE / INTERNAL

All The Mons (Private) ✅ Reset Required

• Access: Michael / Meg / Holly only
• Focus: Staff Pokémon playground
• Node: Opposite from public instance

---

Server Count Summary

• Public Minecraft Servers: 6 (or 5 if Ars Eclectica skipped)
  • Fire Path: 2-3 servers
  • Frost Path: 2 servers
  • Hybrid: 1 server
• Addon Servers: 2 (FoundryVTT, Hytale)
• Private Servers: 1 (All The Mons staff)
• TOTAL ACTIVE: 8-9 servers (down from 15)

---

Procedures

World Backup Procedure (Retirements)

Full documentation: docs/procedures/server-retirement-backup.md

Summary:

1. Panel → Server → Files
2. Archive /world/ folder
3. Download archive
4. Rename with format: servername-world-2026-03-19.tar.gz
5. Upload to Nextcloud /Server World Backups/2026-03-Retirements/
6. Verify upload
7. Delete server from Panel

Holly's Checklist: docs/tasks/server-retirements-2026-03/holly-checklist.md

---

World Reset Procedure (Existing Servers)

Documentation: docs/procedures/server-world-reset.md (TO BE CREATED)

Summary:

1. Backup current world (same as retirement backup)
2. Upload to Nextcloud /Server World Backups/Pre-Launch-Backups/
3. Delete world folders from Files tab
4. Configure new seed in Startup tab
5. Restart server to generate fresh world

---

New Server Deployment Procedure

Documentation: Various deployment guides in docs/tasks/*/deployment-*.md

Summary:

1. Create server in Pterodactyl Panel
2. Allocate appropriate RAM
3. Configure seed (if applicable)
4. First start + world generation
5. Verify mods loaded
6. Configure server.properties
7. Test connectivity
8. Document in infrastructure manifest

---

Seed Recommendations

Methodology

Seeds selected based on:

• Beauty: Visually appealing spawns
• Resources: Good access to key materials
• Structures: Villages, temples, landmarks nearby
• Biome Diversity: Multiple biomes within reasonable distance
• Player Experience: Balanced challenge and accessibility

All seeds tested for Minecraft 1.21.1 (Java Edition). Bedrock terrain will match, but structures may vary.

---

Society: Sunlit Valley (FIRE)

Recommended Seed: 2059666523504992

Features:

• Three nearby villages with valuable loot at Village 1 (-176, 80), Village 2 (128, 32), and Village 3 (144, -208)
• Buried treasure on north beach and Ruined Portal at (150, 210) that spawns inside a Nether Fortress
• Close to trees, caves, water, and multiple biomes
• Perfect for farming/economy modpack — multiple villages = trading hubs

Why This Seed:

• Multiple villages fit Society's community/economy focus
• Resources readily accessible
• Beautiful spawn area with variety
• Players can choose which village to claim as "home"

Alternate Seed: 486362209 — "Ultimate Desert" with 4 villages and 2 desert temples within 300 blocks

---

All The Mons — Public (HYBRID)

Recommended Seed: 56576470319204011

Features:

• Igloo surrounded by plains at coordinates Igloo: (35, 68, 15)
• Open plains perfect for Pokémon spawning
• Good mix of biomes nearby for diverse Pokémon types
• Clean spawn area

Why This Seed:

• Open terrain excellent for Pokémon battles
• Igloo provides early shelter
• Multiple biome access = diverse Pokémon encounters
• Not too cluttered — lets Cobblemon content shine

Alternate Seed: -2350879005487267529 — Cherry grove mountain village for beautiful aesthetics

---

MYTHCRAFT 5 (FIRE)

Recommended Seed: 278941701921377508

Features:

• Almost all wood valley at coordinates Valley: (0, 108, 0)
• Different types of forests crucial for building, with valley featuring diverse trees at (-327, 329)
• Lake at center for base location
• Multiple forest biomes = varied wood types

Why This Seed:

• Valley setting perfect for exploration pack
• MYTHCRAFT has 1000+ structures — valley provides canvas for them
• Diverse biomes nearby for adventure
• Central lake = natural gathering point

Alternate Seed: 5890426837623898355 — River island for unique spawn experience

---

Ars Eclectica (FIRE)

Recommended Seed: -5270055988953604938

Features:

• Village next to Pale Garden biome at Pale Garden: (-15, 109, 10) and Village: (0, 122, 0)
• Trading opportunities at village
• Mystical Pale Garden biome for magical atmosphere
• Beautiful landscape for creative builds

Why This Seed:

• Pale Garden biome fits magical theme perfectly
• Village provides early resources
• Aesthetically aligned with pure magic focus
• Unique biome combination

Alternate Seed: 6942819957569141 — Woodland mansion surrounded by Pale Garden for eerie magic vibes

---

ATM10 To The Sky (FROST)

Seed: N/A (Not Applicable)

Why:

• Skyblock modpacks start with void + one block
• No terrain generation = no seed required
• World is programmatically generated (tree + platform)

---

Stoneblock 4 (FROST)

Seed: N/A (Not Applicable)

Why:

• Underground modpack — entire world is stone
• No surface terrain = no seed required
• World is programmatically generated (endless stone)

---

All The Mons — Private (HYBRID — Staff)

Recommended Seed: 537898685627006537

Features:

• Floating islands with Woodland Mansion at coordinates Mansion: (0, 63, 10)
• Unique terrain for creative builds
• Woodland Mansion for loot/exploration
• Whimsical floating islands aesthetic

Why This Seed:

• Unique and fun for staff playground
• Different from public instance (public gets plains/igloo)
• Floating islands = cool base locations
• Mansion adds exploration element

Alternate Seed: Use same as public instance if you want identical worlds

---

Seed Application Instructions

Method 1: Pterodactyl Panel (Preferred)

1. Panel → Server → Startup tab
2. Locate LEVEL_SEED variable
3. Enter seed number (e.g., 2059666523504992)
4. Save configuration
5. Delete existing world folders (if resetting)
6. Restart server

Method 2: server.properties File

1. Panel → Server → Files → server.properties
2. Find level-seed= line
3. Change to level-seed=2059666523504992
4. Save file
5. Delete existing world folders (if resetting)
6. Restart server

Verification:

• After server starts, join and check coordinates
• Verify structures mentioned in seed description
• If wrong, double-check seed was entered correctly

---

Timeline

Phase 1: Preparation (Immediate)

• Review this document with Michael/Meg/Holly
• Finalize node assignments (TX1 vs NC1 for new servers)
• Confirm Ars Eclectica deployment (optional 6th server)
• Create Nextcloud folders:
  • /Server World Backups/2026-03-Retirements/
  • /Server World Backups/Pre-Launch-Backups/

Phase 2: Retirements (Holly's Task)

Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

• Homestead backup
• Mayview backup
• Reclamation backup
• ATM10 backup
• EMC SubTerra Tech backup
• Minecolonies: Create and Conquer backup
• The Ember Project backup
• Vanilla 1.21.1 backup
• All of Create (Creative) backup
• RAD2 backup (WAIT for Holly's confirmation first)
• Verify all 10 backups in Nextcloud
• Delete all 10 servers from Panel

Phase 3: Resets (Before Launch)

Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

• Society: Sunlit Valley — backup + reset with seed 2059666523504992
• Stoneblock 4 — backup + reset (no seed)
• All The Mons (Private) — backup + reset with seed 537898685627006537
• Verify all 3 fresh worlds generated correctly

Phase 4: New Deployments

Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

• Deploy ATM10 To The Sky (no seed required)
• Deploy All The Mons Public with seed 56576470319204011
• Deploy MYTHCRAFT 5 with seed 278941701921377508
• Deploy Ars Eclectica with seed -5270055988953604938 (if keeping)
• Test each server (join, verify mods, check performance)
• Configure server.properties for each

Phase 5: Documentation & Launch Prep

Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

• Update infrastructure manifest
• Create Ghost CMS server info pages
• Configure Paymenter tiers based on final server count
• Write Terms of Service
• Write Privacy Policy
• Write "How to Join" guide
• Test subscriber flow end-to-end

Phase 6: Soft Launch

• Announce in Discord
• Enable Paymenter checkout
• Monitor first subscribers
• Address any technical issues
• Gather feedback

---

Node Assignment Recommendations

TX1 Dallas Current Load:

• Society: Sunlit Valley (6GB)
• Stoneblock 4 (8GB)
• All The Mons Private (8GB)
• FoundryVTT (2GB)
• Current Total: ~24GB / 251GB available

NC1 Charlotte Current Load:

• Hytale (placeholder, minimal)
• Current Total: ~2GB / 251GB available

Recommended New Assignments:

Deploy heavy packs to NC1 to balance load:

• NC1: ATM10 Sky (8GB), MYTHCRAFT 5 (8GB), All The Mons Public (8GB)
• TX1: Ars Eclectica (6GB)

Post-Deployment Load:

• TX1 Dallas: 30GB used / 251GB (12% utilization)
• NC1 Charlotte: 26GB used / 251GB (10% utilization)

Both nodes well under capacity with room for growth.

---

Success Metrics

How we'll know the transition was successful:

1. Technical Success:

   • All backups safely stored in Nextcloud
   • Zero data loss during retirements/resets
   • All new servers online and stable
   • All seeds generated correctly

2. Player Experience Success:

   • Fresh, beautiful worlds on reset servers
   • Clear Fire/Frost/Hybrid categorization
   • No confusion about which server is which
   • Positive feedback on server selection

3. Operational Success:

   • Simplified server management (9 → 6-8 servers)
   • Better resource utilization across nodes
   • Clear documentation for future changes
   • Paymenter tiers configured correctly

---

Rollback Plan

If something goes catastrophically wrong:

1. Backups are in Nextcloud — all old worlds preserved
2. Retired servers can be recreated from backups if needed
3. Reset servers can restore pre-launch worlds from backups
4. New servers can be deleted and recreated

No changes are permanent until we verify soft launch success.

---

Questions / Decisions Needed

• Node assignments: Which new servers go to TX1 vs NC1?
• Ars Eclectica: Keep or skip? (6th server vs 5 total)
• Holly's RAD2: When will build be complete?
• Seed preferences: Any changes to recommended seeds?
• Launch timing: When do we want to go live?

---

Related Documentation

• Retirement Procedure: docs/procedures/server-retirement-backup.md
• Holly's Checklist: docs/tasks/server-retirements-2026-03/holly-checklist.md
• Server Deletion Policy: docs/planning/server-deletion-policy.md
• Infrastructure Manifest: docs/core/infrastructure-manifest.md
• Tasks List: docs/core/tasks.md

---

Fire + Frost + Foundation = Where Love Builds Legacy 💙🔥❄️