Protections (stones) and you

[xJ9_]

Protection Stones & Protections – Clarification

It has come to the attention of the staff team that there is some confusion regarding protections and Protection Stones. This post is intended to clearly explain what Protection Stones are, when they should be used, and when older, staff-placed protections are still appropriate.

What Are Protection Stones?

Protection Stones were added so players do not need a Mod+ present to protect their builds.

• Each player is allowed 5 Protection Stones total
• Protection outlines can be viewed using:
/ps view
• Protection Stones create automatic, player-managed protections

This system gives players more freedom while keeping protections consistent across the server.

When to Use Old-Style (Staff) Protections

Old-style protections are still used in specific cases, including:

• Public utility buildings
– Auto shops
– Official towns
– Spawners
– Server or community infrastructure

• Temporary build projects with a clear scope and end date
– Example: Halloween or Christmas build competitions

• Irregularly shaped areas
– Polygons where square or cuboid Protection Stones would not work properly

• Child protections
– Protections that exist inside or are tied to an existing Protection Stone region

These protections are placed by staff to maintain organization and fairness.

When to Use Protection Stones

Protection Stones should be used for most personal builds, including:

• Cuboid or square-style builds where a Protection Stone works cleanly
• Builds where multiple Protection Stones can be combined to cover the area
• Areas you plan to build in, even if the build is not finished yet

You may combine multiple Protection Stones if needed.

• Command to merge protections:
/ps merge
• Protections must overlap in order to merge

Examples

Example 1: Personal Base
You build a house, underground base, or tower.
→ Use Protection Stones

Example 2: Farm or Storage Area
You build a crop farm, mob grinder, or large storage room.
→ Use Protection Stones (you may merge multiple stones if needed)

Example 3: Unfinished Build Area
You place blocks to mark where you plan to build later.
→ Use Protection Stones

Example 4: Official Town
A staff-approved town with multiple residents and public access.
→ Use old-style (staff) protections

Example 5: Auto Shop or Spawner
A public or server-managed utility used by many players.
→ Use old-style (staff) protections

Example 6: Seasonal Build Competition
A Halloween or Christmas build that exists for a limited time.
→ Use old-style (staff) protections

Example 7: Irregular-Shaped Build
A winding path, circular structure, or odd shape that Protection Stones cannot cover cleanly.
→ Use old-style (staff) protections

Why We Prefer Protection Stones

Protection Stones:

• Allow players to protect builds instantly
• Remove the need to wait for a Mod+
• Support the server economy
• Encourage activity and independence
• Make protections easier to manage overall

Because of this, all players — including staff — are expected to use Protection Stones for their personal builds whenever possible.

Exceptions

The following are exempt from Protection Stone requirements and may continue using old-style protections:

• Official towns
• Auto shops
• Spawners
• Public or server-managed builds

Questions?

If you are unsure which type of protection to use, please ask before placing one. You may reply below or ask a Mod+, and we will be happy to help clarify.

-XJ9