Once your builder application has been approved after Applying To Build, you gain the Apprentice role on WesterosCraft. You've demonstrated potential, and now it's time to develop your skills through hands-on building with guidance from experienced community members.
Apprenticeship is your probationary period, typically lasting about one month, but it can last longer. Think of it as an extension of the application process where you learn by doing. You'll contribute to actual server projects, receive personalized feedback, and gradually become more familiar with how WesterosCraft operates. Almost everyone who stays active and receptive to feedback successfully completes their probation.
Your Steward
Stewards are experienced Builders who specialize in mentoring new members, and they take over from the Maester who handled your application. Shortly after your approval, a Steward will claim your probation and introduce themselves in your application thread on Discord. Your Steward will be your primary guide throughout apprenticeship.
What Your Steward Does
Your Steward will introduce themselves in your application thread in Discord and let you know they're available for questions. As you complete builds, they'll visit each one in-game, leave detailed feedback using melon blocks, and post assessments in your application thread. They're there to teach you why certain approaches work, not just tell you what's wrong.
Beyond reviewing builds, your Steward can help you:
- Find appropriate plots for your skill level
- Understand confusing feedback from others
- Navigate server tools and commands
- Learn regional building styles
- Connect with the broader community
- Help learn how WesterosCraft project management works
Don't hesitate to reach out to your Steward with questions, whether in your thread, via Discord, or in-game. They're here specifically to help you succeed.
The Probation Requirements
To complete apprenticeship and become a full Builder, you need to:
- Build at least five houses across five different locations
- Demonstrate responsiveness to feedback
- Show consistent activity over approximately one month
- Maintain a positive and collaborative attitude
Let's break down what each of these means.
Five Builds, Five Locations
Each of your five builds should be in a different project or area. This ensures you experience different regional styles and building contexts rather than just getting comfortable in one place. The builds should be complete houses with interiors, not just facades or partial structures.
How to claim a build: Find an available plot (more on this below), claim it, and place a builder tag with your username or nickname above it. The tag lets everyone know you're responsible for that build.
When you finish: Place a "Done" block near your builder tag and post in your application thread with the nearest warp and XYZ coordinates (press F3 to see coordinates in-game). Your Steward will then review it.
Responsiveness to Feedback
Feedback is how you improve. When your Steward or other community members leave feedback (using melon blocks with signs in-game), read it carefully and address it. If something isn't clear, ask for clarification. If you disagree with feedback, please discuss it respectfully.
Consistent Activity
We understand you have a life outside Minecraft. If you claim a plot, work on it regularly and finish it within a reasonable timeframe.
If you need to step away for an extended period, let your Steward know or post in your application thread in Discord. Communication goes a long way. What we're looking for is that you're engaged and actively working toward completion.
Collaboration
WesterosCraft is a collaborative community. We're looking for people who are friendly, respectful, and contribute to a positive atmosphere. That means:
- Being receptive to feedback rather than defensive
- Helping others when you can
- Following project leaders' guidelines
- Respecting server rules and community standards
- Engaging constructively on Discord and in-game
Finding Plots to Build
Your first challenge will be finding appropriate plots. Here are the best ways:
Check Discord
There's an active post in the Task Board category on Discord called #post-a-task where project leaders with active plots post what's available.
Tips for Choosing Plots
- Start with simpler builds (low-class houses) before attempting complex ones
- Look for projects with clear style guides so you know what's expected
- Don't be afraid to try different regions as variety helps you learn
- If a plot seems overwhelming, it's okay to find a different one
The Feedback Process
Feedback is central to your apprenticeship and also your time as a builder on WesterosCraft. Here's how it works:
In-Game Feedback
When someone has feedback on your build, they'll place a melon block above your structure with signs explaining their comments. You respond by placing a different colored block (usually pumpkin) with your response or confirmation that you've addressed it.
Always check back at your builds regularly until the project is complete or approved. Feedback might come from:
- Your Steward (your primary reviewer)
- The project leader
- Wardens (regional overseers)
- Maesters
- Other Builders offering feedback
Thread Updates
When you complete a build, post in your application thread with:
- The nearest warp command (e.g., /warp whiteharbor)
- XYZ coordinates of your build
- Any notes about what you tried or struggled with
Your Steward will respond with their assessment, often including what you did well, what needs improvement, specific changes to make and general advice for future builds.
Addressing Feedback
When you receive feedback, be sure to read the Feedback page and:
- Read it carefully and make sure you understand what's being asked
- Ask questions if anything is unclear
- Make the changes as requested
- Let people know when you've addressed their feedback (reply to the melon block or post in thread)
- Apply the lessons to your next build
Don't take feedback personally. Everyone receives it, from Apprentices to veteran Builders. It's how we maintain quality and help each other improve.
Working with Project Leaders
When you help build someone's project, you're working under their vision and guidelines. Project leaders have invested significant time and planning into their builds, and they have authority over what happens in the scope of their approved project that you have chosen to contribute to.
Respect Their Guidelines
Each project usually has a style guide at the warp point showing building materials, styles, and expectations. Study these carefully before claiming a plot. If you're unsure about something, ask the project leader.
Follow Their Feedback
If a project leader gives you feedback or asks for changes, implement them. They may have specific reasons for their requests that tie into the broader project vision. If you consistently ignore feedback or argue with project leaders, your build may be removed.
Communicate Issues
If you're struggling with a project leader's feedback or feel something is unclear, your Steward can help mediate. Most issues come from miscommunication and can be resolved with clarity.
Role of Maesters
While your Steward is your day-to-day guide, Maesters oversee the broader apprenticeship program. They approved your initial application and may:
- Check in on your progress if your Steward has concerns
- Provide additional feedback on builds
- Help resolve any issues that arise during probation
- Make the final decision on promoting you to full Builder
You likely won't interact with Maesters directly unless there are questions or complications, or if a Maester has personally taken you on in place of a Steward. Trust that your Steward is coordinating with them behind the scenes.
Role of Wardens
Wardens are regional overseers who may review your builds in their territory. They will:
- Provide feedback on regional style consistency
- Not directly involved in probation but may offer guidance
- Will be more relevant when you become a full Builder and work on Canon projects
Next Steps
Once you've completed at least five builds and demonstrated the required skills and attitude, your Steward will recommend you for promotion to full Builder status. A Maester will then officially promote you.
As a full Builder, you'll have:
- Access to advanced builder tools
- Ability to apply for projects
- Full participation in the community
You can continue learning and growing. Many builders spend months or years developing their skills before leading their own projects, and that's perfectly fine.
Questions?
Your Steward is your first point of contact for any questions or concerns. You can also:
- Ask in appropriate Discord channels
- Post in your application thread
- Message a Maester if your Steward is unavailable
Apprenticeship is a journey, not a test. Take your time, learn from every build, and don't be afraid to make mistakes as that's how you grow. Welcome to the building team!