I found out about a really cool mod a few days ago and i thought id tell u what it was! It is called “Tales of kingdom”. what happens is when u start a new world after a little bit something will pop up and say some text and have an option start your conquest and a castle appears right near u and ur path to making ur own castle is by how many monsters u hav killed and in the castle u have a blacksmiths and a farmer and other stuff! So check it out i havent played myself but i have watched a video on it ands its really cool!
Here’s the link: http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/656861-181tale-of-kingdoms-ver-105/
It makes things alot easier and it adds a reason to go out at night and risk you life!