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I want to avoid dependence on any mod that is mostly "magical metal blocks".
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blocks that magically solve all the problems of the world, like IC2.
(know this is an old reply, but with OP bringing the thread up again..)BoP and RTG both have 1.10.2 versions out. RTG doesn't add biomes, but it makes the ones you have look better. It also lets you config caves, ravines, dungeons and villages, although I'm currently having a problem with raw clay being very hard to find, even in swamps (I think the new stone types may be overwriting it). Terraqueous adds a variety of nice looking fruit trees & woods, but is currently crashing me at random.