Started yesterday too in the HLP server, Trashman and Kyad showed me around. I'm very amazed at the work done, as others mentioned, screenshots do not do this justice. The Fenris, Trashmania (new and old), the rail system, it's all really incredible.
Started on my little home too, having glass tiles thanks to Trashman helped a lot. It's really hard to find a good place to set up though! Might have to move to another location in the nearby future.
Hope the new versions bring stuff like living NPCs and things like guards.
EDIT: Also had a encounter with a pack of Endermen trying to steal my blocks., They have been defeated and looted for the advancement of my home/fortress.