i/we can make you a sword and armor. With armor, you can take multiple hits and creeper explosions without dying easily. It's easier to splunk (cave exploring) together as you can support each other and in the event that you die, a group can pick up each other's items. we often go splunking together in blacraft, you might like it. also, torches, prevent mobs from spawning and you can place them in caves to stop anything from sneaking up behind you.