Vanilla Sword Blocking

This is a very simple datapack/paper plugin that brings back the old sword blocking mechanics, allowing you to block with your sword to reduce the damage you take.
The best part about it: It's server-only, so players don't even have to install a mod on their client for this - just add it to the server and it works for everyone!

Features:

• damage is reduced by 50% while blocking with swords
• player is slowed down while blocking
• works with all swords, no matter how they were obtained
• works with most modded swords

Caveat:

• When using the datapack/mod variant (1.21.5+), sword blocking will keep working even when you remove the datapack/mod!

Essentialy, this plugin uses the recently added component called "consumable", to make Minecraft think you can eat swords!

This is used to enable an animation called "block", so it looks like you're blocking.

Then, the plugin prevents you from actually eating your sword (you're welcome!), and instead reduces damage when it detects you are blocking ("eating", from minecraft's perspective) your sword.

Note:

While the plugin variant can technichally be installed on any server version 1.21.2 and later, the blocking will only be displayed correctly by clients on version 1.21.4 (24w44a, to be exact) and later.