diff --git a/LICENSE b/LICENSE
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cd4622c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+BSD 3-Clause License
+
+Copyright (c) 2023, Matthias Berner <mattes.b@gmx.net
+All rights reserved.
+
+Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
+modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met:
+
+1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this
+   list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
+
+2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice,
+   this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation
+   and/or other materials provided with the distribution.
+
+3. Neither the name of the copyright holder nor the names of its
+   contributors may be used to endorse or promote products derived from
+   this software without specific prior written permission.
+
+THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS"
+AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
+IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
+DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE
+FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
+DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR
+SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER
+CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY,
+OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE
+OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..82743b7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+## Status
+[![pipeline status](https://gitlab.com/bastillebsd-templates/minecraft-server/badges/master/pipeline.svg)](https://gitlab.com/bastillebsd-templates/minecraft-server/commits/master)
+
+## minecraft-server
+Bastille template for a minecraft server.
+
+Note: by installing this template you agree to the terms of the [Minecraft EULA](https://aka.ms/MinecraftEULA).
+
+This template includes the `eula=true` acceptance and `LICENSES_ACCEPTED+= minecraft` 
+settings. If you cannot abide the terms of the Minecraft EULA *do not* apply this template.
+
+### requirements
+Due to license restrictions (see above Minecraft EULA), redistribution of
+Minecraft server is prohibited. This means you must build the package manually
+from the FreeBSD ports tree. 
+
+This template will automate all the build steps but depends on `/usr/ports`
+existing on the host system.
+
+To install (or update) `/usr/ports` on the host system use `portsnap` as seen here:
+
+```shell
+ishmael ~ # portsnap fetch auto
+```
+
+Note: the ports tree is mounted read-only within the container.
+
+## Bootstrap template
+
+```shell
+ishmael ~ # bastille bootstrap https://gitlab.com/bastillebsd-templates/minecraft-server
+```
+
+## Apply template
+
+```shell
+ishmael ~ # bastille template TARGET bastillebsd-templates/minecraft-server
+```
+
+## Access server console
+
+The minecraft server will run in `STANDALONE` mode meaning the service execution
+will happen within a `tmux` session. To access this session use this command: 
+
+```shell
+ishmael ~ # bastille service TARGET minecraft console
+```
+
+Tip: `tmux` session management is handled using `ctrl-b` prefix. To exit the
+session press `ctrl-b d`.
\ No newline at end of file