diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ByteArrayTag.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ByteArrayTag.java
index 1d58427be..59e7568e4 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ByteArrayTag.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ByteArrayTag.java
@@ -19,28 +19,28 @@
 
 package com.sk89q.jnbt;
 
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.Tag;
-
 /**
- * The <code>TAG_Byte_Array</code> tag.
- * 
- * @author Graham Edgecombe
- * 
+ * The {@code TAG_Byte_Array} tag.
  */
 public final class ByteArrayTag extends Tag {
 
-    /**
-     * The value.
-     */
     private final byte[] value;
 
+    /**
+     * Creates the tag with an empty name.
+     *
+     * @param value the value of the tag
+     */
+    public ByteArrayTag(byte[] value) {
+        super();
+        this.value = value;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Creates the tag.
-     * 
-     * @param name
-     *            The name.
-     * @param value
-     *            The value.
+     *
+     * @param name the name of the tag
+     * @param value the value of the tag
      */
     public ByteArrayTag(String name, byte[] value) {
         super(name);
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ public final class ByteArrayTag extends Tag {
         if (name != null && !name.equals("")) {
             append = "(\"" + this.getName() + "\")";
         }
-        return "TAG_Byte_Array" + append + ": " + hex.toString();
+        return "TAG_Byte_Array" + append + ": " + hex;
     }
 
 }
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ByteTag.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ByteTag.java
index 3adf3ec8c..56b6d4857 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ByteTag.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ByteTag.java
@@ -19,28 +19,28 @@
 
 package com.sk89q.jnbt;
 
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.Tag;
-
 /**
- * The <code>TAG_Byte</code> tag.
- * 
- * @author Graham Edgecombe
- * 
+ * The {@code TAG_Byte} tag.
  */
 public final class ByteTag extends Tag {
 
-    /**
-     * The value.
-     */
     private final byte value;
 
+    /**
+     * Creates the tag with an empty name.
+     *
+     * @param value the value of the tag
+     */
+    public ByteTag(byte value) {
+        super();
+        this.value = value;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Creates the tag.
-     * 
-     * @param name
-     *            The name.
-     * @param value
-     *            The value.
+     *
+     * @param name the name of the tag
+     * @param value the value of the tag
      */
     public ByteTag(String name, byte value) {
         super(name);
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/CompoundTag.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/CompoundTag.java
index 28b3d8da5..7550dd159 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/CompoundTag.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/CompoundTag.java
@@ -20,40 +20,401 @@
 package com.sk89q.jnbt;
 
 import java.util.Collections;
+import java.util.HashMap;
+import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.Tag;
 
 /**
- * The <code>TAG_Compound</code> tag.
- * 
- * @author Graham Edgecombe
- * 
+ * The {@code TAG_Compound} tag.
  */
 public final class CompoundTag extends Tag {
 
-    /**
-     * The value.
-     */
     private final Map<String, Tag> value;
 
+    /**
+     * Creates the tag with an empty name.
+     *
+     * @param value the value of the tag
+     */
+    public CompoundTag(Map<String, Tag> value) {
+        super();
+        this.value = Collections.unmodifiableMap(value);
+    }
+
     /**
      * Creates the tag.
-     * 
-     * @param name
-     *            The name.
-     * @param value
-     *            The value.
+     *
+     * @param name the name of the tag
+     * @param value the value of the tag
      */
     public CompoundTag(String name, Map<String, Tag> value) {
         super(name);
         this.value = Collections.unmodifiableMap(value);
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Returns whether this compound tag contains the given key.
+     *
+     * @param key the given key
+     * @return true if the tag contains the given key
+     */
+    public boolean containsKey(String key) {
+        return value.containsKey(key);
+    }
+
     @Override
     public Map<String, Tag> getValue() {
         return value;
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Return a new compound tag with the given values.
+     *
+     * @param value the value
+     * @return the new compound tag
+     */
+    public CompoundTag setValue(Map<String, Tag> value) {
+        return new CompoundTag(getName(), value);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Create a compound tag builder.
+     *
+     * @return the builder
+     */
+    public CompoundTagBuilder createBuilder() {
+        return new CompoundTagBuilder(new HashMap<String, Tag>(value));
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a byte array named with the given key.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not a byte array tag,
+     * then an empty byte array will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return a byte array
+     */
+    public byte[] getByteArray(String key) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof ByteArrayTag) {
+            return ((ByteArrayTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return new byte[0];
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a byte named with the given key.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not a byte tag,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return a byte
+     */
+    public byte getByte(String key) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof ByteTag) {
+            return ((ByteTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return (byte) 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a double named with the given key.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not a double tag,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return a double
+     */
+    public double getDouble(String key) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof DoubleTag) {
+            return ((DoubleTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a double named with the given key, even if it's another
+     * type of number.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not a number,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return a double
+     */
+    public double asDouble(String key) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof ByteTag) {
+            return ((ByteTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof ShortTag) {
+            return ((ShortTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof IntTag) {
+            return ((IntTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof LongTag) {
+            return ((LongTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof FloatTag) {
+            return ((FloatTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof DoubleTag) {
+            return ((DoubleTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else {
+            return 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a float named with the given key.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not a float tag,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return a float
+     */
+    public float getFloat(String key) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof FloatTag) {
+            return ((FloatTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a {@code int[]} named with the given key.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not an integer array tag,
+     * then an empty array will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return an integer array
+     */
+    public int[] getIntegerArray(String key) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof IntArrayTag) {
+            return ((IntArrayTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return new int[0];
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get an integer named with the given key.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not an integer tag,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return an integer
+     */
+    public int getInteger(String key) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof IntTag) {
+            return ((IntTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get an integer named with the given key, even if it's another
+     * type of number.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not a number,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return an integer
+     */
+    public int asInteger(String key) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof ByteTag) {
+            return ((ByteTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof ShortTag) {
+            return ((ShortTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof IntTag) {
+            return ((IntTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof LongTag) {
+            return ((LongTag) tag).getValue().intValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof FloatTag) {
+            return ((FloatTag) tag).getValue().intValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof DoubleTag) {
+            return ((DoubleTag) tag).getValue().intValue();
+
+        } else {
+            return 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a list of tags named with the given key.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not a list tag,
+     * then an empty list will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return a list of tags
+     */
+    public List<Tag> getList(String key) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof ListTag) {
+            return ((ListTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return Collections.emptyList();
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a {@code TagList} named with the given key.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not a list tag,
+     * then an empty tag list will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return a tag list instance
+     */
+    public ListTag getListTag(String key) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof ListTag) {
+            return (ListTag) tag;
+        } else {
+            return new ListTag(key, StringTag.class, Collections.<Tag>emptyList());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a list of tags named with the given key.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not a list tag,
+     * then an empty list will be returned. If the given key references
+     * a list but the list of of a different type, then an empty
+     * list will also be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return a list of tags
+     */
+    @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
+    public <T extends Tag> List<T> getList(String key, Class<T> listType) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof ListTag) {
+            ListTag listTag = (ListTag) tag;
+            if (listTag.getType().equals(listType)) {
+                return (List<T>) listTag.getValue();
+            } else {
+                return Collections.emptyList();
+            }
+        } else {
+            return Collections.emptyList();
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a long named with the given key.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not a long tag,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return a long
+     */
+    public long getLong(String key) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof LongTag) {
+            return ((LongTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return 0L;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a long named with the given key, even if it's another
+     * type of number.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not a number,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return a long
+     */
+    public long asLong(String key) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof ByteTag) {
+            return ((ByteTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof ShortTag) {
+            return ((ShortTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof IntTag) {
+            return ((IntTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof LongTag) {
+            return ((LongTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof FloatTag) {
+            return ((FloatTag) tag).getValue().longValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof DoubleTag) {
+            return ((DoubleTag) tag).getValue().longValue();
+
+        } else {
+            return 0L;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a short named with the given key.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not a short tag,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return a short
+     */
+    public short getShort(String key) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof ShortTag) {
+            return ((ShortTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a string named with the given key.
+     *
+     * <p>If the key does not exist or its value is not a string tag,
+     * then {@code ""} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param key the key
+     * @return a string
+     */
+    public String getString(String key) {
+        Tag tag = value.get(key);
+        if (tag instanceof StringTag) {
+            return ((StringTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return "";
+        }
+    }
+
     @Override
     public String toString() {
         String name = getName();
@@ -62,12 +423,9 @@ public final class CompoundTag extends Tag {
             append = "(\"" + this.getName() + "\")";
         }
         StringBuilder bldr = new StringBuilder();
-        bldr.append("TAG_Compound" + append + ": " + value.size()
-                + " entries\r\n{\r\n");
+        bldr.append("TAG_Compound").append(append).append(": ").append(value.size()).append(" entries\r\n{\r\n");
         for (Map.Entry<String, Tag> entry : value.entrySet()) {
-            bldr.append("   "
-                    + entry.getValue().toString().replaceAll("\r\n", "\r\n   ")
-                    + "\r\n");
+            bldr.append("   ").append(entry.getValue().toString().replaceAll("\r\n", "\r\n   ")).append("\r\n");
         }
         bldr.append("}");
         return bldr.toString();
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/CompoundTagBuilder.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/CompoundTagBuilder.java
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..58a3320a2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/CompoundTagBuilder.java
@@ -0,0 +1,107 @@
+/*
+ * WorldEdit, a Minecraft world manipulation toolkit
+ * Copyright (C) sk89q <http://www.sk89q.com>
+ * Copyright (C) WorldEdit team and contributors
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it
+ * under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by the
+ * Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
+ * ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or
+ * FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU Lesser General Public License
+ * for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
+ * along with this program. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.sk89q.jnbt;
+
+import java.util.HashMap;
+import java.util.Map;
+
+import static com.google.common.base.Preconditions.checkNotNull;
+
+/**
+ * Helps create compound tags.
+ */
+public class CompoundTagBuilder {
+
+    private final Map<String, Tag> entries;
+
+    /**
+     * Create a new instance.
+     */
+    CompoundTagBuilder() {
+        this.entries = new HashMap<String, Tag>();
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Create a new instance and use the given map (which will be modified).
+     *
+     * @param value the value
+     */
+    CompoundTagBuilder(Map<String, Tag> value) {
+        checkNotNull(value);
+        this.entries = value;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Put the given key and tag into the compound tag.
+     *
+     * @param key they key
+     * @param value the value
+     * @return this object
+     */
+    public CompoundTagBuilder put(String key, Tag value) {
+        checkNotNull(key);
+        checkNotNull(value);
+        entries.put(key, value);
+        return this;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Put all the entries from the given map into this map.
+     *
+     * @param value the map of tags
+     * @return this object
+     */
+    public CompoundTagBuilder putAll(Map<String, ? extends Tag> value) {
+        checkNotNull(value);
+        for (Map.Entry<String, ? extends Tag> entry : value.entrySet()) {
+            put(entry.getKey(), entry.getValue());
+        }
+        return this;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Build an unnamed compound tag with this builder's entries.
+     *
+     * @return the new compound tag
+     */
+    public CompoundTag build() {
+        return new CompoundTag(new HashMap<String, Tag>(entries));
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Build a new compound tag with this builder's entries.
+     *
+     * @param name the name of the tag
+     * @return the created compound tag
+     */
+    public CompoundTag build(String name) {
+        return new CompoundTag(name, new HashMap<String, Tag>(entries));
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Create a new builder instance.
+     *
+     * @return a new builder
+     */
+    public static CompoundTagBuilder create() {
+        return new CompoundTagBuilder();
+    }
+
+}
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/DoubleTag.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/DoubleTag.java
index f3f69ea05..1ebcdf794 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/DoubleTag.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/DoubleTag.java
@@ -19,28 +19,29 @@
 
 package com.sk89q.jnbt;
 
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.Tag;
-
 /**
- * The <code>TAG_Double</code> tag.
- * 
- * @author Graham Edgecombe
+ * The {@code TAG_Double} tag.
  * 
  */
 public final class DoubleTag extends Tag {
 
-    /**
-     * The value.
-     */
     private final double value;
 
+    /**
+     * Creates the tag with an empty name.
+     *
+     * @param value the value of the tag
+     */
+    public DoubleTag(double value) {
+        super();
+        this.value = value;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Creates the tag.
-     * 
-     * @param name
-     *            The name.
-     * @param value
-     *            The value.
+     *
+     * @param name the name of the tag
+     * @param value the value of the tag
      */
     public DoubleTag(String name, double value) {
         super(name);
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/EndTag.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/EndTag.java
index ec5e167f1..5051cc939 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/EndTag.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/EndTag.java
@@ -19,8 +19,6 @@
 
 package com.sk89q.jnbt;
 
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.Tag;
-
 /**
  * The <code>TAG_End</code> tag.
  * 
@@ -33,7 +31,7 @@ public final class EndTag extends Tag {
      * Creates the tag.
      */
     public EndTag() {
-        super("");
+        super();
     }
 
     @Override
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/FloatTag.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/FloatTag.java
index bb005face..21b921b69 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/FloatTag.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/FloatTag.java
@@ -19,28 +19,28 @@
 
 package com.sk89q.jnbt;
 
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.Tag;
-
 /**
- * The <code>TAG_Float</code> tag.
- * 
- * @author Graham Edgecombe
- * 
+ * The {@code TAG_Float} tag.
  */
 public final class FloatTag extends Tag {
 
-    /**
-     * The value.
-     */
     private final float value;
 
+    /**
+     * Creates the tag with an empty name.
+     *
+     * @param value the value of the tag
+     */
+    public FloatTag(float value) {
+        super();
+        this.value = value;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Creates the tag.
-     * 
-     * @param name
-     *            The name.
-     * @param value
-     *            The value.
+     *
+     * @param name the name of the tag
+     * @param value the value of the tag
      */
     public FloatTag(String name, float value) {
         super(name);
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/IntArrayTag.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/IntArrayTag.java
index 1765e50cf..b8dced001 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/IntArrayTag.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/IntArrayTag.java
@@ -19,31 +19,35 @@
 
 package com.sk89q.jnbt;
 
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.Tag;
+import static com.google.common.base.Preconditions.checkNotNull;
 
 /**
- * The <code>TAG_Int_Array</code> tag.
- * 
- * @author Graham Edgecombe
- * 
+ * The {@code TAG_Int_Array} tag.
  */
 public final class IntArrayTag extends Tag {
 
-    /**
-     * The value.
-     */
     private final int[] value;
 
+    /**
+     * Creates the tag with an empty name.
+     *
+     * @param value the value of the tag
+     */
+    public IntArrayTag(int[] value) {
+        super();
+        checkNotNull(value);
+        this.value = value;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Creates the tag.
-     * 
-     * @param name
-     *            The name.
-     * @param value
-     *            The value.
+     *
+     * @param name the name of the tag
+     * @param value the value of the tag
      */
     public IntArrayTag(String name, int[] value) {
         super(name);
+        checkNotNull(value);
         this.value = value;
     }
 
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/IntTag.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/IntTag.java
index 480b54ee9..5591408f6 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/IntTag.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/IntTag.java
@@ -19,28 +19,28 @@
 
 package com.sk89q.jnbt;
 
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.Tag;
-
 /**
- * The <code>TAG_Int</code> tag.
- * 
- * @author Graham Edgecombe
- * 
+ * The {@code TAG_Int} tag.
  */
 public final class IntTag extends Tag {
 
-    /**
-     * The value.
-     */
     private final int value;
 
+    /**
+     * Creates the tag with an empty name.
+     *
+     * @param value the value of the tag
+     */
+    public IntTag(int value) {
+        super();
+        this.value = value;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Creates the tag.
-     * 
-     * @param name
-     *            The name.
-     * @param value
-     *            The value.
+     *
+     * @param name the name of the tag
+     * @param value the value of the tag
      */
     public IntTag(String name, int value) {
         super(name);
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ListTag.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ListTag.java
index 282791179..681340620 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ListTag.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ListTag.java
@@ -19,41 +19,44 @@
 
 package com.sk89q.jnbt;
 
+import javax.annotation.Nullable;
 import java.util.Collections;
 import java.util.List;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.NBTUtils;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.Tag;
+import java.util.NoSuchElementException;
+
+import static com.google.common.base.Preconditions.checkNotNull;
 
 /**
- * The <code>TAG_List</code> tag.
- *
- * @author Graham Edgecombe
- *
+ * The {@code TAG_List} tag.
  */
 public final class ListTag extends Tag {
 
-    /**
-     * The type.
-     */
     private final Class<? extends Tag> type;
+    private final List<Tag> value;
 
     /**
-     * The value.
+     * Creates the tag with an empty name.
+     *
+     * @param type the type of tag
+     * @param value the value of the tag
      */
-    private final List<Tag> value;
+    public ListTag(Class<? extends Tag> type, List<? extends Tag> value) {
+        super();
+        checkNotNull(value);
+        this.type = type;
+        this.value = Collections.unmodifiableList(value);
+    }
 
     /**
      * Creates the tag.
      *
-     * @param name
-     *            The name.
-     * @param type
-     *            The type of item in the list.
-     * @param value
-     *            The value.
+     * @param name the name of the tag
+     * @param type the type of tag
+     * @param value the value of the tag
      */
     public ListTag(String name, Class<? extends Tag> type, List<? extends Tag> value) {
         super(name);
+        checkNotNull(value);
         this.type = type;
         this.value = Collections.unmodifiableList(value);
     }
@@ -72,6 +75,360 @@ public final class ListTag extends Tag {
         return value;
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Create a new list tag with this tag's name and type.
+     *
+     * @param list the new list
+     * @return a new list tag
+     */
+    public ListTag setValue(List<Tag> list) {
+        return new ListTag(getName(), getType(), list);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get the tag if it exists at the given index.
+     * 
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return the tag or null
+     */
+    @Nullable
+    public Tag getIfExists(int index) {
+        try {
+            return value.get(index);
+        } catch (NoSuchElementException e) {
+            return null;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a byte array named with the given index.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not a byte array tag,
+     * then an empty byte array will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return a byte array
+     */
+    public byte[] getByteArray(int index) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof ByteArrayTag) {
+            return ((ByteArrayTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return new byte[0];
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a byte named with the given index.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not a byte tag,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return a byte
+     */
+    public byte getByte(int index) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof ByteTag) {
+            return ((ByteTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return (byte) 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a double named with the given index.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not a double tag,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return a double
+     */
+    public double getDouble(int index) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof DoubleTag) {
+            return ((DoubleTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a double named with the given index, even if it's another
+     * type of number.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not a number,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return a double
+     */
+    public double asDouble(int index) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof ByteTag) {
+            return ((ByteTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof ShortTag) {
+            return ((ShortTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof IntTag) {
+            return ((IntTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof LongTag) {
+            return ((LongTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof FloatTag) {
+            return ((FloatTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof DoubleTag) {
+            return ((DoubleTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else {
+            return 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a float named with the given index.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not a float tag,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return a float
+     */
+    public float getFloat(int index) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof FloatTag) {
+            return ((FloatTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a {@code int[]} named with the given index.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not an integer array tag,
+     * then an empty array will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return an integer array
+     */
+    public int[] getIntegerArray(int index) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof IntArrayTag) {
+            return ((IntArrayTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return new int[0];
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get an integer named with the given index.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not an integer tag,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return an integer
+     */
+    public int getInteger(int index) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof IntTag) {
+            return ((IntTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get an integer named with the given index, even if it's another
+     * type of number.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not a number,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return an integer
+     */
+    public int asInteger(int index) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof ByteTag) {
+            return ((ByteTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof ShortTag) {
+            return ((ShortTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof IntTag) {
+            return ((IntTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof LongTag) {
+            return ((LongTag) tag).getValue().intValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof FloatTag) {
+            return ((FloatTag) tag).getValue().intValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof DoubleTag) {
+            return ((DoubleTag) tag).getValue().intValue();
+
+        } else {
+            return 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a list of tags named with the given index.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not a list tag,
+     * then an empty list will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return a list of tags
+     */
+    public List<Tag> getList(int index) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof ListTag) {
+            return ((ListTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return Collections.emptyList();
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a {@code TagList} named with the given index.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not a list tag,
+     * then an empty tag list will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return a tag list instance
+     */
+    public ListTag getListTag(int index) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof ListTag) {
+            return (ListTag) tag;
+        } else {
+            return new ListTag(StringTag.class, Collections.<Tag>emptyList());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a list of tags named with the given index.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not a list tag,
+     * then an empty list will be returned. If the given index references
+     * a list but the list of of a different type, then an empty
+     * list will also be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return a list of tags
+     */
+    @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
+    public <T extends Tag> List<T> getList(int index, Class<T> listType) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof ListTag) {
+            ListTag listTag = (ListTag) tag;
+            if (listTag.getType().equals(listType)) {
+                return (List<T>) listTag.getValue();
+            } else {
+                return Collections.emptyList();
+            }
+        } else {
+            return Collections.emptyList();
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a long named with the given index.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not a long tag,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return a long
+     */
+    public long getLong(int index) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof LongTag) {
+            return ((LongTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return 0L;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a long named with the given index, even if it's another
+     * type of number.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not a number,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return a long
+     */
+    public long asLong(int index) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof ByteTag) {
+            return ((ByteTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof ShortTag) {
+            return ((ShortTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof IntTag) {
+            return ((IntTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof LongTag) {
+            return ((LongTag) tag).getValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof FloatTag) {
+            return ((FloatTag) tag).getValue().longValue();
+
+        } else if (tag instanceof DoubleTag) {
+            return ((DoubleTag) tag).getValue().longValue();
+
+        } else {
+            return 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a short named with the given index.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not a short tag,
+     * then {@code 0} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return a short
+     */
+    public short getShort(int index) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof ShortTag) {
+            return ((ShortTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return 0;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get a string named with the given index.
+     *
+     * <p>If the index does not exist or its value is not a string tag,
+     * then {@code ""} will be returned.</p>
+     *
+     * @param index the index
+     * @return a string
+     */
+    public String getString(int index) {
+        Tag tag = getIfExists(index);
+        if (tag instanceof StringTag) {
+            return ((StringTag) tag).getValue();
+        } else {
+            return "";
+        }
+    }
+
     @Override
     public String toString() {
         String name = getName();
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ListTagBuilder.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ListTagBuilder.java
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..2934c2255
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ListTagBuilder.java
@@ -0,0 +1,129 @@
+/*
+ * WorldEdit, a Minecraft world manipulation toolkit
+ * Copyright (C) sk89q <http://www.sk89q.com>
+ * Copyright (C) WorldEdit team and contributors
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it
+ * under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by the
+ * Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
+ * ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or
+ * FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU Lesser General Public License
+ * for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
+ * along with this program. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.sk89q.jnbt;
+
+import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.Arrays;
+import java.util.Collection;
+import java.util.List;
+
+import static com.google.common.base.Preconditions.checkNotNull;
+
+/**
+ * Helps create list tags.
+ */
+public class ListTagBuilder {
+
+    private final Class<? extends Tag> type;
+    private final List<Tag> entries;
+
+    /**
+     * Create a new instance.
+     *
+     * @param type of tag contained in this list
+     */
+    ListTagBuilder(Class<? extends Tag> type) {
+        checkNotNull(type);
+        this.type = type;
+        this.entries = new ArrayList<Tag>();
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Add the given tag.
+     *
+     * @param value the tag
+     * @return this object
+     */
+    public ListTagBuilder add(Tag value) {
+        checkNotNull(value);
+        if (!type.isInstance(value)) {
+            throw new IllegalArgumentException(value.getClass().getCanonicalName() + " is not of expected type " + type.getCanonicalName());
+        }
+        entries.add(value);
+        return this;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Add all the tags in the given list.
+     *
+     * @param value a list of tags
+     * @return this object
+     */
+    public ListTagBuilder addAll(Collection<? extends Tag> value) {
+        checkNotNull(value);
+        for (Tag v : value) {
+            add(v);
+        }
+        return this;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Build an unnamed list tag with this builder's entries.
+     *
+     * @return the new list tag
+     */
+    public ListTag build() {
+        return new ListTag(type, new ArrayList<Tag>(entries));
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Build a new list tag with this builder's entries.
+     *
+     * @param name the name of the tag
+     * @return the created list tag
+     */
+    public ListTag build(String name) {
+        return new ListTag(name, type, new ArrayList<Tag>(entries));
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Create a new builder instance.
+     *
+     * @return a new builder
+     */
+    public static ListTagBuilder create(Class<? extends Tag> type) {
+        return new ListTagBuilder(type);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Create a new builder instance.
+     *
+     * @return a new builder
+     */
+    public static <T extends Tag> ListTagBuilder createWith(T ... entries) {
+        checkNotNull(entries);
+
+        if (entries.length == 0) {
+            throw new IllegalArgumentException("This method needs an array of at least one entry");
+        }
+
+        Class<? extends Tag> type = entries[0].getClass();
+        for (int i = 1; i < entries.length; i++) {
+            if (!type.isInstance(entries[i])) {
+                throw new IllegalArgumentException("An array of different tag types was provided");
+            }
+        }
+
+        ListTagBuilder builder = new ListTagBuilder(type);
+        builder.addAll(Arrays.asList(entries));
+        return builder;
+    }
+
+}
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/LongTag.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/LongTag.java
index 121f1365d..26e1902a5 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/LongTag.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/LongTag.java
@@ -19,28 +19,29 @@
 
 package com.sk89q.jnbt;
 
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.Tag;
-
 /**
- * The <code>TAG_Long</code> tag.
- * 
- * @author Graham Edgecombe
+ * The {@code TAG_Long} tag.
  * 
  */
 public final class LongTag extends Tag {
 
-    /**
-     * The value.
-     */
     private final long value;
 
+    /**
+     * Creates the tag with an empty name.
+     *
+     * @param value the value of the tag
+     */
+    public LongTag(long value) {
+        super();
+        this.value = value;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Creates the tag.
-     * 
-     * @param name
-     *            The name.
-     * @param value
-     *            The value.
+     *
+     * @param name the name of the tag
+     * @param value the value of the tag
      */
     public LongTag(String name, long value) {
         super(name);
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/NBTConstants.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/NBTConstants.java
index f214f7dec..7c8001b43 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/NBTConstants.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/NBTConstants.java
@@ -29,14 +29,8 @@ import java.nio.charset.Charset;
  */
 public final class NBTConstants {
 
-    /**
-     * The character set used by NBT (UTF-8).
-     */
     public static final Charset CHARSET = Charset.forName("UTF-8");
 
-    /**
-     * Tag type constants.
-     */
     public static final int TYPE_END = 0, TYPE_BYTE = 1, TYPE_SHORT = 2,
             TYPE_INT = 3, TYPE_LONG = 4, TYPE_FLOAT = 5, TYPE_DOUBLE = 6,
             TYPE_BYTE_ARRAY = 7, TYPE_STRING = 8, TYPE_LIST = 9,
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/NBTInputStream.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/NBTInputStream.java
index d50873d12..1d1c5215b 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/NBTInputStream.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/NBTInputStream.java
@@ -27,20 +27,6 @@ import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.HashMap;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.ByteArrayTag;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.ByteTag;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.CompoundTag;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.DoubleTag;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.EndTag;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.FloatTag;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.IntTag;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.ListTag;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.LongTag;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.NBTConstants;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.NBTUtils;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.ShortTag;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.StringTag;
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.Tag;
 
 /**
  * <p>
@@ -60,19 +46,14 @@ import com.sk89q.jnbt.Tag;
  */
 public final class NBTInputStream implements Closeable {
 
-    /**
-     * The data input stream.
-     */
     private final DataInputStream is;
 
     /**
-     * Creates a new <code>NBTInputStream</code>, which will source its data
+     * Creates a new {@code NBTInputStream}, which will source its data
      * from the specified input stream.
      * 
-     * @param is
-     *            The input stream.
-     * @throws IOException
-     *             if an I/O error occurs.
+     * @param is the input stream
+     * @throws IOException if an I/O error occurs
      */
     public NBTInputStream(InputStream is) throws IOException {
         this.is = new DataInputStream(is);
@@ -82,8 +63,7 @@ public final class NBTInputStream implements Closeable {
      * Reads an NBT tag from the stream.
      * 
      * @return The tag that was read.
-     * @throws IOException
-     *             if an I/O error occurs.
+     * @throws IOException if an I/O error occurs.
      */
     public Tag readTag() throws IOException {
         return readTag(0);
@@ -92,11 +72,9 @@ public final class NBTInputStream implements Closeable {
     /**
      * Reads an NBT from the stream.
      * 
-     * @param depth
-     *            The depth of this tag.
+     * @param depth the depth of this tag
      * @return The tag that was read.
-     * @throws IOException
-     *             if an I/O error occurs.
+     * @throws IOException if an I/O error occurs.
      */
     private Tag readTag(int depth) throws IOException {
         int type = is.readByte() & 0xFF;
@@ -117,18 +95,13 @@ public final class NBTInputStream implements Closeable {
     /**
      * Reads the payload of a tag, given the name and type.
      * 
-     * @param type
-     *            The type.
-     * @param name
-     *            The name.
-     * @param depth
-     *            The depth.
-     * @return The tag.
-     * @throws IOException
-     *             if an I/O error occurs.
+     * @param type the type
+     * @param name the name
+     * @param depth the depth
+     * @return the tag
+     * @throws IOException if an I/O error occurs.
      */
-    private Tag readTagPayload(int type, String name, int depth)
-            throws IOException {
+    private Tag readTagPayload(int type, String name, int depth) throws IOException {
         switch (type) {
         case NBTConstants.TYPE_END:
             if (depth == 0) {
@@ -197,6 +170,7 @@ public final class NBTInputStream implements Closeable {
         }
     }
 
+    @Override
     public void close() throws IOException {
         is.close();
     }
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/NBTUtils.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/NBTUtils.java
index 53983022c..20b3e5542 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/NBTUtils.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/NBTUtils.java
@@ -19,23 +19,31 @@
 
 package com.sk89q.jnbt;
 
+import com.sk89q.worldedit.Vector;
+import com.sk89q.worldedit.extent.Extent;
+import com.sk89q.worldedit.util.Location;
 import com.sk89q.worldedit.world.storage.InvalidFormatException;
 
 import java.util.Map;
 
+import static com.google.common.base.Preconditions.checkNotNull;
+
 /**
  * A class which contains NBT-related utility methods.
  *
- * @author Graham Edgecombe
- *
  */
 public final class NBTUtils {
 
+    /**
+     * Default private constructor.
+     */
+    private NBTUtils() {
+    }
+
     /**
      * Gets the type name of a tag.
      *
-     * @param clazz
-     *            The tag class.
+     * @param clazz the tag class
      * @return The type name.
      */
     public static String getTypeName(Class<? extends Tag> clazz) {
@@ -72,11 +80,9 @@ public final class NBTUtils {
     /**
      * Gets the type code of a tag class.
      *
-     * @param clazz
-     *            The tag class.
+     * @param clazz the tag class
      * @return The type code.
-     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
-     *             if the tag class is invalid.
+     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if the tag class is invalid.
      */
     public static int getTypeCode(Class<? extends Tag> clazz) {
         if (clazz.equals(ByteArrayTag.class)) {
@@ -112,11 +118,9 @@ public final class NBTUtils {
     /**
      * Gets the class of a type of tag.
      *
-     * @param type
-     *            The type.
+     * @param type the type
      * @return The class.
-     * @throws IllegalArgumentException
-     *             if the tag type is invalid.
+     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if the tag type is invalid.
      */
     public static Class<? extends Tag> getTypeClass(int type) {
         switch (type) {
@@ -151,10 +155,17 @@ public final class NBTUtils {
     }
 
     /**
-     * Default private constructor.
+     * Read a vector from a list tag containing ideally three values: the
+     * X, Y, and Z components.
+     *
+     * <p>For values that are unavailable, their values will be 0.</p>
+     *
+     * @param listTag the list tag
+     * @return a vector
      */
-    private NBTUtils() {
-
+    public static Vector toVector(ListTag listTag) {
+        checkNotNull(listTag);
+        return new Vector(listTag.asDouble(0), listTag.asDouble(1), listTag.asDouble(2));
     }
 
     /**
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ShortTag.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ShortTag.java
index 0a658fa07..fd3ee3a4e 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ShortTag.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/ShortTag.java
@@ -19,28 +19,28 @@
 
 package com.sk89q.jnbt;
 
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.Tag;
-
 /**
- * The <code>TAG_Short</code> tag.
- * 
- * @author Graham Edgecombe
- * 
+ * The {@code TAG_Short} tag.
  */
 public final class ShortTag extends Tag {
 
-    /**
-     * The value.
-     */
     private final short value;
 
+    /**
+     * Creates the tag with an empty name.
+     *
+     * @param value the value of the tag
+     */
+    public ShortTag(short value) {
+        super();
+        this.value = value;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Creates the tag.
-     * 
-     * @param name
-     *            The name.
-     * @param value
-     *            The value.
+     *
+     * @param name the name of the tag
+     * @param value the value of the tag
      */
     public ShortTag(String name, short value) {
         super(name);
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/StringTag.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/StringTag.java
index b6687c6fd..409511ab5 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/StringTag.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/StringTag.java
@@ -19,31 +19,35 @@
 
 package com.sk89q.jnbt;
 
-import com.sk89q.jnbt.Tag;
+import static com.google.common.base.Preconditions.checkNotNull;
 
 /**
- * The <code>TAG_String</code> tag.
- * 
- * @author Graham Edgecombe
- * 
+ * The {@code TAG_String} tag.
  */
 public final class StringTag extends Tag {
 
-    /**
-     * The value.
-     */
     private final String value;
 
+    /**
+     * Creates the tag with an empty name.
+     *
+     * @param value the value of the tag
+     */
+    public StringTag(String value) {
+        super();
+        checkNotNull(value);
+        this.value = value;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Creates the tag.
-     * 
-     * @param name
-     *            The name.
-     * @param value
-     *            The value.
+     *
+     * @param name the name of the tag
+     * @param value the value of the tag
      */
     public StringTag(String name, String value) {
         super(name);
+        checkNotNull(value);
         this.value = value;
     }
 
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/Tag.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/Tag.java
index 18a0a0420..2ab0861ea 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/Tag.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/jnbt/Tag.java
@@ -19,33 +19,36 @@
 
 package com.sk89q.jnbt;
 
+import static com.google.common.base.Preconditions.checkNotNull;
+
 /**
- * Represents a single NBT tag.
- * 
- * @author Graham Edgecombe
- * 
+ * Represents a NBT tag.
  */
 public abstract class Tag {
 
-    /**
-     * The name of this tag.
-     */
     private final String name;
 
+    /**
+     * Create a new tag with an empty name.
+     */
+    Tag() {
+        this("");
+    }
+
     /**
      * Creates the tag with the specified name.
      * 
-     * @param name
-     *            The name.
+     * @param name the name
      */
-    public Tag(String name) {
+    Tag(String name) {
+        checkNotNull(name);
         this.name = name;
     }
 
     /**
      * Gets the name of this tag.
      * 
-     * @return The name of this tag.
+     * @return the name of this tag
      */
     public final String getName() {
         return name;
@@ -54,7 +57,7 @@ public abstract class Tag {
     /**
      * Gets the value of this tag.
      * 
-     * @return The value of this tag.
+     * @return the value
      */
     public abstract Object getValue();
 
diff --git a/src/main/java/com/sk89q/worldedit/world/storage/NBTConversions.java b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/worldedit/world/storage/NBTConversions.java
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..43b24c39a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/main/java/com/sk89q/worldedit/world/storage/NBTConversions.java
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+/*
+ * WorldEdit, a Minecraft world manipulation toolkit
+ * Copyright (C) sk89q <http://www.sk89q.com>
+ * Copyright (C) WorldEdit team and contributors
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it
+ * under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by the
+ * Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
+ * ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or
+ * FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU Lesser General Public License
+ * for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
+ * along with this program. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.sk89q.worldedit.world.storage;
+
+import com.sk89q.jnbt.ListTag;
+import com.sk89q.worldedit.extent.Extent;
+import com.sk89q.worldedit.util.Location;
+
+import static com.google.common.base.Preconditions.checkNotNull;
+
+/**
+ * Utility methods for working with NBT data used in Minecraft.
+ */
+public final class NBTConversions {
+
+    private NBTConversions() {
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Read a {@code Location} from two list tags, the first of which contains
+     * three numbers for the X, Y, and Z components, and the second of
+     * which contains two numbers, the yaw and pitch in degrees.
+     *
+     * <p>For values that are unavailable, their values will be 0.</p>
+     *
+     * @param extent the extent
+     * @param positionTag the position tag
+     * @param directionTag the direction tag
+     * @return a location
+     */
+    public static Location toLocation(Extent extent, ListTag positionTag, ListTag directionTag) {
+        checkNotNull(extent);
+        checkNotNull(positionTag);
+        checkNotNull(directionTag);
+        return new Location(
+                extent,
+                positionTag.asDouble(0), positionTag.asDouble(1), positionTag.asDouble(2),
+                ((float) Math.toRadians(directionTag.asDouble(0))), ((float) Math.toRadians(directionTag.asDouble(1))));
+    }
+
+}