diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 1c83a8e..edfcb86 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -76,22 +76,14 @@ docker compose run --rm server dz c
 
 The maintenance of the config file is a work in progress. The goal is to create a facility for merging changes into the config file and maintain a paper trail of changes.
 
-Install the mpmissions files for the map(s) you plan to run. By default, only Chernarus and Livonia come with the server: 
-```shell
-# Copy Chernarus
-cp -a /mpmission/dayzOffline.chernarusplus ${MPMISSIONS}
-# And/Or copy Livonia
-cp -a /mpmission/dayzOffline.enoch ${MPMISSIONS}
-```
-
-To install other maps, see [maps](maps).
-
-Start the stack:
+Launch the stack into the background:
 ```shell
 docker compose up -d
 ```
 
-Tail the server log:
+There will be nothing in mpmissions when the server container starts for the first time. A pristine copy of `dayzOffline.chernarusplus` will be copied from the `mpmission` volume to the server container. This will be the default map. To install other maps, see [Maps](#maps).
+
+To see the server log:
 
 ```shell
 docker compose logs -f server
diff --git a/server/bin/dz b/server/bin/dz
index 54e639a..af302ae 100755
--- a/server/bin/dz
+++ b/server/bin/dz
@@ -180,6 +180,14 @@ mergexml(){
 
 # Start the server in the foreground
 start(){
+  # Ensure mpmissions has at least one map. If not, block the server from starting
+  if [ ! -d "${MPMISSIONS}/dayzOffline.chernarusplus" ]
+  then
+    echo
+    echo "Performing one-time copy of Chernarus mpmissions..."
+    echo
+    cp -a /mpmission/dayzOffline.chernarusplus ${MPMISSIONS}
+  fi
 	# Do the report on exit. Set here so that it only happens once we're starting the server, and not for other actions.
 	trap '
 		report