private int buildStraight(int xo, int maxLength, boolean safe) {
        int length = random.nextInt(10) + 2;

        if (safe)
            length = 10 + random.nextInt(5);

        if (length > maxLength)
            length = maxLength;

        int floor = height - 1 - random.nextInt(4);

        //runs from the specified x position to the length of the segment
        for (int x = xo; x < xo + length; x++) {
            for (int y = 0; y < height; y++) {
                if (y >= floor) {
                    setBlock(x, y, Level.GROUND);
                }
            }
        }

        if (!safe) {
            if (length > 5) {
                decorate(xo, xo + length, floor);
            }
        }

        return length;
    }