"World Generation", by Tyge Sjostrand is a free generic world creation system for use with Science Fiction Role Playing Games. It is a 1.2MB .PDF file which is available from the author (email: tyge.sjostrand@pi.se) by request.
WORLD GENERATION (2001 Edition), OVERVIEW
The file begins with a introduction from the author which explains how to use the manual. This introduction is followed by a table of contents.
The world generation system itself consists of two parts, the first (Generating Worlds) allows the user to create a complete solar system. The second part (Planetology), which is currently incomplete, will allow the user to detail any terrestrial worlds created during the system generation process.
The individual parts are further divided into ten chapters (Part One: System Data, Orbital Data, Geophysical Data, Atmospheric Data & Additional Data. Part Two: Climate, Surface Morphology, Biology, Mapping & Specials), these contain the tables, equations and data that make up the world generation system.
Each chapter begins with an overview of the chapter contents followed by a series of sections that take the user step by step through the world generation process.
A glossary of terms and reference listing finish off the document.
WORLD GENERATION (2001 Edition), COMMENTS
The current edition, dated 2001-02-09 is an updated version of the 2000-08-06 edition, a review of which can be seen at:
http://www.rpg.net/news+reviews/reviews/rev_6022.html
The main change between the two editions is the addition of the chapter overviews, while a minor change in terms of the whole work, these overviews greatly enhance the material by providing the user with an explanation of precisely what is being done in each chapter.
The system generation itself, while needing only 2D10 to use is mathematically intensive, the author recommends in his introduction that the user set up a spreadsheet to handle this.
The one major minus with this work is that it is currently incomplete, with the second part of the document consisting solely of the Climate chapter. However, recent communication with the author indicates that a new edition is in preparation and it is expected to be available shortly, which should contain the missing material.
WORLD GENERATION (2001 Edition), VERDICT.
I personally believe that "World Generation" is an excellent product, it is well written, easy to understand and of professional quality.
Because it is free, the product represents excellent value for money. The only real reason for delaying obtaining this work, would be to wait for the next edition to come out.
Go to forum!
(Due to spamming, old forum discussions are no linked.)