Questions, questions, questions!!!
Leopold,
In short the World Builder is a book filled with a host of useful facts, lists and charts which facilitate any world building you may do. There is a little bit of everything in the book. There are some random generators, body features, structures, container contents and a few more.
But as for building your world, cities, castles and so forth. Yes. Part one is a study of equipment with complete illustrations for all manner of arms and armor, shields and helms. As well as general equipment, foodstuffs, vehicles and more. Part two is a study of terrain with all types being discussed, bodies of water, atmosphere with some weather and wind charts. Also it discusses in detail trees, herbs and flowers as well as touching on all manner of plants from grasses to shrubs. Animals are lightly treated as they are fully covered in other books (the MM for one). Part three studies dwellings, manner of construction, materials used with a complete explained list of types of buildings. Construction costs are covered in detail. Room types are treated too. Also in part three types of govenments, officials for the govenment, royalty and priestly officials are covered.
It does not give you population figures of such and such type of building (this is covered in the next volume in the series, due out in March, tentatively titled Everyday Life).
If you buy the WB you will be able to build a world and cities within. It supplies a wealth of material for any writing you do and if you study increases the flavor of your game tremendously. "He charges from beneath the trees, wearing chainmail and carrying a morning star" or "In a hauberk of steel, with spiked godentag in hand he charges from the towering Larch trees."
It really is a useful book for any RPG or writing you play or do.
Steve
