''World Builder's Guidebook'' is an accessory for the 2nd edition of the ''

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Several different editions of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') fantasy role-playing game have been produced since 1974. The current publisher of ''D&D'', Wizards of the Coast, produces new materials only for the most current edition of the ga ...

fantasy Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction involving magical elements, typically set in a fictional universe and sometimes inspired by mythology and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy literature and drama ...

role-playing game A role-playing game (sometimes spelled roleplaying game, RPG) is a game in which players assume the roles of player character, characters in a fictional Setting (narrative), setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within ...

, published in 1996.

The volume begins by highlighting various approaches to world creation, explaining the merits of each and detailing how the Dungeon Master can use the book to create a unique

fictional universe A fictional universe, or fictional world, is a self-consistent setting with events, and often other elements, that differ from the real world. It may also be called an imagined, constructed, or fictional realm (or world). Fictional universes ma ...

(aka a

fantasy setting A campaign setting is usually a fictional world which serves as a setting for a role-playing game or wargame campaign. A ''campaign'' is a series of individual adventures, and a ''campaign setting'' is the world in which such adventures and camp ...

) from scratch. A selection of blank maps is included at the end of the book, ranging from grids to draw a whole planet overview to smaller separate regions and individual kingdoms.

Reception

David Comford reviewed ''World Builder's Guidebook'' for ''Arcane'' magazine, rating it a 9 out of 10 overall. He commented that "At one time or another I would wager everyone reading ''arcane'' has thought wistfully of designing their own roleplaying game. For most of us that is as far as it ever gets - but if you've actually sat down to map out your lands it can suddenly all seem rather daunting. But fear not, ''The World Builder's Guidebook'' is a methodical step-by-step guide to creating your own fantasy setting to use in an ''AD&D'' universe." Comford adds: "And, what's more, it's good. Better than that, it's excellent, from the shape and size of your world to the climate and racial cultures present, and even further to the ecology and mythology of your land. All can be found here presented in a format that's easy to read and with countless random roll tables." He continues: "Some might think that world creation is a personal thing, and that a book like this takes an element of fun out of its creation. Not so. Yes there are countless pointers and pushes in the right direction, but the option to disregard any and all information that doesn't fit in with your theme is repeated throughout." Comford concludes the review by saying, "''The World Builder's Guidebook'' is either a good reference tool for reminding you of the bits that you've left out, or a comprehensive world creating machine that is easily followed."

References

{{reflist Dungeons & Dragons sourcebooks Role-playing game supplements introduced in 1996

Contents

Reception

References