Random maps

One of the key requirements for generating random maps in good underlying databases: objects/furniture/creatures linked to room types; rooms linked to building types; buildings linked to settlement type. So, for example a fortress settlement type would have linked to it armoury room type, which would have linked to it weapon racks furniture type and weapons object type. In addition to the linking, there needs to be an indication of the relative number of each type to the other types (e.g. each armoury might have five weapon racks, but not 5000) and the relative size (e.g. an armoury might take up 5% of a fortress, but not 95%). It is also important to link room types by proximity (e.g. the armoury might be likely to be next to the forge).

Obviously, as random numbers are applied to the creation of random maps, the chances of the same map being produced twice are very low, so the player gets lots of variety. However, the key advantage to the random map tool would be to developers writing the game, as they could use a randomly produced map as the basis for a map they are planning. In fact they might specify what buildings/rooms they want in a random map creation dialogue, as differing from the default for that settlement type.