The world is chunked out into "regions" on a grid, which have their own subgrids of some fixed odd number width and height. The coordinate system is based on a central [0,0] point and stored how you'd expect, but for UX purposes, it uses NSEW marks -- ie [-2,7] is 7S, 2W, while [5,-1] would be 1N, 5E and [0,4] is just 4S.
Each region has one connection point to each adjacent direction, seeded by the relationship. Then, pathways are made between each connection that are clear tiles (as well as the origin of the [0,0] region where you begin). Some of these (but not all!) are road tiles, so it's easier to find exits, but it's still hard.
POIs (dungeons, towns) are assigned randomly in free space and given clear paths (again maybe with roads), then everything else is a random mix of free tiles and obstacle tiles. The border where there isn't a connection point are all obstacles.
Towns are places where you can sell (and sometimes, in limited quantities, buy) items. There's also a Library that lets you figure out various town stuff for free.
Towns are connected together in various shatterloopian ways and it costs money to unlock a pathway, at which point travel is instant and free. The amount of money is based on polar distance.
The Westmost town can connect to the Eastmost town of the western region, provided you've activated both Nexuses (which costs money). Same deal with the other three directions.
Shops are categorized by item and not every type is present in a town. The Library helps you figure out where things are (sometimes in other regions) and how best to connect them.
