Does Disciples 1 support random map generation for single player, or only "story mode".
What about Disciples 2?
I have fond memories of MoM (despite the bugs...), and don't enjoy story mode for my strategy games.

Well, I believe D1 has no such option and in D2 it was introduced in one of the elven expansions. It isn't that great, either.

There is a map generator that, once you understand it, allows you to generate an entire world for some given parameters, it works rather well actually.
After tha you can edit the map so it becomes playable (generator has a nasty habit of placing nasty surprises), or even add a story to it ;-)

Disciples 2 does have a random map generator, though it has to be run in the map editor. Also as PaasHaas said you will need to edit your own maps to make them playable, which spoils it if you wanted the level to be unknown to you.
I advise downloading other peoples skirmish maps from sites that rate them based on quality.

What are its shortcomings?
I just started playing and like it quite a bit so far, but usually like sandbox mode far, far more than playing campaigns. Pre-written scenarios are often very restrictive and unnatural, and can turn into guessing games where you're rewarded for coming up with the designer's solution, not the best or most fun solution. A good random map generator is key to the longevity of this type of game for me.

The random map generator in D2 is a bit too random. I've found the best way to use it is to generate a map that you then use as a basis for your own custom-made map and then you can tweak/change it till you get something you can usefully play with.
Sometimes you can get mobs too close together and some strange landscape features if you're not careful.
dunsany

Hmm, I'm curious as to how that actually plays out. I admit I'm still in the dark a little there.
I'll have to give it a try soon. So far I'm happy with the campaign, but usually I get sick of campaigns after a while.
If you do random map generated games, can you carry over a hero from one to the next? Or is carrying over a hero only something you can do in the campaign?

You do have the option to generate your own custom made sagas, which will allow you to carry over heroes in much the same way as the official campaigns do. Essentially, you make each scenario individually and then link them together. Bear in mind that the map editor is a very versatile thing - you can add 'spoken' text to drive the story along, generate specific events at certain points in the game (with a pleasingly diverse number of preprogrammed conditions) and there are a number of victory conditions to choose from. You basically have the ability to build a campaign from scratch if you so desire - a fair amount of planning in terms of basic story and progression from each scenario to the next is probably needed, though.
As I said earlier, the map editor is a powerful tool - it's just a pity that it sucks at generating maps randomly! :)
All the best!
dunsany

That a very old topic. i know.
Some fan made a D2 Map Randomizer. Actually it released a long ago by now. Some very good improvments are made t this and nw it true RMG and not just randomiser of existed maps (like first version). But that made from another ецщ guys.
Now you can combine it with RMG that build-in in D2 Editor and make a good random maps.

here simple randomizer (first one)
http://d2ext.sklabs.ru/download.php?id=files/D2MapRandomizer.zip (one of the mirrors, u can find it on google - only russian sites)
here imroved (second one) - video on YT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBw626bU5J4
with download link to Google Drive in description
Again, only russian sites. Russian video.

First program is one-click (Перегенирировать\ReGenerate). Second one a bit larger but have a ENG interface.

Simple randomizer useful to quikly place Garrisons to neutral cities (what build-in RMG not doings) replacing it from neytrals stack parties.
Regenerator use some multipliers presets. And generate units using game data files - so it use every content in the game. not just created by RMG.

Thanks - warning to others - this is a 1GB download and takes a while.

No-no-no! You download some mod! here the direct link to RMG only:
http://drive.google.com/file/d/11WXkhEd2nkApDqz93tWkh3WUFLvt2WSN/view
Sry. It just share site with mod. Site have same download link as well - but separate from mod.

P.S. recent update for RMG realesed a few days ago, website says - 10.12.2020. Check changelog.txt file.

P.S.2. Using mod you can add new units and artifact-staff to old maps. But there is always some... "vasyan"-style changes. And we talk about not first mod. Every mods based on DOMs Mod that already cahnge balance too much (Undead OP) and add new units (mostly original missed in Editor). Instead of fixing this, new modders make more unbalance balance changes. Empire have 4 warriors and only one archer - add new warrior. That what subj modder (nickname Semga) did in that mod.
Just for fun and not for serious play.

Oh, that's much better only 221k. Thx!