[mod] FFVII Links
Because not everyone is going to come to this game with the same background knowledge of Final Fantasy VII, here are some links to help with broad questions and to use as a springboard for ideas. Most of these are, in some form, game guides, but a couple provide further back story on the basis of the FFVII world.
I still need to alter the text to make it more readable, but for now, here is a topographical map of the world we play in. It's taken from the Final Fantasy VII Official Strategy Guide.
Wikipedia provides a very good overview of FFVII, covering general information like game play and releases. Wikipedia also has an excellent article on Chochobos that covers all the Final Fantasy games. Finally, Wikibooks has a detailed look at the game story itself.
The Final Fantasy Compendium provides another comprehensive game story, complete with a timeline that traces the Creta and Jenova back to their beginnings. This is a frame site, so I am unable to link you directly to it, but it currently under [By Game/Other] FFVII --> Full Story. There are also some other general reference tools, but many cover all the FF series. The Bestiary that is listed under FF Resources is, sadly, no longer available.
IGN has a game walkthrough, as well as a decent Encyclopedia containing items, armor, enemies, and Materia. A lot of it points-based information, though.
Finally, RPGamer is one of many sites that offer FFVII screencaps. This link, however, goes to the world screencaps in particular. These might be helpful for anyone needing to envision the settings in the game.