1) Which edition of the setting did you play most? How much did you change in the setting versus play as canon?
Edition: 1e Greybox.
Changes: mainly ignoring stuff I don't care for (e.g., Elminster).
2) What was your favorite region or area of the Realms, and why?
My favourite area probably is the Moonshae Islands.
I like its 'Vikings-versus-Celts' ethos (it reminds my of 9th and 10th Century Ireland and Scotland). Also, I interpret the region to resemble Jack Vance's
Lyonesse.
I'm also fond of the Sword Coast (Baldur's Gate region) and the Savage North (Luskan, Icewind Dale, the Spine of the World).
I don't know that much about other areas.
3) What did you like about the Realms? What did you dislike most?
Like: the regions with which I am familiar (Moonshae Isles, Savage North) lend themselves quite nicely to 'classic' AD&D campaigns (at least as I run them).
I also like some of the villains and evil organizations (e.g., the Zhentarim). In the Realms, I cheer for the bad guys!
Dislike: the endless 'world-changing' upheavals (Time of Troubles, Spellplague). Enough!
4) How many Chaotic Good drow with twin scimitars and a magic panther showed up at your table?
None.
I would be okay with including Jarlaxle as an NPC at some point, however...
5) Finish this sentence...if I could change one thing about the Forgotten Realms, past or present, I.....
If I could change one thing about the Forgotten Realms, I would erase the Time of Troubles and the Spellplague. In other words, I would go back to the Greybox era (which I do in my own game anyway!).
6) How many Forgotten Realms novels have you read?
I confess that I've read a number of Salvatore's books. Not high literature, I know, but they helped me get my AD&D 'fix' when I wasn't gaming. I actually much prefer his stories about 'non-good' characters like Jarlaxle and Entreri over those about his famous ranger.
I also read the original Moonshae trilogy because I was interested in the region. The books were mediocre. I prefer to interpret the Moonshaes along the lines of Vance's Lyonesse.
7) Which Forgotten Realms sourcebook, if any, stood out to you as particularly well done, regardless of edition?
Jacquay's
Savage North (1e) is quite good.
I've used the
Moonshae (1e) sourcebook most of all, but I don't think it's as good as SN.