Using setting books without using the setting

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Between my various Ptolus games, I've incorporated Redhurst, Freeport, Stonebridge and a bunch of other modular settings, as well as ripping out pieces of other settings and plugging them in. When the Game Mechanics finish the Arcane Quarter book, I'm using that as Ptolus' Vock Row (a neighborhood of wizards and sorcerers). And, as mentioned, Goodman Games stuff in particular slots in painlessly almost anywhere. (After the Longcoat game wraps, I'm going to offer those players interested in a sequel another adventure there, using a smaller Goodman Games urban adventure, which will again fit in more or less perfectly.)

The only FR book I'd say you'd have trouble with would be the Silver Marches, but even then, it's a classic noble elf forest with a looming orc threat, which means it has a lot of currency in other settings. I'd say the Expedition to Undermountain would likely be the easiest "setting" to drop in elsewhere.

 

[Nightfall]

Whiz,

Which to me, is sad. I mean that's like taking a monster power house like Temple of Elemental Evil and then saying "Hey look let's Eberronize it!" Undermountain should be an FR issue as much as Ruins of Castle Greyhawk and/or Rappan Athuk are ultimate dungeon munchers.

 

[00Machado]

Power of Faerun, while not a region book, is extremely portable to other settings (inspiration for plots and schemes). If you're looking for that type of material, Renegage Crowns for WHFRP, and Lords of Darkness if you want to stick with FR material are also good.

Lost Empires isn't a region book either per se, but it does cover the ancient empires of various regions. The ideas are easy to port.

I think that the Underdark is probably the easiest region book to port. In my experience, The North, and Unapproachable East would both do okay as well, with The North being easier to present as a more generic locale than the other. Both are just fine for swiping ideas from.

I've never looked through the other region books.

 

[Nightfall]

The Old Empires is alright from 2nd but honestly while I have most of the 2nd edition, I'm skeptical about using it on other worlds in some places.

Unless it's the World Serpent Inn. Cause that place ROCKS!

 

[Vraille Darkfang]

I've played FR for too long to import Regional Supplements into my own world.

I identify it too much with the Forgotten Realms to pull it out.

However, I've 'borrowed' lots of other books for my Game World.

Ptolus,

World's Largest City,

Most of the Scarred Lands City Supplements, plus Sea of Blood.

Freeport,

Sharn, City of Towers.

Mongoose's City of Fantasy Series

And dozens more.

If I hadn't of played so much FR, I probablly would grab Waterdeep, Lost Empires of Faurun, Dragons of Faerun, The Underdark & Serpent Kingdoms.

If you can find it Aurura's Whole Realm Catalog (2nd ed) still sees use in my games to this day.

 

[Nightfall]

V,

See I thought you drew in your SL stuff for your FR games...but that's cool too.