IronWolf
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Well, that wouldn't be accurate because I do like the Realms. But the point is, you shouldn't have to go look for some obscure region to make your own. If there's a region you are interested in, it should all be fair game.
And the PCs should be the star of the show! Thus the 4e version is kinda what I love.
I tend to run a lot of my FR games in the Silver Marches, hardly what one would call an obscure region and I generally have no issues running there. The PCs still feel like heroes, I don't necessarily alter canon a lot and the players seem to have a good time. Now I have chosen more obscure areas to run as well - over in The Vast region.
I usually check recent past, current and future events if applicable with the timeline and work those in as necessary or effects of those events. I think to a degree this is how it is like if you choose to DM in a published setting.
Agreed, though - this might not work for everyone, but I have had no issues in games I have run in the Forgotten Realms even if I choose a somewhat not off the beaten path area.