u/Priestical

If my understanding is correct, the Gray Box is 1356 DR to 1357 DR & the 2nd edition 1993 boxed set covers 1367 DR to 1369 DR? Did I get that right?

I run/use AD&D 1st edition rules so either will work fine for me. I've been researching the DR dates of old classic Forgotten Realms modules and I've been trying to decide what point in the timeline I want to settle down and run games in within the Forgotten Realms setting.

It's actually harder than I thought it would be because each time period has some great novels as well as adventures so I thought I'd come here and get opinions from the community. The following question is NOT based off the editions, it's based off the novels and adventure modules.

Which time period do you personally think is better and why do you prefer that specific boxed set time period?

Gray Box Era: 1356 DR to 1357 DR

2nd edition Boxed Set Era: 1369 DR to 1369 DR

"Assuming I have my DR dates correct. If not please correct me".

I am looking to try and find old classic D&D modules that take place in Vaasa, Damara, Thar, the City of Phlan, Narfell. I just have this urge to start working on a campaign in the Realms and I did not want to do anything in the common regions that are over used, I was looking at the north. I know the H1-4 Bloodstone modules are in the Pass but those are super high level, I was looking for modules that are lower level so I have a starting point to start with for new characters.

Any suggestions?

In an adventure module, if a magical item is recovered during the adventure and in the module it gives the xp value of that magical item, does the character get the xp for the item? It's a 1e adventure but was thinking of running it with OSE. It's a level 4-7 adventure and the weapon is valued at 8,000 xp so I was curious about that since I know xp is general given for gp value of items.

Would the PC have to sell the item for gp's in order to get the xp? I'm a little confused.

Recently moving from AD&D to OSE and I've always use 0 to -10 = death. I've never use 0=Death. It seems pretty harsh and hard mode. I'm sure this is because I've always had the 10hp safety net, but how harsh is the 0=death rule? Do characters die a LOT more? I understand characters don't need to charge into a fight blindly, but still, how harsh is it on characters? Do you notice characters dying more often that the 0 to -10 rule?

It says Caves of the Unknown but don't think that is it. He says he did these for the cave but I also think I remember seeing this maps in an adventure module.

https://breeyark.org/caves-of-the-unknown-cobweb-caverns/

Which should I go with, I want to buy class and advanced fantasy. Should I get the Old-School Essentials Classic Game Set & Old-School Essentials Advanced Expansion Set or should I buy the Referee's Tome and the Player's Tome? Which is the better value?

I'm aware that the sets are supposed to be the 2 core books broken down into several books each but do you get more with the sets or the books?