How to deal with this DM?

[WayneLigon]

Good to hear that so far this had had a happy ending. It's long been my contention that the reason that RPG's are not more popular is that all it takes is one bad experience - especially one bad GM in a visible public place, like a mall store - to turn someone off RPing forever, or make it years and years before they check it out again, if they ever do.

 

[tomBitonti]

Expecting non-derogatory language in a public setting is not a religion issue. It is a standard of treatment.

This.

But, if the GM's presence relies on the good will on the store manager, have a chat with the manager. The manager may not change their decision, but they are a part of the problem.

Not a confrontation: Simply explain that you have a problem with the GM because of offensive language, and are likely to leave (or are leaving, or have already left) the group (with the clear consequence of spending less time in the store). Something like "Hey, just wanted you to know that I'm having a problem with the GM, and won't be able to participate in the group. I'd like to game here, but that's not possible for me right now." Your statement should be like a person who is allergic to peanuts explaining how they can't have any peanut brittle. You probably would want a quiet moment away from the GM when you do. Expect any reaction from nothing, to "yeah, been getting a lot of that", to a request to get the hell out of their store. But, the reaction won't necessarily be immediate.

Thx!

TomB

Edit: Ah, late to the party. Glad that it worked out!

 

[Nellisir]

I'm glad it worked out; it's hard to know what to do and react in the spur of the moment, but you're absolutely right to bring it up to management.

I had an issue in a game I ran recently: it was a new group, we didn't know each other well, and one player suddenly took a hard turn into chaotic evil with his character. It left me literally speechless at the table, and I sort of blinked for a few moments and then went on, but monitored the rest of the game more closely. Afterwards I emailed everyone to clarify that that sort of PC and PC behavior was not comfortable for me and wouldn't be happening again. I emailed the player privately as well, and he promised to rein it in and has done so.

(for those wondering: vivisection, burning surrendered helpless prisoners to death, and shades of killing the other PCs.)

 

[BrokenEggGames]

When i first started reading this thread I had a laundry list of ideas on what to say. This group of fine gamers covered it and then some!! I am super happy to hear about how it turned out and would love to know more (if it has continued or started anew.) This thread is exactly why I am so glad to be a part of this gaming community!