Mike’s Rant

Let me tell ya a little secret: GMs ain’t mind readers.

I don’t care if they’re old as a lich or sharp as a gnome’s dagger — if ya don’t speak up, they won’t know what’s wrong. Yer sittin’ there, arms crossed, grumblin’ into yer dice tray, hopin’ someone notices yer upset?

Lad, that’s not communication — that’s sulkin’.

And yet, I get it. It’s hard to speak up. What if it ruins the vibe? What if the GM takes it personal? What if the whole party turns on ya?

That’s why I made ya this scroll. So ya can say what needs sayin’ — without soundin’ like a spoiled halfling mid-sugar crash.

1. Start with Respect — Not Accusation

If yer first words are “This game sucks” or “You always ignore me,” then congratulations — yer the problem now.

Try this instead:
“Can I talk to ya about the game for a second?”
“I really appreciate what you’ve built, but there’s something I’ve been struggling with.”
“This isn’t an attack — just something I need to share.”

Lead with respect, even if yer blood’s boilin’. You ain’t here to win. You’re here to be heard.

And if ya need help thinkin' it through, take a look at When Session Zero Didn’t Save You. Sometimes, ya gotta speak after the prep scrolls have all burned.

2. Use "I" Phrases — Not "You" Daggers

Say “I’ve been feeling…”
Not “You made me feel…”

Say “I was confused during the last arc…”
Not “You railroaded us like a goblin with a grudge.”

It ain’t about bein’ soft. It’s about speakin’ honest without turnin’ it into a duel. GMs are players too — and nine times outta ten, they want to fix things if they know yer not just throwin’ blame.

If you’re worried about comin’ off harsh, read When the Loudest Player Starts Runnin’ the Table. That one’s got lessons for both sides of the screen.

3. Bring Solutions — Not Just Smoke

Don’t just roll in like a cave-in with complaints. If something’s not workin’, tell the GM why, and maybe even what might help.

"I felt kinda left out in the last couple of sessions — would it help if I wrote a little character hook to get involved again?"
"Would it be okay to explore more roleplay scenes instead of combat every week?"
"I’m not feelin’ the group dynamic lately. Think we could have a quick out-of-game check-in?"

Even if the GM doesn’t agree with yer ideas, it shows yer here to build — not just tear down.

Need a deeper look at when things ain’t workin’? When the Table’s Full — But It Feels Empty has a few hard truths you might need.

Ya Can’t Fix What Ya Won’t Face — But Ya Can Leave With Dignity

Sometimes ya talk. Sometimes they listen. And sometimes… they don’t.

👉 And that’s when ya grab yer gear, tip yer hat, and walk. Check the FAQ if you’re wonderin’ how to spot a table that ain’t right fer ya. Or visit the About the Tavern page to remember why we fight so hard to make better games in the first place.

Preserve yer peace. Always.

4. Give 'Em a Chance to Hear Ya — Then Breathe

Don’t expect an instant fix. GMs need time to adjust, same as players.

Say yer piece, then step back. Let ‘em sit with it. Don’t poke the bear right after droppin’ yer feelings like a warm ale on a cold table.

And if they snap back?

Well, that tells ya somethin’ too.

Just don’t be this guy:

“IF YOU DON’T FIX THIS GAME RIGHT NOW I SWEAR BY MARGANN’S CRUSTY BEARD I’LL YEET MY CHARACTER INTO A VOLCANO AND LAUGH THE WHOLE TIME!!”

Yeah. Don’t be that lad.

5. Know When It’s Time to Walk Away

You’re allowed to leave.

Let me say that again, cause some of ya need to hear it louder:

YOU. ARE. ALLOWED. TO. LEAVE.

Even if the GM is nice. Even if the story’s good. Even if the party’s mostly okay. If you’re not feelin’ it — week after week — then hang up yer boots and rest.

Leaving don’t mean failure. Sometimes it just means you’ve grown past what that table has to offer.

And if that happens? Go find a group that gets you. Look through the Tavern Etiquette articles and see what healthy table culture should feel like. It’ll help ya find the right fit faster next time.

You Can Be Honest Without Bein’ Hurtful — And Brave Without Bein’ Loud

This ain’t about drama. This is about havin’ a voice — and usin’ it with care.

👉 If yer stuck in a table that don’t listen, don’t change, or don’t respect ya, then contact the Tavern. We’ve seen worse than that in our time. And we’re still here.

FAQ

Q: What if my GM gets defensive when I bring up concerns?
A: That happens. Breathe. Stay calm. If they can’t take feedback, they ain’t runnin’ a real table — they’re runnin’ a dictatorship.

Q: What if I feel bad for leavin’?
A: You’re not leavin’ them. Yer protectin’ yerself. That’s called growth, lad.

Q: How do I know it’s time to walk?
A: When every session starts feelin’ like a chore — and every talk ends in frustration — that’s when it’s time.