So, I am working with a local store that has limited game space, and when all the events are running it has gotten loud enough that customers have complained. I'd like to ask if you have any simple rules or guidelines that we can apply to our groups to help keep things agreeable with the store operator and their customers.
The two big things I can come up with are, "pay attention," and, "don't speak out-of-turn." That means no side conversations, minimal cell phone use, and focus on your game. Only one person should ever be speaking at once at the table. It seems simple, but it might be a tall order to observe when your group is a mix of kids and adults, and everyone has different attention spans. The adults can be just as guilty of drifting off as the kids IMO. Not to mention the party might have just killed a major boss, or the party is close to aTPK. Things can get just as exciting as any sports event IMO.
Sometimes the noise is mostly from people talking over one another, but sometimes it is a lot of side conversations happening at once. We need a guideline that addresses all these things, but it has to be simple enough that everyone can remember them.
Any advice is appreciated.
There are already some guidelines for this in the Player's Guide.
The player's guide doesn't really address how to keep your table noise down. Have you ever been at a convention hall? My situation isn't quite as wild, but the issue is similar. It can be difficult to keep the noise down at my table if I feel I have to speak over the volume of the table next to me to be heard, and I'm sure they are thinking the same thing.
I think simplicity is important when making common ground rules. Maybe the trouble I'm having is because I cannot pick out an individual problem player, but it is a group problem (actually moreso when there are multiple groups), and I want to make sure everyone is understanding that the goal is to keep our manners in check so the store owner and any customers are happy to have us. Bonus points if it makes the DM's life easier too.
So far I'm thinking that the DMs each have a sheet with a few simple rules, and they read it aloud to their table at the beginning of each session.
1. Pay attention to the game. If you need to focus on a phone call, or side conversation that is not very brief, excuse yourself from the table so others do not become distracted as well.
2. One person speaks at a time. Clear communication is important to make sure everyone is able to understand what is happening in the game. Always allow the person speaking to finish before speaking yourself.
3. Adults and older kids are expected to help younger players in following these simple rules. Please lead by example!
A DM could easily add a few more rules they might want for their own table if they wish. I'm definitely adding something about "play your own character, not your neighbor's" for those prone to over-helping others about what to do on their turn. But that is a separate issue than the noisy table one.
Anyways, that's what I'm thinking so far. I'm hoping anyone else with more first-hand experience might have more to add.
Qzoo wrote:
I don't know how your store is made, but have you tried to position your table in a manner that would diminish the noise from the other table, which should remove the necessity to talk louder then the other table?
- If you can try to sperate the table (by putting the rack with the DnD/pathfinder book between the 2 table for example), to create like a wall to diminish the sound travelling from one table to the other?
- Position the table so the direction of the voice do not go directly to the other table?
P P P P
DM DM
P P P P
In this graph, the player should technically speak to the DM, so on these 2 table those player will talk away from teh other table. Then the DM can simply request silence at his table to speak, so he don't need to yell, so his voice shouldn't travel too much toward the other table.
like I said I have no clue how your store is made, so you need to adapt my solution, but this solution will help (not solve, just help) your problem, by diminishing hte noise coming from the other table.
While I like Qwerty's suggestion, I'd also suggest taking a step back and looking at how the complaints are being handled...not in the sense of micromanaging the store, but in the sense of "What are people actually complaining about?". Are people truly walking into a gaming store and getting upset because it's not a library? Or are there players who are being downright scary (bellowing some threatening in-character statement at the top of their voice, shouting out obscentities when there are kids present)?
Get a feel for that...it'll go a long way towards helping you decide what the right path might be. If it's just one or two people...well, you can help the store by pulling them aside and letting them know. If it's the acoustics of the store...there's not much you can do except let players know this fact, (and personally, I'd let the store know that if this is the case, then they may need to give gentle reminders when the volume rises.)
Avross wrote:
A GenCon a couple years back I played at a table, the GM there had a rule I have since adopted, "If when I indicate it is your characters turn (in combat) and you can tell me your action and if applicable, your rolls, then automatically add +1 to your hit or skill roll."
This had the effect that people paid attention and were ready. Made the game go a lot faster, and if everyone was paying attention, they weren't talking.
LordEntrails wrote:
I would simply award inspiration to anyone who paid attention for an entire combat.
I dont know if this helps but I actually stand most of the time when Im running a game.
A) Because I find sitting down all day at work, then sitting down to run encounters not great for my back and B) because I feel I can project my voice better
My issue at the moment is people smartphoning when it isnt their turn or starting up their own conversations with the person next to them. I will crush it out of them! 
So, I thought I would go ahead and post what I came up with for the benefit of others.
I'm liking the results so far. I still need to remind players, especially younger ones, but they are usually quick to know what rule they broke before I can finish my sentence.
I'd like to welcome any feedback and improvements.
BASIC TABLE RULES
[READ OR SUMMARIZE AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SESSION!]
-
Pay attention to the game. Focus on your character, and the current situation in the game. Minimize distractions such as side conversations and cell phone use. Please silence your cell phones. If you must interrupt play, simply leave the table to avoid disturbing the game.
-
Do not interrupt when others are talking. Only one person should be speaking at a time. Wait for a turn, and don't interrupt a conversation between two other people.
-
Play your own character, not your neighbor's. DO NOT tell other players how to play their characters. Those that need help with decision making choices should receive it from either the DM, or someone designated by the DM. The party members may offer suggestions, but only when appropriate, and in-character, and without metagaming.
-
The Ready Player Bonus is in effect. When I indicate it is your characters turn (in combat) and you can tell me your action and die rolls (if applicable), then you may automatically add +1 to your attack or skill roll.
END OF SESSION WRAP-UP!
[READ OR SUMMARIZE AT THE END OF EACH SESSION!]
1. Look around and clean up. Pick up any trash, and look for any lost dice or loose gaming material.
2. Sign up for next week. If you'll be back next week, please sign up [presuming there is a sign-up sheet].
Our LGS runs usually 4-5 tables of 6-7 players plus the DM. Plus we keep a couple extra tables out for the Magic Players. It isnt a tiny room, but it is a wide open room and 30-40 people gets loud. Although tonight was quiet with only 4 tables.
I found that my players could hear me better if i sit facing the corner behind our table. My voice bounces off the closest wall instead of going out and gettig lost in the background.
Since i am doing the narrating, i find it more important that they can hear me, because i am already paying attention.
I don't like the standing idea, because that makes dice rolling awkward and think it intimidates some folks. I am usually trying to kill them after all!
Qzoo wrote:
We have 11-12 full 7 player tables running on Wednesdays at my FLGS, they've got a massive wall of product separating the tables from the rest of the store.
Otherwise, you just gotta get used to the noise levels. Haha!