Greedy player, what should we do?

[AuraSeer]

In our high-level D&D campaign, one of the players is really greedy. He knows it, and he has admitted that it is ruining the game for himself and the others to an extent.

This is not something you can fix. Really.

You have three choices: live with it, stop playing with him, or ask him to get therapy-- and I'm not being facetious about that. Since the player knows he is causing problems, but is incapable of changing his behavior, there's no way you can force him to change. Maybe he has a real life phobia about being bankrupt, maybe he's got a mild case of OCD, who knows. Whatever it is, if he cannot change his behavior by wanting to, there is absolutely no way you can force that to happen.

On the other hand, if he's capable of change but unwilling to shape up, that means he's just being a jerk. Jerks don't require therapy, as they can often be cured by high-velocity application of an ordinary masonry brick. (Okay, now I'm being facetious. Slightly.

 

[iwatt]

Punch him.

Then buy him a drink.

If he accepts, and then refuses to buy the next round, punch him again. Harder.

The simple solutions are always the best

 

[Virel]

Seems like he should have to buy the pizza for the group, each session he's greedy. On a serious note does he chip in for the groups refreshments etc along with the other players?

I would make sure he is keep up with his encumbrance by the book if he has loads of gold. I think switching the addiction would probably work best as it sounds a little compulsive. Try to encourage him to keep up with the supplies and equipment to take his mind away from the gold. Also set up a system for dividing treasure etc. Having a group issued award for good play that allows the player to re-roll one die etc that is issued at thend end of the gaming session for the next session might entice him away from that style of play.

Some folks are just greedy it's human nature...mean just look around I'm sure you can find a few like that in real life with ease.

 

[francisca]

I prefer what I term as "Ironic Justice".

Kill him. Take his stuff. Sell it. Every one else in the group have a big party and blow all the proceeds from his estate sale. Rinse. Repeat.

 

[argo]

I don't know if this applys to your situation but were I in your shoes one question I would be asking myself is "is this a trust issue"? Is the player "greedy" because he is worried about getting cheated out of his fair share? Has he had past experiences with groups where the players were competitive over treasure or the DM screwed his character over? If so then you may talk to him OOC and try giving him assurances that you, as DM, will ensure he gets his share at the end of the day so he doesn't have to worry about it in-game so much.

Honestly the only reasons I can think of why a player whould make every character he plays "greedy" is that he either had bad experiences with another group or else has some real-life issues.

Hope that helps.

 

[The It's Man]

What does he do or wants to do with the gold he is collecting? Is he like Scrooge McDuck and want to swim in it, does he spend it on useful items or does he spends it in bars?

Get them to a place for a while where gold has hardly value or no value at all.

 

[Scarbonac]

Poison his Doritos and Fresca.

 

[fusangite]

In our high-level D&D campaign, one of the players is really greedy. He knows it, and he has admitted that it is ruining the game for himself and the others to an extent.

At this point, I stopped.

I need some clarification here. If he, the player, understands that his actions are "ruining the game" for others, how does he explain why he keeps doing this?

Maybe it's just the season but it looks like once again, ENWorlders are being asked to come up with game mechanical solutions for something that is clearly a social problem.

In order to answer properly, I need you to explain to me how this guy, after admitting that his actions are causing others not to have a good time, explains to you why it is that he keeps behaving this way anyway.

 

[Ricochet]

Maybe it's just the season but it looks like once again, ENWorlders are being asked to come up with game mechanical solutions for something that is clearly a social problem.

No, I asked for suggestions not in-game mechanics.

Anyway, a lot of good replys have come up mixed in with all the "kick him out", "audit him" etc remarks, and I really appreciate it. Some sound advise and good thoughts from many of you. EN World came through

We will go over some of the suggestions together, and hopefully work eveything out to better the gaming group.

 

[Devilkiller]

I suggest that you stop ripping the guy off and not giving him his share of the treasure. Just kidding! Mostly...