Punishing cheaters

[Lichemaster]

O.K, I had a player download the sunless citadel!! (which we are playing right now). how did I find out? He told me and told me he also deleted it as he felt bad for doing it.
But I still want to make him pay so what should I do to him?

 

[Crothian]

He told you and deleted it, so give him the benefit of the doubt. Now if suring the adventure it seems he actually knows what to expect and is really cheating, then deal with him.

 

[Jeph]

Since he told you, I don't think you should do anything. Now, if you had been playing the adventure for 4 or 5 sessions, and he'd had the module since session one, and you just found out--then, I'd boot him. But if he deleted it and told you as soon as he did it, I'd let him go free.

If you really want some form of punishment (which I advise against), dock his exp by 10% next session.

 

[Alchemist]

Did he read it, or just download it?

In any case, just switch stuff out. Change some of the encounters, alter the maps and adjust the treasure. And twiddle the plot, if there is one. I've never read that one.

If he's truly sorry, he shouldn't need to be punished. Admonish him not to do it again and let it go. It's not like he swiped a toy from a store or anything.

 

[CRGreathouse]

In any case, just switch stuff out. Change some of the encounters, alter the maps and adjust the treasure. And twiddle the plot, if there is one. I've never read that one.

If he's truly sorry, he shouldn't need to be punished. Admonish him not to do it again and let it go. It's not like he swiped a toy from a store or anything.

I agree with Alchemist here.

 

[Mercule]

I'll sound off in agreement with the others. Let it go unless he continuously uses OOC knowledge.

 

[Lichemaster]

I already have started doing that just incase and I'm really going to change the 2nd level around alot. Guys go to the story hour section and check out the pics I took with my camera.

 

[Mark Chance]

But I still want to make him pay so what should I do to him?

Are you, like, his mother or something? The whole idea of a GM punishing players is beyond ludicrous, IMO.

Never in more than 20 years of gaming have I ever risen so high in my own esteem as to think I should be allowed to punish a player.

Worst case scenario: The offensive players stops being a player, at least in my house.

Otherwise, me and mine are adults, and we act accordingly (especially when our wives are looking). If acting like an adult fails, refer to worst case scenario.

 

[Umbran]

But I still want to make him pay so what should I do to him?

You are not the player's parent, or his adversary. He did it, was up front about it, and was sorry for it. What more needs to be done? Do you realy think any punishment on your part is going to make it less likely he'll do it again, or have any other positive outcome?

 

[ColonelHardisson]

I'd be concerned about those who read or downloaded it and didn't tell you.