D&D 5E What to do if a player keeps reading the adventures

[Agamon]

This is where the module would have gone seriously off script. Not an issue in itself but the reasons I elected to use modules was a shortage of time to create scenarios myself. I don't know if you're familiar with the official modules but some of them can be a bit railroady.

I don't know what adventure this is, but if the players need to find something hidden to keep things moving, that's some poor design. Finding hidden stuff should be a bonus, not a requirement.

But that's besides the point, I guess.

 

[iserith]

This is where the module would have gone seriously off script. Not an issue in itself but the reasons I elected to use modules was a shortage of time to create scenarios myself. I don't know if you're familiar with the official modules but some of them can be a bit railroady.

I've run LMoP twice and have read HotDQ and am preparing to run it. (Changed to have a Western theme... with guns!) I've got the other two modules, but haven't read them or run them yet. I don't consider them "railroady," but my definition of railroading is very specific and doesn't include the existence of a plot, only how the DM manages it.

Anyway, it rather sounds like the guy did you a favor by telling the group about this secret. It may have ruined some kind of reveal or whatever, but it did allow the adventure to continue instead of going sideways. It's probably worth considering that even when a mystery is solved, the adventure is not really over. It just marks the turn when the PCs have enough information to do something about whatever is going on.

Of course, it's still not cool if this behavior is making the game experience worse. It's just helpful to look at it from all angles.

 

[Jefe Bergenstein]

Yes afraid it is. Not only some dodgy suspicious rolls going on, add in a chunk of power gaming and now reading the module ahead of time!

Why the hell is he still in the group? Is he a child with a terminal illness and this was his "Make a Wish"?

 

[Lord Vangarel]

Why the hell is he still in the group? Is he a child with a terminal illness and this was his "Make a Wish"?

The group is composed of some relatives so not a simple guest player. I guess I'm trying to figure out ways of attempting to change his play style as otherwise he's an alright guy.

 

[Agamon]

The group is composed of some relatives so not a simple guest player. I guess I'm trying to figure out ways of attempting to change his play style as otherwise he's an alright guy.

...I'm afraid I have some bad news. Trying to change someone else's behavior is unlikely to work, but will likely create resentment. If you're committed to playing with him, you might just have to suck up the shenanigans.

 

[delericho]

I guess I'm trying to figure out ways of attempting to change his play style as otherwise he's an alright guy.

"The cheating is unacceptable. Reading the adventure is unacceptable. Stop it, or get out."

He won't change unless he's called on it directly. He probably won't change even if he is, but at least there's a chance.

 

[Dausuul]

So... he cheats on dice rolls, he cheats by reading ahead in the adventure, he lies to you about it. Is there any aspect of his gaming where he isn't trying to take advantage?

You say you want to change his behavior. Generally, a cheater will not change his behavior unless he learns there are consequences for it. My recommendation: Kick him out, let him cool his heels for a month or so, then let him back in on the grounds that he behaves himself. If he starts cheating again, kick him out again.

Alternatively, call him out in front of the whole group. It will be mortifying for him (and probably everyone else at the table), but that's the point.

There is no subtle, non-confrontational way of doing this.

 

[Jefe Bergenstein]

The group is composed of some relatives so not a simple guest player. I guess I'm trying to figure out ways of attempting to change his play style as otherwise he's an alright guy.

You can be buds with someone, and not also have to invite them to the game. Some people's play styles are not compatible.

 

[Agamon]

Alternatively, call him out in front of the whole group. It will be mortifying for him (and probably everyone else at the table), but that's the point.

Doubtful. He already told everyone that he knows what's going to happen. I'm guessing he thinks what he's doing is not a big deal.

 

[BlueBlackRed]

I had a player do that before in Marvel Superheroes.

So I made changes on the fly to things he remembered to nullify his gains.

"Found the Iron Man armor? Nice...interesting how you knew to look in such a specific spot. Well anyway, since you're not human and Tony Stark was, it doesn't respond to you."