What can players do to be Exceptionally Helpful?

[Creamsteak]

I was just thinking, "Next time I play a character in someone's campaign, I'm going to take the time to keep a little log of my characters perspective on every session; and when we go on any kind of journey where we won't be constantly battling horrible evil things, I'm going to try and make the DM feel more comfortable about taking us through some low-action times by speaking out about the trip, and telling the story of my character so that the DM really feels out my own accomplishments."

I want to make the DM have more fun, and I want to make those times when the DM feels awkward because the players are not actively engaging the DM back and forth by really trying to give my characters perspective my all, hopefully making that DM, and that game, that much stronger.

What else can be cone by players to be exceptionally helpful?

Knowing the rules before you attempt something is good, and looking up your own rules problems is great. Taking the time to think about your action before your turn comes up helps as well, and rolling your dice promptly and reading them quickly helps to keep the dice from being the main focus of the game.

 

[Dr. Strangemonkey]

I love it when players help with the post game wrap-up. Everything from cleaning up messes to calculating/double checking xp and treasure awards.

Occasionally springing for something or offering to run a one-shot are also very very appreciated.

In game, I really like it when players give some clues as to what they want, and I love it when players make their own plot hooks. Go out shopping for things they want, ask if their is any property they can buy, look into educational opportunities, comment to the group on a book they are reading, seek out jobs, attempt to follow or develop relationships with NPCs free of my prompting, or try to encounter important NPCs on their own terms.

Then again I am also the sort of DM who enjoys Feng Shui style playing in which players improvise their own portions of the scenery. If I've got a problem with your swinging from a chandelier that I didn't describe as being in the room I'll let you know, but most of the time I appreciate the creative play.

Heck I even appreciate Players bringing neats bits of info or news that they think might inspire me or be neat in the game.