Every year, the hashtag #RPGaDAY makes its way around the social medias, and gamers try their damnedest to answer each question every day. Most fail. I probably will too. BUT. I will try!
Today's question: What's the best way to thank your GM?
I'm sure a lot of folks will say a cool set of dice, a nicely painted mini, a fancy GM screen, or some other cool thing that any role player would love. But for me, the biggest 'thanks' I can receive from my players is engagement in the game.
What I mean here is putting in some extra level of effort outside of just coming to the table and rolling dice. This could be anything from doing write-ups of past sessions to coming to me with an idea/story arc to explore for their character. So often as the GM I carry an asymmetric burden of effort, prep, and engagement in the game. So when a player decides to step up with some extra effort it brings me a great deal of satisfaction and joy, because I know they are invested in the shared experience.
So to my players: If you want to gift me anything, send me a write-up. Give me an extra tid-bit about your character. Heck, draw me a picture of a scene from last session. I'd love it.