NERO Avendale is a chapter of NERO International. Avendale hosts four to six events per year. Each event takes place on a campsite in Connecticut, and lasts from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon. Events are attended by between 60 and 100 players, and 10 to 30 staff members and volunteers. Players pay $75 to attend the event, during which time they play a character in the fictional kingdom of Avendale. The staff and volunteers collaborate to create an immersive, constantly evolving fantasy world. Players engage in padded sword fights with actors in monster masks and costume, collecting coins and gems as treasure. Each weekend features a plotline which unfolds as the weekend goes on. Players must find clues and use teamwork and strategy to solve the mystery, defeat the villain, and save the day. A detailed in-game culture exists, including a noble caste which commoners may aspire to, numerous detailed fictional cultures, a working economy, and over 15 years of in-game history.

I was a staff member at NERO Avendale from 2000 until 2008. From 2004 to 2006, I served as the lead writer and director. I developed and implemented numerous tools and talents to ensure customer satisfaction and high repeat player rates. I designed mini-games and competitions, hosted masquerade balls and in-game game shows, wrote a monthly newsletter, a 100 page player guidebook, a 120 page game setting guidebook, developed two fictional languages, and built a 30 foot tall tentacle monster.

In addition to the strange and unique challenges involved in being a Larpwright, I enjoyed seeing the Avendale community grow. I provided a challenging and dramatic theater for players which rewarded their teamwork and creativity. My biggest passion was creating exciting and memorable situations which players would recount for years afterwards. Some of our regular players made the drive from New Brunswick to Connecticut out of love for the story I was directing and the community that I helped build. I have since resigned my post to make room for other creative interests, but Avendale continues to be a favorite vacation spot of mine.