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Frequently Asked Questions

What is ‘Nelly’s By Night’?

‘Nelly’s By Night’ is a collaborative consent-based immersive event where you portray characters physically. Basically, it’s playing “Let’s Pretend” as adults – sometimes it’s called larping, or live action roleplaying, or even immersive theatre. At ‘Nelly’s By Night,’ you will dress and act as a character you will take part in creating. If you get stuck or have questions, the organizers are available to help.

‘Nelly’s By Night’ is influenced by a number of traditions from North America and Europe: blackbox, freeform, and chamber larp, amongst others. Aims and ideals typical for this type of event include immersion (feeling as if you are “really there” as your character), collaboration (creating a story and experience communally), and artistic vision. We want everyone involved to have a part in creating the evening’s events and narrative; a difference of even one person can send both in a completely different direction. This is the magic of collaborative storytelling.

The first Nelly’s By Night took place on January 26th, 2019.

Who is ‘Nelly’s By Night’ for?

‘Nelly’s By Night’ is for vampire fans, fans of Vampire: The Masquerade, fans of the ITV/Hulu series ‘Harlots,’ those who love social intrigues as well as political, who want to play in a city teetering on the brink of disaster, who want to raise a glass and ignore the danger or who want to scramble to snatch what treasures they can before it all falls down. This event is also for those who prefer to avoid the use of numbers or other statistics in their roleplay – any use of ‘vampiric powers’ will be consent-based.

I am a ‘Vampire: The Masquerade’ fan – is there a version or setting ‘Nelly’s By Night’ will use?

‘Nelly’s By Night’ is set in the world of Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition. Many of the basics are the same and any differences that you need to know will be available before the event – but if you want more background, definitely check out 5th Edition. There will be some characters and situations unique to the setting.

Will ‘Nelly’s By Night’ use the Mind’s Eye Theatre System, or more ‘Nordic’ or freeform type mechanics?

We will use mechanics that owe much to larps that use the Opt-In/Opt-Out Design principles discussed extensively and developed by Johanna Koljonen amongst others. We’ve used these in a number of events we’ve attended as well as organized – a few of them being Vampire: The Masquerade events. You can take a look at what we used in the first Nelly’s on the blog and some of what we use in our other events on the Night Watch Toronto page.

Is there an age policy?

Due to alcohol and content, this is a 19+ event.

When will tickets go on sale?

We will announce a date soon!

What do tickets include?

Tickets include:

  • A character that you choose with connections to in-world groups
  • Online and onsite workshops and support leading up to and at the event
  • Workshop material provided in multiple online formats for live discussion and later review
  • Wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks in an ‘out-of-character’ room
  • A quiet ‘out-of-character’ room
  • A full night of Vampire drama
  • Candid and Portrait photos from the evening
  • Post-event social time
  • Event Security – provided by the venue and by us

And more! We’ll keep this updated as the event date approaches.

How will characters be created?

Characters will be created through a program called Larpweaver. It allows participants to select character types and traits that are defined by the organizers for a specific event. It is something of a middle-ground between creating your own character and getting a pre-written character. Some of your choices will be defined or limited, but the rest is up to you!

Will ‘Nelly’s By Night’ be a safe(r) space?

All participants have a significant impact on one another’s experience, and as such we want to provide a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of race, colour, sex, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, age, physical appearance, or body size. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Players asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

‘Nelly’s By Night’ also uses a number of consent and safety mechanics, workshopped before the beginning of play. The use of these mechanics is necessary for participation in the event.

We will have at least one ‘out-of-character’ space with game staff available for food, chatting, and taking a break. If you need to discuss anything out of game beyond a brief consent negotiation, please use this space.

Players violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the event organizers and/or security staff.

What themes or topics are off-limits?

No physical or supernatural torture or sexual assault are permitted in this game. Non-consensual supernatural mind manipulation is not allowed unless requested by the recipient, i.e. “It would be interesting if your character tried to read my mind in this scene” or “I relent to your character manipulating my surface emotions in this scene.”

Nell’s house is considered an Elysium, meaning physical and supernatural violence is not permitted ‘in character.’ Given the unique nature of our venue, we would prefer to avoid physical and supernatural violence in and out of character both. If it is necessary, negotiate, act slowly, and please bear in mind that House Security should be able to subdue the situation very quickly.

What is the accessibility of the venue?

There is a step at the first-floor entrance. The second floor is only accessible by stairs.

What else can I do in Toronto?

The first Harry Potter bar in Canada (if not the world), The Lockhart, is around the corner. Just down the street is Curiosa, a store with a magical collection of gifts and more. Figures is a superhero restaurant in pricey Yorkville, The Rec Room is a must for video games and DIY donuts while visiting the CN Tower, and See Scape is a cool sci-fi bar that’s been known to host a few immersive events as well. If you need to get gaming, Meltdown has all the PCs you need, and Meeplemart is full of tabletop games and RPGs. If you’re a foodie, here’s 100 restaurants to try in Toronto before you die (or become a vampire). If you love history, you’ll love the Royal Ontario Museum.

Also remember – marijuana is legal in Canada as of October 17th, 2018! If you’re looking for a place to smoke it, hit up the Hotbox Cafe in forever-cool Kensington Market, or Vapour Central at Yonge and Bloor – visited by the greatest celebristoner of them all: Rihanna.

And we guess there’s some sports and stuff.

Where can I stay if I’m visiting?

There are two of Toronto’s hippest hotels around the corner: The Drake Hotel (not owned by Drake), and The Gladstone Hotel. Not too far down the street on Bathurst, with a fantastic diner, is The Thompson. Airbnb also has tons of options in the city.