NRCI is a suite of Pd tools designed to facilitate laptop ensemble performance, and to foster a culture of group musicmaking which emphasizes custom software design and improvisational practice. NRCI provides a large library of abstractions with a highly consistent interface; these modules ease the challenge of instrument design for novice performers, and aid in rapid development and live coding for advanced users. NRCI also implements a network protocol (based on Open Sound Control) which provides for the wireless exchange of control data and messaging around a group of performers in both improvisational and prestructured situations. NRCI is developed by Christopher Burns and Greg Surges with assistance from the members of the Milwaukee Laptop Orchestra (MiLO), and is freely available.