Elizabeth McLain

"The Mastermind"

Elizabeth is a musicologist who leads disability studies at Virginia Tech. She is the primary organizer and strategist for Open the Gates. As an autistic and disabled gamer, she likes to play, DM, write adventures (especially mysteries and puzzles!), and build communities where everyone can adventure together.

Alice Rogers

"The Support Caster"

Alice is the Manager of Studios Media and Lending Services at Virginia Tech University Libraries. She supports tool development and logistics for Open the Gates. Alice revels in voicing her characters in unique and sometimes silly ways, and figuring out what information she most needs at the game table.

Christopher Campo-Bowen

"The Storyteller"

Christopher Campo-Bowen is an assistant professor of musicology at Virginia Tech whose research and teaching largely centers around opera. He is the storytelling and writing lead for Open the Gates, as well as the resident forever-DM. Chris enjoys painting minis, making maps, and finding esoteric stat blocks with which to terrify—no, challenge his players.

Caitlin Martinkus

"The Face"

Caitlin Martinkus teaches music theory courses at the Cleveland Institute of Music. She is a playtester and video developer for Open the Gates. Caitlin likes introducing new players to the game and helping them navigate the chaos that is DnD 5e.

Scott Hanenberg

"The Rules Lawyer"

Scott Hanenberg teaches music theory courses at the Cleveland Institute of Music. He is a playtest and tool-design lead for Open the Gates. Scott likes to DM open-world 5e games where his players have plenty of opportunities to get into trouble.