About Us

Empowering Communities

Of Dice & Them or “ODAT” is a community-based organization working to bring people together through table-top gaming events and provide safe inclusive spaces for members of the community to play and socialize.

At ODAT we believe that table-top gaming is a powerful tool for breaking down social barriers, developing skills and finding a space where you can really be yourself.

Many of these games are difficult to access due to availability, high cost or minimum player requirement, so at ODAT we will provide all the tools for you to just turn up and enjoy yourself.

Join us on:

Breaking Down Barriers

At ODAT we hope to create a lasting gaming community providing events that provide enjoyment, but moreso to create spaces where people feel like they can really be themselves.

Despite our interconnected world, people of all ages are finding themselves more and more isolated, struggling with social anxiety and mental health. Table-top games are a medically proven to help break down the barriers to social inclusivity and allow people to find a place they belong, and at ODAT we hope to do just that.

Skill & Literacy Development

There are several published medical papers that have proven the effectiveness of table-top games with helping children and young people develop essential social skills, improve literacy and reduce anti-social behaviour.

Members of our team have already worked with local schools using TTRPG systems to help boost children’s literacy skills, and in the coming year we plan to increase opportunities in this area.

Meet the Team

Billy Cain

Billy

Greetings everyone, my name is Billy. I've been obsessed with all things nerdy, fantasy and strange for most of my life. Table-top gaming has become an amazing outlet for me to express myself and meet new people. I've played various systems and even made some of my own. I adore the idea of collaborative story telling, improvisation, and role-play. I've met some of my best friends from around the world playing Dungeons and Dragons and I've even stepped on stage in Drag for a web series originally title Dungeons and Dragon Queens (now Queer Arcana) Swords, Dragons and spell slinging is what made me fall in love with the game. Community, collaboration and inclusivity are what keep me coming back.

Chris Coulson

Chris

Greetings Adventurers! I am the Wizard known to my friends as Chris. My adventure into D&D started in the 90's where I was immediately captivated in Story telling. D&D wasn't my first Roleplay though. My Brother and I found a copy of 1st edition Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay in the Library in Redcar. It was this that started my passion for all games RPG, that and Final Fantasy. I have only played a few games in my life but always wanted more. My style varies. My voices change. My games are designed with the players in mind. Outside of the RPG world, I work 50 hours a week, run a 3D printing company called MiniHalla, I have 3 kids, an amazing partner and an ADHD mind that hyperfocuses on other worlds, even when I should be thinking about the real world. My goal is to open a shop and making it possible for everyone to have a chance in experiencing the worlds I reside in most of my waking life. Join me and the other DM's in stories and adventures! Escape reality for a short time and help create memories!

Harry Haramalis

Harry

The resident sorcerer of the gang using creativity powers to manifest fantasy into reality. If you see something on here or at our events... I probably made it. Flyer artworks, , Illustrations, custom 3d models, which I then print and paint miniatures for my campaigns, custom online character sheet tool.... even this website! The whole shebang! As for being a DM, I'm the least experienced of the gang, but My passion is the equal of any. I love pulling people into a makeshift world, weaving great adventures together. I'm dedicated to making all players feel welcome and included, and above all, to have fun.

Ralph Booth

Ralph

My name’s Ralph, and I’ve been playing Dungeons & Dragons for over 20 years. Long before I ever rolled a die, I devoured the 3.5 Player’s Handbook, Monster Manual, and DM’s Guide cover to cover, completely bewitched by the world of tabletop roleplaying. At uni, we’d play for hours, trading sleep and deadlines for dice rolls and ridiculous voices. Since returning to Guisborough, I’ve run and played in countless games with both fresh-faced adventurers and grizzled veterans alike. My DMing style leans towards silly shenanigans and roleplay-driven fun, with an emphasis on making sure everyone gets their epic hero moments. Whether it’s high stakes battles, emotional character arcs, or silliness at the tavern, I’m here to make sure our table is a place where the story belongs to all of us.