Our Lore

From a charity fundraising team for children in need to a vibrant community hub, our mission has always been about people. Lore Builder Community Studios was born to give local gamers and creators a welcoming space to learn, thrive, and build together.

Our Mission

Our Mission

Our mission is simple: spark joy, grow together, and build a space where everyone belongs. Whether you are painting miniatures, rolling dice in a D&D campaign, modeling and printing 3D creations, or just hanging out with friends, Lore Builder Community Studios is where passion turns into possibility.


The Passion

At Lore Builder, our passion for family, friends, and community blends with our love for the creative arts and tabletop gaming. Everything we do is anchored in the understanding that giving back is far better than receiving.


The Possibility

Lore Builder is all about crafting your own story. With imagination and the support of the LBCS community behind you, the possibilities are endless.


Why We Exist

People need people. Our founders wanted to create a space where everyone feels accepted and truly belongs. Our goal is to foster a culture of creativity, inclusion, and mutual support, unifying the tabletop gaming community and empowering our members to give back wherever and whenever we can.

Founders

Rudy Castro

Co-Founder

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    Rudy is a Connecticut native living in Milford with his lovely wife, Stephanie, and two children.


    He launched his IT career right out of college, working with inspiring organizations like Westport’s Newman’s Own, Inc. That experience ignited his passion for philanthropy, leading him to recruit friends and family to form "U Hoppin' On?", now one of CT's top Extra Life teams. Today, through Lore Builder Community Studios, Rudy continues to blend gaming, mentoring, and giving back to support Extra Life and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals nationwide.

Eric Patterson

Co-Founder

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    Born and raised in Maryland, Eric now calls Shelton, CT home, where he lives with his amazing wife, Melissa, and their child.


    Whether he’s fishing, gaming, or hosting family gatherings, Eric loves making the most out of life. Though traditionally trained as an HVAC engineer, he quickly discovered his real superpower: connecting with people and building meaningful relationships. Now a 20-year veteran at T-Mobile Corporate, Eric leads multiple teams, mentors colleagues, and builds bridges with businesses across the tri-state area.


    Fueled by a deep passion for community impact, Eric signed on as a founding member of the "U Hoppin' On?" Extra Life team. That same drive led him to co-found Lore Builder Community Studios, where he continues to turn his love for community and connections into real-world good.

Rudy and Eric’s story started back in the early 2000s over a counter at the Stamford Town Center EB Games, where Rudy was working and Eric was a frequent shopper. A shared passion for gaming brought them together, and they’ve been brothers in arms ever since.


No matter if weeks or months slip by without seeing each other, the moment they get together, the shenanigans resume like they never stopped. From weddings and babysitting to co-leading charity drives, they’ve shared every major milestone.


After more than 20 years in the corporate world, they decided it was time to build a space of their own. Lore Builder Community Studios was born from a desire to bring families, friends, and creators together to reignite their love for play. It’s a place for anyone seeking to learn, create, and belong, and we can’t wait to start building the next chapter together!

Our History

2011-2025

Founded the "U Hoppin' On?" Extra Life Children's Miracle Network gaming team and raised over $100k to benefit hospitals nation-wide.


2026
Founded Lore Builder Community Studios; working with friendly local game stores, libraries, and other partners to provide free community programs as well as special gaming events in Southwestern Connecticut.