Monte Cook and Keith Baker Will Lead Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running immersive events where experienced game masters run fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in England and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the moment to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of DMU. The debut workshop is scheduled for early January 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session alongside fellow DMs, where direct communication with expert teachers and other game masters often in a similar position and aim to enhance their abilities,” noted Jason Carl.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

DMs can select packages ranging from $995 to $2.5K, based on the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Designed for DMs who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business.

All workshops includes multiple sessions of instruction split over 48 hours.

“The classes are created so that you walk away with tangible results, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can participate in, learn from, and then return to your group the following week and implement in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Many sessions are instructed by duo of instructors. Universe creation is taught by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, jointly leading the craft of setting creation.

Professional development features four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is designed to offer targeted guidance to students with definite objectives.

“Certain participants aim to start their own D&D actual play and display their adventures with the world, some of them want to publish and write original content,” Carl stated. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar enhanced option provides access to a opening gathering, a starter kit, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.

“One could practically host an entire weekend just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the coursework and the practical exercises is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option provides an hour of one-on-one time and the possibility to run a game for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The aim is for the faculty member to assess whatever the DM is concerned with: Hey I don’t do well with improvisation or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. May I present a situation for you and get feedback on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been developing.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the debut workshop will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that possible changes could include adding more office hours, making it longer to a longer period, or testing alternative workshop formats.

“I anticipate that we do this frequently,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in multiple places, and in different countries. The feedback has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I think it would be amazing to be able to organize these in conjunction with large gatherings.”