Monte Cook and Keith Baker Are Teaching Classes at Dungeon Master Academy

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs lead fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the coordinators began crafting a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of DMU. The debut workshop is set for the start of 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“There are numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the idea was that nothing truly replaces an in-person experience in the company of other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and your fellow DMs who are probably in the same boat and aim to level up their game,” explained the program's dean.

Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers

Game masters can opt for packages ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Focuses on the essentials of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Professional Development: Aimed at DMs who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes eight hours of training spread over 48 hours.

“The workshops are created so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can attend, learn from, and then go right back home the following week and implement in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Many sessions are taught by two professors. Setting design is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.

Career building includes multiple instructors, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is designed to provide specialized information to participants with definite objectives.

“Various attendees plan to create their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, others plan to produce and create new material,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at something like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Advanced Options

A $1.5K enhanced option includes access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their immersive experiences.

“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I believe the coursework and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar premium option provides an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to manage an adventure for several participants plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and coaching.

“The purpose is for the faculty member to review whatever the DM is interested in: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in specific fight encounters. Can I run a scene for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to receive input and information on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Input from the first event will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that possible changes could include increasing consultation time, extending the program to three days, or experimenting with different seminar structures.

“I expect that we conduct these very often,” Carl stated. “I would love to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in various locations, and in various nations. The response has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with the results so far and I believe it would be amazing to be able to do this in partnership with large gatherings.”