Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Are Instructing Classes at DMU

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing immersive events where experienced game masters run D&D games in old manors in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among forever DMs who seldom have the chance to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the planners began crafting a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is set for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“You can watch thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute face-to-face interaction in the company of fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and other game masters likely in a similar position and seek to improve their skills,” noted the program's dean.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

DMs can choose from tiers ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, depending on the degree of interaction they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:

• Skill Building: Covers the essentials of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Tailored to dungeon masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

Every class includes two days of training spread over 48 hours.

“The courses are designed so that you depart having usable skills, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These workshops that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the next week and put into practice in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Many sessions are taught by duo of instructors. Universe creation is taught by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.

Industry advancement includes several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is intended to deliver focused advice to students with particular aims.

“Various attendees want to launch their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, others aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Is this achievable?”

Advanced Options

A fifteen hundred dollar gold tier provides access to a welcome reception, a welcome gift pack, 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 Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.

“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the most effective utilization of everybody’s time – I think the formal instruction and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option provides an extended personal consultation and the possibility to lead a session for a small group plus an instructor, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The aim is for the faculty member to assess whatever the DM is concerned with: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a situation for you and receive input on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to receive input and information on a definite universe that they’ve been developing.”

Next Steps

Input from the debut workshop will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that possible changes could include adding more office hours, extending the program to three days, or trying out alternative workshop formats.

“I hope that we host such events regularly,” Carl stated. “I would love to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a calendar year, in various locations, and in various nations. The response has been really terrific. We’re very happy with the results so far and I feel it would be amazing to be able to do this in conjunction with big conventions.”