Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Are Teaching Sessions at Dungeon Master Academy
Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters manage D&D games in historic castles in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among forever DMs who seldom have the moment to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.
In response, the planners began designing a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The first session is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.
“There are countless online tutorials on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the idea was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session in the company of fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and other game masters often in comparable situations and also want to improve their skills,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.
Course Offerings and Cost Levels
DMs can opt for packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to two thousand five hundred dollars, depending on the degree of interaction they desire with the experts. The starting package includes selection from four classes:
- Foundational Skills: Focuses on the fundamentals of leading a game.
- Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on building persistent adventures.
- Universe Design: Highlights the art of setting design.
- Professional Development: Tailored to dungeon masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.
Each course includes two days of classwork split over 48 hours.
“The classes are designed so that you leave with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These are sessions that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the next week and apply in your local game.”
Professional Teachers
The majority of workshops are led by duo of instructors. Worldbuilding is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, both teaching the craft of setting creation.
Professional development features several experts, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is intended to provide specialized information to attendees with specific goals.
“Certain participants aim to start their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, some of them want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at something like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Can anyone do it?”
Higher Tiers
A $1,500 gold tier provides access to a opening gathering, a welcome gift pack, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.
“One could practically host an full two days just on office hours for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I believe the coursework and the lab work is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”
The $2.5K top package provides an 60-minute private session and the chance to manage an adventure for several participants plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and coaching.
“The goal is for the instructor to evaluate whatever the DM is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. May I present a scene for you and receive input on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and information on a specific world that they’ve been building.”
Future Plans
Responses from the first event will help shape subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to three days, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.
“I anticipate that we host such events regularly,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in various locations, and in various nations. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I believe it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in conjunction with large gatherings.”
