Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Will Lead Classes at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters run Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are widely appreciated among career game masters who rarely get the opportunity to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began crafting a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of DMU. The first session is planned for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session in the company of fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and your peers likely in comparable situations and aim to improve their skills,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

Dungeon Masters can choose from packages ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:

• Foundational Skills: Covers the essentials of managing a session.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
• Universe Design: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Tailored to DMs who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

All workshops includes eight hours of instruction split over two days.

“The courses are created so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “It's more than presentations and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can attend, learn from, and then head back to your table the week after and implement in your local game.”

Expert Instructors

The majority of workshops are taught by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is taught by an industry veteran and Keith Baker, jointly leading the skill of universe design.

Industry advancement includes several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is meant to provide specialized information to students with definite objectives.

“Certain participants plan to create their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, some of them plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Premium Packages

A $1.5K gold tier includes access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a brief one-on-one appointment with a teacher. This marks the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the formal instruction and the lab work is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 platinum tier includes an extended personal consultation and the chance to manage an adventure for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The purpose is for the teacher to evaluate any element is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in certain battle scenarios. Could I demonstrate a scenario for you and receive input on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to receive input and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been developing.”

Future Plans

Input from the inaugural session will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to three days, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we do this very often,” Carl said. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a given year, in different cities, and in various nations. The reception has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I think it would be amazing to be able to do this in conjunction with large gatherings.”