Monte Cook and Keith Baker Are Teaching Classes at DMU

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters lead fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in England and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from improv and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the organizers began developing a structured way to address these questions, which led to the founding of DMU. The first session is scheduled for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the idea was that nothing compares to an in-person experience in the company of fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and your fellow DMs likely in a similar position and also want to improve their skills,” stated Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Pricing Tiers

DMs can select tiers ranging from $995 to $2.5K, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes a choice of four workshops:

• Foundational Skills: Covers the essentials of managing a session.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
• Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Designed for DMs who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.

Each course includes two days of training divided across two days.

“The workshops are structured so that you leave with usable skills, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the next week and put into practice in your home campaign.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are taught by duo of instructors. Universe creation is taught by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, jointly leading the skill of universe design.

Career building presents multiple instructors, such as an author on gaming puzzles, an entertainment professional, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is designed to offer targeted guidance to attendees with definite objectives.

“Certain participants plan to create their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, some of them want to publish and write original content,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Premium Packages

A fifteen hundred dollar enhanced option offers access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.

“One could practically host an complete event just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the most effective utilization of everybody’s time – I believe the formal instruction and the lab work is extremely important – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar platinum tier offers an hour of one-on-one time and the possibility to run a game for a small group plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The aim is for the instructor to evaluate whichever aspect is focused on: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in certain battle scenarios. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to receive input and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”

Coming Developments

Input from the inaugural session will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include increasing consultation time, making it longer to a longer period, or testing alternative workshop formats.

“I anticipate that we conduct these frequently,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a calendar year, in various locations, and in various nations. The response has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to do this in conjunction with major events.”