Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Will Lead Classes at DMU

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where professional dungeon masters run Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the moment to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began crafting a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of DMU. The first session is planned for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session in the company of fellow DMs, where direct communication with faculty instructors and your peers often in comparable situations and aim to enhance their abilities,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers

Game masters can opt for packages ranging from just under $1,000 to two thousand five hundred dollars, based on the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Foundational Skills: Teaches the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Industry Advancement: Designed for game masters who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business.

Every class includes multiple sessions of instruction spread over two days.

“The classes are structured so that you leave with tangible results, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can attend, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the week after and put into practice in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are led by two professors. Worldbuilding is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, together instructing the craft of setting creation.

Professional development presents multiple instructors, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is meant to provide specialized information to attendees with particular aims.

“Some of them want to launch their own live gameplay show and display their adventures with the world, others plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at a program like a castle event? Which abilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K gold tier provides access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their immersive experiences.

“You could almost run an complete event just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – I believe the formal instruction and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option includes an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to manage an adventure for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then offer feedback and guidance.

“The purpose is for the teacher to assess whatever the DM is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. May I present a situation for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Alternatively they want to receive input and information on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”

Coming Developments

Input from the inaugural session will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to three days, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.

“I expect that we conduct these very often,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a given year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The feedback has been overwhelmingly favorable. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I think it would be amazing to be able to organize these in conjunction with large gatherings.”