Keith Baker and Monte Cook Will Lead Workshops at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing immersive events where expert DMs run Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among career game masters who rarely get the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from improv and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is scheduled for the start of 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“There are countless online tutorials on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the idea was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session together with other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and your fellow DMs often in a similar position and seek to improve their skills,” explained the program's dean.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

Dungeon Masters can opt for options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the level of access they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes a choice of four workshops:

• Skill Building: Focuses on the basics of managing a session.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on building persistent adventures.
• Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at DMs who aim to explore more about the roleplaying business.

Each course includes two days of classwork split over 48 hours.

“The workshops are structured so that you leave with tangible results, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can join, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the week after and implement in your home campaign.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are instructed by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is taught by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.

Industry advancement presents several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is intended to provide specialized information to students with definite objectives.

“Various attendees plan to create their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, others plan to produce and create new material,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, What's the path to be a DM at something like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 gold tier includes access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.

“You could almost run an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – I think the structured learning and the lab work is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 platinum tier offers an hour of one-on-one time and the chance to manage an adventure for a small group plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and coaching.

“The purpose is for the faculty member to assess whichever aspect is concerned with: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. May I present a scene for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to receive input and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Feedback from the first event will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to a longer period, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.

“I hope that we host such events very often,” Carl said. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a single year, in various locations, and in multiple countries. The response has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with the results so far and I think it would be fantastic to be able to organize these in conjunction with large gatherings.”