Monte Cook and Keith Baker Are Teaching Sessions at Dungeon Master University
Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters manage D&D games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are especially popular among forever DMs who infrequently find the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.
In response, the organizers began developing a structured way to address these questions, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.
“There are countless online tutorials on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction alongside fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and other game masters who are probably in the same boat and seek to enhance their abilities,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.
Course Offerings and Cost Levels
DMs can opt for tiers ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes one of four courses:
- Foundational Skills: Covers the basics of leading a game.
- Story Arc Development: Centers on crafting long-running games.
- Setting Creation: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
- Professional Development: Designed for game masters who aim to explore more about the roleplaying business.
Every class includes two days of training split over a weekend.
“The courses are designed so that you leave with usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can join, learn from, and then go right back home the week after and apply in your home campaign.”
Seasoned Educators
The majority of workshops are taught by two professors. Worldbuilding is taught by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.
Career building presents four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is designed to provide specialized information to students with particular aims.
“Some of them aim to start their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, others plan to produce and write original content,” Carl explained. “Others simply wish to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Can anyone do it?”
Premium Packages
A $1,500 gold tier provides access to a introductory event, a starter kit, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their premium gatherings.
“You could almost run an complete event just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “I'm not certain if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – I think the coursework and the hands-on activities is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”
The $2.5K top package provides an 60-minute private session and the chance to manage an adventure for five players plus an instructor, who will then give comments and guidance.
“The goal is for the teacher to review whichever aspect is interested in: I struggle with improv or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. May I present a scenario for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to receive input and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”
Future Plans
Input from the inaugural session will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl said that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, making it longer to three days, or testing alternative workshop formats.
“I hope that we conduct these regularly,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The response has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I believe it would be wonderful to be able to do this in collaboration with large gatherings.”
