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

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters run Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in England and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among forever DMs who infrequently find the chance to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began developing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction together with other dungeon masters, where direct communication with expert teachers and your fellow DMs who are probably in comparable situations and also want to improve their skills,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

DMs can choose from packages ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Focuses around crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
• Professional Development: Designed for dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes multiple sessions of classwork divided across a weekend.

“The courses are created so that you walk away with tangible results, 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 participate in, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the following week and put into practice in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are led by duo of instructors. Setting design is taught by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, jointly leading the craft of setting creation.

Career building features several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is designed to offer targeted guidance to attendees with definite objectives.

“Some of them aim to start their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, others aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar enhanced option provides access to a opening gathering, a welcome gift pack, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between campaigns at their castle events.

“You could almost run an full two days just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – In my opinion the coursework 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 twenty-five hundred dollar premium option offers an extended personal consultation and the possibility to lead a session for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and instruction.

“The goal is for the faculty member to review any element is interested in: I have difficulty with improvisation or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. May I present a situation for you and receive input on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and information on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”

Next Steps

Feedback from the first event will help determine upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that likely modifications could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to three days, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I hope that we conduct these regularly,” Carl stated. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in various locations, and in different countries. The feedback has been really terrific. We’re very happy with the results so far and I think it would be fantastic to be able to organize these in partnership with major events.”