Keith Baker and Monte Cook Are Instructing Sessions at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs lead fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in England and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are highly favored among career game masters who seldom have the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the organizers began crafting a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is set for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session in the company of peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and your peers likely in the same boat and also want to improve their skills,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

DMs can opt for packages ranging from $995 to $2,500, based on the level of access they desire with the experts. The starting package includes one of four courses:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the essentials of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Focuses around crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Industry Advancement: Tailored to game masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

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

“The courses are designed so that you depart having usable skills, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can attend, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the week after and implement in your local game.”

Professional Teachers

The majority of workshops are taught by a pair of experts. Universe creation is taught by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the skill of universe design.

Career building includes four different teachers, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is designed to offer targeted guidance to attendees with particular aims.

“Various attendees plan to create their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, some of them plan to produce and write original content,” Carl explained. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Premium Packages

A $1,500 gold tier provides access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run similar events during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“One could practically host an entire weekend just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I believe the coursework and the lab work is extremely important – but I suspect it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

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

“The purpose is for the instructor to evaluate whatever the DM is interested in: I struggle with improv or I encounter obstacles in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a situation for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Alternatively they want to get feedback and information on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”

Next Steps

Feedback from the inaugural session will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that possible changes could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I anticipate that we do this very often,” Carl stated. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The feedback has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to do this in partnership with large gatherings.”