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

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing immersive events where experienced game masters run Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The comprehensive packages are especially popular among career game masters who seldom have the chance to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is scheduled for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“You can watch thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the idea was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session together with other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and other game masters who are probably in the same boat and also want to level up their game,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Pricing Tiers

Dungeon Masters can select tiers ranging from $995 to $2.5K, based on the amount of contact they desire with the professionals. The starting package includes a choice of four workshops:

• Foundational Skills: Teaches the fundamentals of leading a game.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Focuses around crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Aimed at game masters who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business.

Every class includes two days of instruction divided across a weekend.

“The courses are designed so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the next week and implement in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are instructed by two professors. Universe creation is guided by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the craft of setting creation.

Industry advancement features four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is intended to deliver focused advice to participants with particular aims.

“Some of them want to launch their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, several aim to release and write original content,” Carl said. “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? Is it for everyone?”

Advanced Options

A $1.5K premium package offers access to a opening gathering, a starter kit, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the debut of the program, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“One could practically host an complete event just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – I think the coursework and the practical exercises is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 platinum tier provides an 60-minute private session and the possibility to run a game for five players plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and instruction.

“The goal is for the instructor to evaluate whichever aspect is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. May I present a scenario for you and get feedback on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to receive input and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”

Next Steps

Responses from the debut workshop will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.

“I anticipate that we conduct these frequently,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a given year, in various locations, and in various nations. The reception has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I think it would be wonderful to be able to do this in partnership with large gatherings.”