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

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters manage Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of DMU. The first session is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“You can watch numerous digital guides on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces an in-person experience in the company of other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with faculty instructors and your fellow DMs likely in comparable situations and seek to level up their game,” noted Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Pricing Tiers

Game masters can choose from options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:

• Foundational Skills: Covers the basics of managing a session.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Designed for dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.

All workshops includes multiple sessions of instruction divided across 48 hours.

“The courses are created so that you walk away with tangible results, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the week after and apply in your home campaign.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are led by duo of instructors. Setting design is guided by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Professional development features several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is meant to provide specialized information to students with specific goals.

“Certain participants plan to create their own real-play series and present their narratives with the world, several plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “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 $1.5K premium package offers access to a introductory event, a starter kit, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an complete event just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – I believe the formal instruction and the practical exercises is extremely important – but I suspect it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2.5K top package includes an hour of one-on-one time and the chance to manage an adventure for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The goal is for the instructor to assess whichever aspect is focused on: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a scenario for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to receive input and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the debut workshop will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to three days, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we host such events regularly,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The response has been overwhelmingly favorable. We’re very happy with current developments and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to do this in partnership with large gatherings.”