Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Are Instructing Sessions at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running immersive events where expert DMs lead D&D games in old manors in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. These all-inclusive trips are highly favored among forever DMs who rarely get the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session alongside fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and other game masters likely in the same boat and also want to enhance their abilities,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers

Dungeon Masters can choose from packages ranging from $995 to $2,500, according to the amount of contact they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes selection from four classes:

• Foundational Skills: Focuses on the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Highlights the crafting of environments.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at dungeon masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes eight hours of instruction split over a weekend.

“The workshops are created so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the next week and put into practice in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are led by a pair of experts. Setting design is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the craft of setting creation.

Career building presents several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is designed to offer targeted guidance to students with particular aims.

“Certain participants plan to create their own real-play series and present their narratives with the world, others aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Is this achievable?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 gold tier provides access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their castle events.

“One could practically host an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – I believe the formal instruction 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 top package offers an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to manage an adventure for a small group plus an instructor, who will then give comments and instruction.

“The aim is for the faculty member to evaluate whichever aspect is concerned with: I have difficulty with improv or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. May I present a situation for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Alternatively they want to receive input and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”

Next Steps

Input from the first event will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, extending the program to a longer period, or trying out alternative workshop formats.

“I hope that we conduct these very often,” Carl said. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in different cities, and in various nations. The feedback has been really terrific. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be fantastic to be able to organize these in conjunction with big conventions.”