Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Will Lead Sessions at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters manage D&D games in old manors in the UK and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the moment to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of DMU. The inaugural event is set for early January 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“You can watch numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the idea was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session alongside peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and your fellow DMs who are probably in the same boat and also want to improve their skills,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Ticket Packages

Dungeon Masters can opt for packages ranging from $995 to $2.5K, depending on the level of access they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:

• Foundational Skills: Focuses on the basics of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Highlights the development of worlds.
• Professional Development: Designed for game masters who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.

Every class includes eight hours of instruction divided across two days.

“The courses are created so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can join, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the week after and apply in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

Many sessions are instructed by two professors. Worldbuilding is taught by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Industry advancement presents multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is meant to deliver focused advice to students with specific goals.

“Some of them want to launch their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, several aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar enhanced option offers access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“One could practically host an complete event just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – I think the coursework and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – 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 possibility to manage an adventure for several participants plus a teacher, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The purpose is for the teacher to assess whatever the DM is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a situation for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and guidance on a specific world that they’ve been developing.”

Next Steps

Input from the debut workshop will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, making it longer to a longer period, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.

“I expect that we do this frequently,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in various locations, and in various nations. The reception has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I think it would be fantastic to be able to do this in partnership with large gatherings.”