Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Are Instructing Sessions at DMU

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters run fantasy roleplaying games in historic castles in England and at an American castle venue. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the moment to actually play themselves, and they often seek advice from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The first session is set for the start of 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience in the company of other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and other game masters often in a similar position and also want to level up their game,” explained Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Pricing Tiers

Game masters can choose from packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes a choice of four workshops:

• Skill Building: Covers the basics of managing a session.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
• Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Tailored to game masters who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.

Every class includes eight hours of classwork spread over two days.

“The classes are created so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the next week and apply in your local game.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are taught by a pair of experts. Setting design is led by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, jointly leading the craft of setting creation.

Professional development includes several experts, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is intended to offer targeted guidance to attendees with definite objectives.

“Some of them want to launch their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, others want to publish and create new material,” Carl stated. “Several only seek to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like a castle event? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Premium Packages

A fifteen hundred dollar premium package provides access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.

“You could almost run an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – I believe the structured learning and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2,500 platinum tier includes an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to manage an adventure for several participants plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and coaching.

“The goal is for the instructor to evaluate whichever aspect is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a scenario for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to obtain critique and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Responses from the first event will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl said that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to a longer period, or experimenting with different seminar structures.

“I anticipate that we conduct these frequently,” Carl said. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in various locations, and in various nations. The response has been overwhelmingly favorable. We’re very happy with the results so far and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to do this in collaboration with major events.”