Keith Baker and Monte Cook Are Teaching Classes at DMU
Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters run D&D games in historic castles in England and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are highly favored among forever DMs who rarely get the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from improv and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.
In response, the organizers began designing a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.
“There are numerous digital guides on any topic and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that nothing compares to an in-person experience alongside fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and your peers likely in comparable situations and aim to level up their game,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.
Available Classes and Ticket Packages
Dungeon Masters can choose from options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to two thousand five hundred dollars, based on the level of access they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:
- Foundational Skills: Teaches the basics of running D&D.
- Campaign Building: Focuses around building persistent adventures.
- Worldbuilding: Highlights the development of worlds.
- Professional Development: Tailored to DMs who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.
Every class includes eight hours of classwork spread over two days.
“The classes are structured so that you walk away with usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can join, learn from, and then go right back home the week after and implement in your local game.”
Professional Teachers
The majority of workshops are led by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.
Career building features several experts, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is designed to provide specialized information to participants with definite objectives.
“Certain participants aim to start their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, several want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, What's the path to be a DM at an event like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”
Higher Tiers
A fifteen hundred dollar premium package provides access to a opening gathering, a welcome gift pack, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the inaugural DMU session, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between campaigns at their castle events.
“You could almost run an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the coursework and the practical exercises is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”
The $2.5K platinum tier includes an hour of one-on-one time and the opportunity to lead a session for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then offer feedback and coaching.
“The aim is for the teacher to review any element is concerned with: I have difficulty with improv or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. May I present a situation for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”
Future Plans
Input from the debut workshop will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, extending the program to three days, or trying out different seminar structures.
“I hope that we host such events frequently,” Carl said. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in multiple places, and in multiple countries. The response has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to do this in conjunction with major events.”