Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Are Instructing Workshops at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running immersive events where professional dungeon masters run fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from improv and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a structured way to address these questions, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The first session is set for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces an in-person experience together with other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and your fellow DMs likely in a similar position and aim to improve their skills,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

Game masters can select options ranging from $995 to $2.5K, according to the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Teaches the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
• Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Professional Development: Aimed at dungeon masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

Every class includes two days of classwork split over two days.

“The workshops are created so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “It's more than presentations and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the next week and implement in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

The majority of workshops are taught by duo of instructors. Setting design is taught by an industry veteran and Keith Baker, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development includes four different teachers, such as an author on gaming puzzles, an entertainment professional, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is designed to offer targeted guidance to attendees with specific goals.

“Various attendees plan to create their own D&D actual play and display their adventures with the world, several want to publish and create new material,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Premium Packages

A $1,500 premium package provides access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the inaugural DMU session, though the team has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an full two days just on office hours for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – I believe the formal instruction 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 extended personal consultation and the chance to run a game for five players plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and coaching.

“The aim is for the faculty member to review whatever the DM is focused on: I struggle with improvisation or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. Could I demonstrate a scenario for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl detailed. “Or maybe they want to receive input and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”

Coming Developments

Input from the debut workshop will help shape subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to three days, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.

“I hope that we conduct these frequently,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a given year, in various locations, and in different countries. The feedback has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with current developments and I believe it would be wonderful to be able to do this in partnership with major events.”