Keith Baker and Monte Cook Will Lead Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs manage fantasy roleplaying games in historic castles in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began developing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of the Dungeon Master Academy. The first session is scheduled for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“You can watch numerous digital guides on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the idea was that nothing compares to face-to-face interaction alongside fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and your fellow DMs who are probably in comparable situations and also want to improve their skills,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers

DMs can select packages ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, based on the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Covers the basics of leading a game.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on building persistent adventures.
• Worldbuilding: Highlights the development of worlds.
• Professional Development: Tailored to DMs who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business.

Each course includes multiple sessions of classwork spread over 48 hours.

“The courses are structured so that you walk away with usable skills, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the next week and implement in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are led by two professors. Universe creation is led by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.

Career building presents several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is designed to deliver focused advice to students with definite objectives.

“Some of them aim to start their own D&D actual play and display their adventures with the world, several want to publish and create new material,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like a castle event? Which abilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 gold tier includes access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their premium gatherings.

“You could almost run an complete event just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – I think the coursework and the lab work is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar top package provides an hour of one-on-one time and the opportunity to manage an adventure for five players plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and instruction.

“The purpose is for the teacher to review whichever aspect is concerned with: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl detailed. “Alternatively they want to obtain critique and information on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Input from the first event will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to a longer period, or testing alternative workshop formats.

“I expect that we do this frequently,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in different cities, and in various nations. The reception has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in partnership with big conventions.”