Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Will Lead Classes at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs manage fantasy roleplaying games in historic castles in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. These all-inclusive trips are widely appreciated among forever DMs who seldom have the moment to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the coordinators began crafting a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the creation of DMU. The first session is scheduled for early January 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session together with peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and other game masters who are probably in comparable situations and seek to improve their skills,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

DMs can opt for packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Skill Building: Teaches the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Centers on building persistent adventures.
• Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Tailored to dungeon masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

Each course includes two days of instruction spread over two days.

“The classes are designed so that you depart having immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can join, learn from, and then head back to your table the week after and implement in your home campaign.”

Expert Instructors

The majority of workshops are taught by a pair of experts. Setting design is led by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the craft of setting creation.

Industry advancement presents several experts, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is designed to deliver focused advice to students with definite objectives.

“Various attendees plan to create their own live gameplay show and display their adventures with the world, several plan to produce and create new material,” Carl explained. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Is this achievable?”

Higher Tiers

A $1,500 gold tier offers access to a welcome reception, a starter kit, and a brief one-on-one appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between game sessions at their immersive experiences.

“You could almost run an full two days just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – I think the formal instruction and the lab work is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after 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 a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The goal is for the faculty member to review whichever aspect is focused on: I struggle with improvisation or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scene for you and get feedback on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to receive input and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Future Plans

Input from the inaugural session will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, making it longer to a longer period, or experimenting with different seminar structures.

“I expect that we host such events frequently,” Carl said. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a single year, in different cities, and in different countries. The response has been really terrific. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in collaboration with major events.”