Keith Baker and Monte Cook Will Lead Sessions at Dungeon Master University
Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters lead Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among forever DMs who seldom have the moment to actually play themselves, and they often seek advice from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.
In response, the coordinators began designing a structured way to answer these inquiries, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is planned for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus.
“There are countless online tutorials on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session together with peers in game mastering, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and other game masters likely in comparable situations and aim to improve their skills,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.
Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers
Game masters can opt for tiers ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, based on the level of access they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:
- Core Techniques: Covers the basics of leading a game.
- Story Arc Development: Centers on building persistent adventures.
- Setting Creation: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
- Career Building: Tailored to DMs who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.
Every class includes two days of classwork split over two days.
“The classes are structured so that you walk away with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can attend, learn from, and then return to your group the next week and implement in your home campaign.”
Seasoned Educators
Most classes are led by duo of instructors. Universe creation is guided by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the skill of universe design.
Professional development includes multiple instructors, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and an early professional game master. The extra instructors is designed to offer targeted guidance to attendees with particular aims.
“Various attendees want to launch their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, some of them want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Can anyone do it?”
Premium Packages
A fifteen hundred dollar gold tier provides access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with a teacher. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run similar events during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.
“One could practically host an entire weekend just on office hours for career game masters,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I believe the structured learning and the lab work is too valuable – but I suspect it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”
The twenty-five hundred dollar platinum tier includes an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to manage an adventure for several participants plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and coaching.
“The aim is for the instructor to review any element is concerned with: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a situation for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and information on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”
Future Plans
Responses from the inaugural session will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to a longer period, or trying out different seminar structures.
“I anticipate that we conduct these regularly,” Carl stated. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in various locations, and in multiple countries. The reception has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with what we’re seeing and I think it would be amazing to be able to organize these in collaboration with major events.”
