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

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs lead fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in England and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are especially popular among career game masters who infrequently find the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often look for guidance from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began crafting a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The first session is scheduled for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session together with fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and your fellow DMs who are probably in the same boat and also want to improve their skills,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers

Dungeon Masters can opt for tiers ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, depending on the level of access they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Teaches the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Tailored to DMs who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.

All workshops includes multiple sessions of instruction split over two days.

“The courses are created so that you depart having tangible results, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These are sessions that you can attend, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the next week and apply in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are led by duo of instructors. Universe creation is taught by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the craft of setting creation.

Career building presents four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is meant to deliver focused advice to students with particular aims.

“Various attendees want to launch their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, several want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, What's the path to be a DM at something like a castle event? Which abilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar premium package offers access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a brief one-on-one appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“One could practically host an complete event just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – I think the formal instruction and the practical exercises is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2,500 platinum tier offers an 60-minute private session and the possibility to manage an adventure for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and instruction.

“The aim is for the faculty member to review any element is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scenario for you and get feedback on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Alternatively they want to obtain critique and guidance on a specific world that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Responses from the inaugural session will help determine upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, extending the program to 72 hours, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.

“I expect that we do this very often,” Carl stated. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The feedback has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I think it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in partnership with major events.”