Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Are Teaching Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing immersive events where professional dungeon masters lead fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in Britain and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among career game masters who rarely get the opportunity to participate as players themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a organized method to address these questions, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is set for the start of 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“There are numerous digital guides on almost every theme and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session together with other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with seasoned educators and your fellow DMs who are probably in comparable situations and aim to enhance their abilities,” explained the program's dean.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

Dungeon Masters can select options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, according to the amount of contact they desire with the professionals. The starting package includes a choice of four workshops:

• Core Techniques: Covers the basics of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Worldbuilding: Highlights the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Aimed at dungeon masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

All workshops includes eight hours of training spread over 48 hours.

“The classes are designed so that you depart having immediate practical outcomes, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can participate in, learn from, and then return to your group the next week and apply in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are instructed by a pair of experts. Universe creation is taught by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.

Career building features four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The extra instructors is intended to offer targeted guidance to attendees with particular aims.

“Various attendees want to launch their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, several want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Others simply wish 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?”

Advanced Options

A fifteen hundred dollar gold tier includes access to a opening gathering, a starter kit, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the inaugural DMU session, though the company has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.

“One could practically host an entire weekend just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “I don’t know if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – I think the structured learning and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option includes an hour of one-on-one time and the opportunity to lead a session for a small group plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and coaching.

“The goal is for the teacher to assess any element is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I encounter obstacles in specific fight encounters. May I present a scene for you and get feedback on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Next Steps

Responses from the inaugural session will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, making it longer to three days, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I expect that we conduct these regularly,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in different cities, and in various nations. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in partnership with major events.”