Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Are Instructing Classes at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters lead Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the chance to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began developing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is set for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session 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 Jason Carl.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

DMs can opt for tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, depending on the degree of interaction they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes selection from four classes:

• Foundational Skills: Teaches the essentials of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Aimed at game masters who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.

Each course includes two days of training spread over a weekend.

“The courses are created so that you leave with usable skills, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can attend, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the next week and put into practice in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

Many sessions are instructed by a pair of experts. Universe creation is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.

Industry advancement features four different teachers, such as an author on gaming puzzles, an entertainment professional, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is intended to provide specialized information to participants with definite objectives.

“Certain participants plan to create their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, some of them want to publish and write original content,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 premium package includes access to a opening gathering, a welcome gift pack, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This marks the inaugural DMU session, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“One could practically host an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the formal instruction and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I suspect it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option provides an 60-minute private session and the chance to run a game for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and instruction.

“The aim is for the teacher to evaluate whatever the DM is focused on: I struggle with improvisation or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a scenario for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and information on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”

Next Steps

Input from the inaugural session will help shape subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to a longer period, or testing alternative workshop formats.

“I hope that we do this regularly,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The reception has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in collaboration with large gatherings.”