Keith Baker and Monte Cook Will Lead Classes at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters lead fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in England and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. These all-inclusive trips are highly favored among forever DMs who infrequently find the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“You can watch numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces an in-person experience together with other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and your peers likely in the same boat and seek to level up their game,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Ticket Packages

Dungeon Masters can choose from options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Foundational Skills: Teaches the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Tailored to dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes multiple sessions of classwork split over a weekend.

“The courses are designed so that you leave with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the next week and implement in your local game.”

Professional Teachers

Many sessions are instructed by a pair of experts. Universe creation is taught by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.

Industry advancement features several experts, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is intended to deliver focused advice to participants with specific goals.

“Certain participants aim to start their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, several aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Advanced Options

A $1.5K premium package includes access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.

“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – I think the structured learning and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option offers an 60-minute private session and the possibility to run a game for five players plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and coaching.

“The goal is for the faculty member to review whichever aspect is concerned with: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. May I present a scenario for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to receive input and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Responses from the first event will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include adding more office hours, extending the program to a longer period, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we do this regularly,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in various locations, and in multiple countries. The feedback has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I think it would be amazing to be able to do this in partnership with big conventions.”