Keith Baker and Monte Cook Will Lead Sessions at DMU
Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where experienced game masters manage D&D games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among career game masters who infrequently find the moment to join in the game themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to handling difficult situations at the table.
In response, the planners began designing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of DMU. The first session is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.
“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the idea was that nothing compares to face-to-face interaction together with peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and other game masters likely in comparable situations and aim to enhance their abilities,” stated Jason Carl.
Available Classes and Ticket Packages
Dungeon Masters can opt for packages ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, depending on the degree of interaction they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:
- Core Techniques: Focuses on the fundamentals of running D&D.
- Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
- Setting Creation: Highlights the development of worlds.
- Industry Advancement: Tailored to DMs who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.
Each course includes two days of classwork spread over 48 hours.
“The courses are designed so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can join, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the week after and apply in your home campaign.”
Expert Instructors
Many sessions are taught by duo of instructors. Setting design is led by an industry veteran and Keith Baker, together instructing the craft of setting creation.
Professional development presents several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is intended to provide specialized information to participants with specific goals.
“Certain participants want to launch their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, others want to publish and write original content,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”
Premium Packages
A $1,500 enhanced option provides access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the debut of the program, though the team has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.
“You could almost run an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for professional dungeon masters,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – I believe the formal instruction and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”
The $2.5K top package offers an extended personal consultation and the chance to lead a session for a small group plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and coaching.
“The purpose is for the teacher to evaluate whichever aspect is concerned with: I struggle with improvisation or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. May I present a situation for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to receive input and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”
Coming Developments
Feedback from the inaugural session will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to three days, or trying out alternative workshop formats.
“I expect that we conduct these frequently,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in various locations, and in multiple countries. The reception has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with the results so far and I think it would be fantastic to be able to do this in conjunction with large gatherings.”
