Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Will Lead Sessions at DMU

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters run fantasy roleplaying games in historic castles in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

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

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on any topic and gain significant knowledge, but the idea was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session together with fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with seasoned educators and other game masters often in a similar position and aim to enhance their abilities,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

Game masters can select packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Foundational Skills: Teaches the basics of leading a game.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on building persistent adventures.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Tailored to game masters who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.

All workshops includes eight hours of training spread over two days.

“The classes are created so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they go beyond recorded content. These are sessions that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the next week and apply in your home campaign.”

Professional Teachers

Most classes are led by two professors. Setting design is taught by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the craft of setting creation.

Industry advancement includes several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is intended to offer targeted guidance to students with definite objectives.

“Certain participants aim to start their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, some of them want to publish and create new material,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, What's the path to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Advanced Options

A $1.5K enhanced option includes access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“You could almost run an full two days just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl observed. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – I think the structured learning and the hands-on activities is extremely important – but I suspect it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option includes an extended personal consultation and the possibility to run a game for a small group plus an instructor, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The purpose is for the instructor to evaluate whatever the DM is interested in: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. Can I run a scene for you and get feedback on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to get feedback and information on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”

Coming Developments

Feedback from the first event will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl suggested that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to a longer period, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we conduct these very often,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a given year, in multiple places, and in multiple countries. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I think it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in partnership with large gatherings.”