Keith Baker and Monte Cook Are Instructing Classes at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters run fantasy roleplaying games in historic castles in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are highly favored among forever DMs who infrequently find the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the coordinators began developing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is scheduled for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on any topic and gain significant knowledge, but the idea was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session together with peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and your fellow DMs often in the same boat and aim to improve their skills,” stated Jason Carl.

Available Classes and Cost Levels

Game masters can select packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, based on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The base tier includes one of four courses:

• Foundational Skills: Teaches the fundamentals of leading a game.
• Campaign Building: Focuses around building persistent adventures.
• Worldbuilding: Highlights the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Aimed at game masters who aim to explore more about the roleplaying business.

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

“The workshops are created so that you leave with usable skills, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they go beyond recorded content. These workshops that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the week after and put into practice in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

Many sessions are led by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is guided by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development presents several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is meant to provide specialized information to students with definite objectives.

“Various attendees want to launch their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, others plan to produce and create new material,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What's the path to be a DM at an event like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 gold tier offers access to a opening gathering, a starter kit, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.

“One could practically host an entire weekend just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – In my opinion the structured learning and the lab work is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2,500 platinum tier offers an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to manage an adventure for five players plus an instructor, who will then offer feedback and coaching.

“The purpose is for the instructor to evaluate any element is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with improvisation or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to get feedback and advice on a specific world that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the inaugural session will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to 72 hours, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we do this frequently,” Carl stated. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in collaboration with major events.”