Keith Baker and Monte Cook Are Instructing Sessions at DMU

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing immersive events where experienced game masters run fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the moment to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is scheduled for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience in the company of other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with seasoned educators and your peers often in a similar position and aim to enhance their abilities,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

DMs can select packages ranging from $995 to $2,500, depending on the degree of interaction they desire with the professionals. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Covers the essentials of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Tailored to dungeon masters who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.

Each course includes eight hours of training split over a weekend.

“The classes are created so that you depart having usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “It's more than presentations and they’re not just static videos. These workshops that you can join, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the following week and put into practice in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are taught by two professors. Setting design is guided by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Career building presents four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is meant to provide specialized information to participants with particular aims.

“Some of them plan to create their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, some of them plan to produce and create new material,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at something like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Premium Packages

A $1,500 premium package provides access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with an instructor. This marks the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an entire weekend just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – In my opinion the structured learning and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 top package provides an hour of one-on-one time and the chance to lead a session for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and instruction.

“The goal is for the faculty member to assess whichever aspect is interested in: I have difficulty with improv or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. May I present a situation for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Alternatively they want to obtain critique and information on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Future Plans

Input from the debut workshop will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that possible changes could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to three days, or trying out alternative workshop formats.

“I expect that we conduct these frequently,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a given year, in various locations, and in various nations. The feedback has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with the results so far and I think it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in partnership with large gatherings.”