Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Are Teaching Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs manage D&D games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the planners began crafting a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is planned for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction alongside fellow DMs, where direct communication with expert teachers and your fellow DMs who are probably in the same boat and seek to enhance their abilities,” noted the program's dean.

Workshop Options and Ticket Packages

Game masters can opt for options ranging from $995 to $2,500, according to the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:

• Foundational Skills: Teaches the essentials of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Focuses around crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Highlights the development of worlds.
• Professional Development: Tailored to dungeon masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

All workshops includes two days of training spread over 48 hours.

“The workshops are structured so that you depart having tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These are sessions that you can participate in, absorb insights from, and then go right back home the next week and apply in your home campaign.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are led by a pair of experts. Universe creation is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.

Career building presents multiple instructors, such as an author on gaming puzzles, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is designed to offer targeted guidance to attendees with definite objectives.

“Certain participants aim to start their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, several aim to release and create new material,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at a program like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Premium Packages

A $1,500 premium package provides access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – I believe the formal instruction and the lab work is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2.5K top package provides an 60-minute private session and the possibility to manage an adventure for several participants plus an instructor, who will then give comments and instruction.

“The goal is for the instructor to assess whatever the DM is interested in: I struggle with improv or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scene for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Alternatively they want to receive input and information on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Coming Developments

Input from the inaugural session will help shape subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to three days, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we conduct these regularly,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The feedback has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with the results so far and I think it would be amazing to be able to do this in conjunction with major events.”