Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Will Lead Workshops at DMU

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters run D&D games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often seek advice from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and crafting riddles to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a structured way to address these questions, which led to the creation of DMU. The first session is set for early January 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“You can watch numerous digital guides on almost every theme and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session in the company of peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and other game masters likely in a similar position and aim to enhance their abilities,” noted Jason Carl.

Workshop Options and Ticket Packages

Game masters can opt for tiers ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the level of access they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the essentials of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Aimed at DMs who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

All workshops includes two days of classwork split over two days.

“The courses are designed so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the following week and apply in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are instructed by two professors. Setting design is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development includes four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The extra instructors is designed to provide specialized information to attendees with particular aims.

“Certain participants want to launch their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, some of them aim to release and create new material,” Carl explained. “Several only seek to ask, What's the path to be a DM at something like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Advanced Options

A fifteen hundred dollar premium package provides access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This represents the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their immersive experiences.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the coursework and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2.5K top package includes an hour of one-on-one time and the chance to lead a session for five players plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and coaching.

“The goal is for the teacher to assess any element is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scene for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Or maybe they want to obtain critique and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Future Plans

Responses from the first event will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to 72 hours, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we conduct these very often,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in different cities, and in various nations. The reception has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I think it would be amazing to be able to organize these in collaboration with large gatherings.”