Monte Cook and Monte Cook Are Instructing Workshops at DMU

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where experienced game masters lead D&D games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among forever DMs who seldom have the chance to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improv and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began crafting a structured way to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The first session is planned for the start of 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“You can watch thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing compares to an in-person experience together with other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and your peers who are probably in the same boat and aim to level up their game,” noted the program's dean.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

DMs can opt for tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the amount of contact they desire with the professionals. The starting package includes one of four courses:

• Core Techniques: Focuses on the fundamentals of leading a game.
• Campaign Building: Centers on building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
• Professional Development: Aimed at DMs who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.

Each course includes two days of training divided across 48 hours.

“The classes are created so that you leave with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they go beyond recorded content. These are sessions that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the following week and apply in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are led by two professors. Setting design is guided by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the craft of setting creation.

Career building presents four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The extra instructors is designed to offer targeted guidance to participants with definite objectives.

“Various attendees plan to create their own live gameplay show and display their adventures with the world, others aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Premium Packages

A $1,500 gold tier offers access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.

“You could almost run an entire weekend just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – I believe the coursework and the practical exercises is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option includes an 60-minute private session and the chance to lead a session for several participants plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The goal is for the teacher to assess whatever the DM is concerned with: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions 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 said. “Alternatively they want to receive input and information on a specific world that they’ve been creating.”

Future Plans

Input from the inaugural session will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or trying out alternative workshop formats.

“I hope that we do this regularly,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in multiple places, and in different countries. The reception has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in partnership with large gatherings.”