Keith Baker and Monte Cook Are Teaching Sessions at Dungeon Master Academy

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs manage D&D games in historic castles in England and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the opportunity to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the organizers began developing a structured way to address these questions, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The first session is planned for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“There are numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the idea was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session alongside other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with seasoned educators and other game masters likely in a similar position and aim to enhance their abilities,” stated Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Pricing Tiers

DMs can opt for packages ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, based on the level of access they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Foundational Skills: Focuses on the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Tailored to dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes two days of instruction split over a weekend.

“The workshops are structured so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “It's more than presentations and they go beyond recorded content. These workshops that you can attend, learn from, and then return to your group the following week and put into practice in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are led by two professors. Universe creation is taught by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, jointly leading the craft of setting creation.

Professional development presents multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is meant to provide specialized information to participants with specific goals.

“Certain participants aim to start their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, others plan to produce and create new material,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar premium package offers access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the debut of the program, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“One could practically host an full two days just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – I think the formal instruction and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2.5K platinum tier includes an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to run a game for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and instruction.

“The purpose is for the faculty member to evaluate whichever aspect is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a scenario for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Input from the debut workshop will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, extending the program to 72 hours, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.

“I anticipate that we host such events very often,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a calendar year, in various locations, and in multiple countries. The reception has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with current developments and I think it would be wonderful to be able to do this in collaboration with major events.”