Keith Baker and Keith Baker Are Teaching Workshops at Dungeon Master University
Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running immersive events where experienced game masters manage D&D games in ancient fortresses in England and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are highly favored among forever DMs who seldom have the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.
In response, the coordinators began designing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The first session is planned for the start of 2026 at Oglethorpe University.
“There are numerous digital guides on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces an in-person experience alongside peers in game mastering, where direct communication with expert teachers and your peers often in the same boat and seek to improve their skills,” explained the program's dean.
Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers
Dungeon Masters can opt for options ranging from $995 to $2.5K, based on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The base tier includes one of four courses:
- Skill Building: Teaches the basics of leading a game.
- Story Arc Development: Focuses around crafting long-running games.
- Universe Design: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
- Career Building: Aimed at DMs who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.
All workshops includes two days of training spread over 48 hours.
“The courses are designed so that you depart having usable skills, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the week after and implement in your home campaign.”
Professional Teachers
Many sessions are led by two professors. Setting design is led by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, together instructing the skill of universe design.
Professional development features four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is meant to deliver focused advice to students with particular aims.
“Some of them want to launch their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, several plan to produce and write original content,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”
Advanced Options
A $1.5K gold tier includes access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between campaigns at their castle events.
“One could practically host an full two days just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I think the formal instruction and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”
The twenty-five hundred dollar top package includes an 60-minute private session and the chance to manage an adventure for five players plus an instructor, who will then give comments and instruction.
“The purpose is for the instructor to evaluate any element is interested in: I struggle with improv or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. Can I run a scene for you and receive input on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Alternatively they want to obtain critique and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”
Future Plans
Input from the inaugural session will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.
“I anticipate that we conduct these frequently,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a given year, in various locations, and in various nations. The response has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with the results so far and I feel it would be amazing to be able to do this in partnership with large gatherings.”