Keith Baker and Keith Baker Are Instructing Sessions at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters lead Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the planners began crafting a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the creation of DMU. The first session is planned for early January 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“There are numerous digital guides on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction together with other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and your peers often in the same boat and aim to level up their game,” explained the program's dean.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

Game masters can select options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the essentials of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Aimed at game masters who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.

Every class includes multiple sessions of training split over a weekend.

“The courses are structured so that you leave with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the week after and implement in your home campaign.”

Professional Teachers

Most classes are led by duo of instructors. Universe creation is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, jointly leading the skill of universe design.

Career building includes four different teachers, such as an author on gaming puzzles, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is intended to provide specialized information to participants with particular aims.

“Certain participants want to launch their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, some of them 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? Is it for everyone?”

Advanced Options

A $1.5K premium package includes access to a opening gathering, a starter kit, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.

“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 all participants' schedule – I think the structured learning and the lab work is extremely important – but I suspect it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2,500 platinum tier provides an 60-minute private session and the chance to run a game for five players plus a teacher, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The goal is for the instructor to review whatever the DM is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a situation for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to obtain critique and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Feedback from the inaugural session will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program 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 response has been really terrific. We’re very happy with the results so far and I think it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in conjunction with major events.”