Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Will Lead Classes at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing immersive events where experienced game masters manage Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the coordinators began designing a organized method to address these questions, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The first session is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session alongside fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and other game masters likely in a similar position and also want to improve their skills,” explained Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

DMs can opt for packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, based on the degree of interaction they desire with the experts. The base tier includes a choice of four workshops:

• Skill Building: Covers the basics of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
• Career Building: Designed for dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession.

Every class includes two days of classwork divided across two days.

“The classes are designed so that you depart having usable skills, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can join, absorb insights from, and then go right back home the following week and apply in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are instructed by duo of instructors. Setting design is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the craft of setting creation.

Career building features several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The extra instructors is meant to offer targeted guidance to participants with definite objectives.

“Various attendees aim to start their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, others want to publish and write original content,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at a program like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K premium package provides access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – I think the coursework and the hands-on activities is extremely important – but I believe it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2.5K top package offers an hour of one-on-one time and the chance to lead a session for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The goal is for the teacher to evaluate any element is concerned with: I struggle with improv or I encounter obstacles in specific fight encounters. Can I run a scene for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to obtain critique and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Input from the inaugural session will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or testing alternative workshop formats.

“I anticipate that we host such events regularly,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in different cities, and in different countries. The reception has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with current developments and I feel it would be amazing to be able to organize these in collaboration with major events.”