Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Will Lead Sessions at DMU
Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where expert DMs lead fantasy roleplaying games in historic castles in England and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among career game masters who seldom have the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.
In response, the coordinators began developing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the creation of DMU. The inaugural event is set for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.
“There are numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction together with fellow DMs, where direct communication with faculty instructors and your peers often in the same boat and seek to improve their skills,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.
Workshop Options and Ticket Packages
Game masters can choose from options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, based on the level of access they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes a choice of four workshops:
- Foundational Skills: Covers the fundamentals of leading a game.
- Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on crafting long-running games.
- Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
- Professional Development: Designed for game masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.
All workshops includes eight hours of training divided across 48 hours.
“The courses are structured so that you depart having tangible results, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These are sessions that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the next week and apply in your regular session.”
Professional Teachers
The majority of workshops are led by a pair of experts. Universe creation is taught by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, jointly leading the craft of setting creation.
Industry advancement includes several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is intended to offer targeted guidance to students 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 develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Is this achievable?”
Higher Tiers
A $1,500 enhanced option includes access to a introductory event, a starter kit, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their immersive experiences.
“One could practically host an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for professional dungeon masters,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – In my opinion the coursework and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”
The $2,500 premium option includes an extended personal consultation and the possibility to run a game for five players plus an instructor, who will then offer feedback and coaching.
“The aim is for the faculty member to review whatever the DM is concerned with: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. May I present a scene for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Alternatively they want to obtain critique and information on a specific world that they’ve been creating.”
Coming Developments
Feedback from the first event will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that likely modifications could include adding more office hours, making it longer to 72 hours, or testing varied class arrangements.
“I expect that we conduct these very often,” Carl said. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We’re very happy with current developments and I think it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in collaboration with major events.”
