Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Will Lead Workshops at DMU

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs lead Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among forever DMs who infrequently find the moment to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The first session is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session alongside fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with faculty instructors and your peers often in a similar position and also want to level up their game,” noted Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

DMs can select packages ranging from $995 to $2.5K, based on the level of access they desire with the professionals. The starting package includes a choice of four workshops:

• Core Techniques: Covers the fundamentals of leading a game.
• Campaign Building: Focuses around crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
• Professional Development: Aimed at DMs who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.

Each course includes eight hours of training spread over 48 hours.

“The classes are structured so that you leave with usable skills, increased self-assurance, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the next week and apply in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

Many sessions are taught by duo of instructors. Universe creation is taught by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the craft of setting creation.

Industry advancement presents several experts, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is intended to provide specialized information to attendees with specific goals.

“Various attendees aim to start their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, several plan to produce and write original content,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, What's the path to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A $1,500 gold tier includes access to a opening gathering, a starter kit, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run similar events 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 observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the coursework and the practical exercises is extremely important – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option includes an 60-minute private session and the chance to run a game for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then offer feedback and instruction.

“The goal is for the teacher to assess any element is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a situation for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to receive input and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been developing.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the inaugural session will help determine upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to 72 hours, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we conduct these very often,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a given year, in different cities, and in different countries. The reception has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I believe it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in partnership with large gatherings.”