Monte Cook and Keith Baker Are Teaching Sessions at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing immersive events where experienced game masters run D&D games in ancient fortresses in England and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are highly favored among career game masters who seldom have the moment to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improv and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the coordinators began crafting a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The first session is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“You can watch countless online tutorials on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session in the company of fellow DMs, where direct communication with seasoned educators and your fellow DMs who are probably in the same boat and also want to enhance their abilities,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

Dungeon Masters can select packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the basics of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at game masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

All workshops includes eight hours of training split over two days.

“The courses are created so that you walk away with tangible results, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they go beyond recorded content. These workshops that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the week after and put into practice in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are led by two professors. Universe creation is taught by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, both teaching the craft of setting creation.

Industry advancement includes multiple instructors, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is meant to offer targeted guidance to attendees with particular aims.

“Some of them plan to create their own D&D actual play and display their adventures with the world, several plan to produce and create new material,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K enhanced option offers access to a opening gathering, a welcome gift pack, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.

“It would be possible to organize an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “I don’t know if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the coursework and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar platinum tier offers an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to manage an adventure for five players plus an instructor, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The aim is for the instructor to evaluate any element is interested in: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. May I present a situation for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to receive input and information on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Responses from the inaugural session will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to 72 hours, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I hope that we do this frequently,” Carl stated. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in different cities, and in various nations. The reception has been really terrific. We’re very happy with the results so far and I believe it would be amazing to be able to organize these in conjunction with major events.”