Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Will Lead Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing immersive events where professional dungeon masters run D&D games in ancient fortresses in England and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is scheduled for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“There are countless online tutorials on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the idea was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session together with peers in game mastering, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and other game masters likely in the same boat and seek to enhance their abilities,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

Game masters can opt for tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, according to the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the essentials of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Focuses around building persistent adventures.
• Setting Creation: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at dungeon masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

All workshops includes eight hours of instruction divided across two days.

“The classes are created so that you leave with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “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 implement in your home campaign.”

Expert Instructors

Many sessions are instructed by duo of instructors. Setting design is led by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, jointly leading the craft of setting creation.

Industry advancement features four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is meant to offer targeted guidance to attendees with definite objectives.

“Certain participants want to launch their own D&D actual play and display their adventures with the world, others aim to release and create new material,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K gold tier provides access to a introductory event, a starter kit, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the debut of the program, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the structured learning and the hands-on activities is extremely important – but I suspect it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar premium option offers an extended personal consultation and the chance to manage an adventure for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The goal is for the faculty member to review any element is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scene for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to receive input and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the debut workshop will help shape subsequent DMU events. Carl said that likely modifications could include adding more office hours, extending the program to a longer period, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we do this regularly,” Carl stated. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The response has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with current developments and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to organize these in conjunction with large gatherings.”