Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Are Teaching Classes at DMU

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters manage Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in England and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often seek advice from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began developing a organized method to address these questions, which led to the establishment of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is set for early January 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience in the company of other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and other game masters often in comparable situations and seek to level up their game,” stated Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

Dungeon Masters can opt for options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, based on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The starting package includes a choice of four workshops:

• Skill Building: Covers the basics of managing a session.
• Campaign Building: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Career Building: Tailored to dungeon masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes multiple sessions of instruction split over 48 hours.

“The classes are designed so that you leave with usable skills, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the week after and apply in your home campaign.”

Seasoned Educators

Many sessions are taught by two professors. Universe creation is taught by an industry veteran and Keith Baker, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Industry advancement includes multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is meant to provide specialized information to participants with particular aims.

“Certain participants aim to start their own live gameplay show and display their adventures with the world, some of them want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like a castle event? Which abilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 premium package offers access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between campaigns at their premium gatherings.

“You could almost run an entire weekend just on office hours for career game masters,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – In my opinion the structured learning and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar platinum tier includes an 60-minute private session and the chance to manage an adventure for several participants plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The goal is for the teacher to assess whichever aspect is focused on: I have difficulty with improv or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scenario for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Responses from the first event will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to a longer period, or testing alternative workshop formats.

“I anticipate that we do this regularly,” Carl said. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The feedback has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with the results so far and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in collaboration with major events.”