Monte Cook and Keith Baker Are Teaching Classes at DMU
Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters run Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. 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 improv and crafting riddles to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.
In response, the planners began designing a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of DMU. The inaugural event is set for the start of 2026 at Oglethorpe University.
“There are countless online tutorials on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction together with fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with seasoned educators and other game masters often in a similar position and also want to level up their game,” noted the program's dean.
Course Offerings and Cost Levels
Dungeon Masters can select packages ranging from $995 to $2,500, based on the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:
- Skill Building: Covers the fundamentals of running D&D.
- Story Arc Development: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
- Setting Creation: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
- Career Building: Aimed at DMs who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business.
Every class includes multiple sessions of training spread over two days.
“The courses are designed so that you leave with usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the next week and put into practice in your regular session.”
Expert Instructors
Most classes are led by a pair of experts. Universe creation is taught by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.
Career building includes several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, Clint McElroy, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is designed to deliver focused advice to students with definite objectives.
“Various attendees want to launch their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, others plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Some just want to ask, What's the path to be a DM at something like an immersive experience? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”
Premium Packages
A $1,500 gold tier offers access to a welcome reception, a starter kit, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This marks the debut of the program, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.
“You could almost run an full two days just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the structured learning and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”
The $2,500 platinum tier offers an hour of one-on-one time and the opportunity to lead a session for several participants plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and instruction.
“The goal is for the teacher to evaluate any element is focused on: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a situation for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl detailed. “Or maybe they want to receive input and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”
Coming Developments
Input from the first event will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include adding more office hours, extending the program to 72 hours, or trying out alternative workshop formats.
“I anticipate that we do this frequently,” Carl stated. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in different countries. The feedback has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with the results so far and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in partnership with major events.”
