Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Will Lead Classes at DMU

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters manage Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The comprehensive packages are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the chance to actually play themselves, and they often seek advice from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and crafting riddles to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the organizers began crafting a organized method to address these questions, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The first session is scheduled for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“There are countless online tutorials on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session in the company of other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and other game masters likely in a similar position and also want to improve their skills,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers

DMs can select options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, based on the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Focuses on the essentials of leading a game.
• Campaign Building: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
• Setting Creation: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
• Industry Advancement: Tailored to DMs who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

Every class includes two days of training spread over 48 hours.

“The classes are structured so that you depart having immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can join, learn from, and then go right back home the following week and implement in your home campaign.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are instructed by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is guided by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the skill of universe design.

Industry advancement features four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is designed to offer targeted guidance to attendees with particular aims.

“Certain participants aim to start their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, others want to publish and create new material,” Carl explained. “Several only seek to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar premium package offers access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the debut of the program, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an full two days just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – I think the structured learning and the practical exercises is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar top package provides an hour of one-on-one time and the opportunity to manage an adventure for several participants plus an instructor, who will then offer feedback and guidance.

“The purpose is for the faculty member to review whichever aspect is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in specific fight encounters. May I present a situation for you and get feedback on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the debut workshop will help shape subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to 72 hours, or testing different seminar structures.

“I expect that we do this frequently,” Carl said. “I would love to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in multiple countries. The response has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be wonderful to be able to do this in conjunction with major events.”