Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Will Lead Classes at DMU
Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting immersive events where experienced game masters manage D&D games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. These all-inclusive trips are highly favored among forever DMs who rarely get the chance to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.
In response, the planners began developing a organized method to address these questions, which led to the establishment of DMU. The debut workshop is planned for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.
“There are numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session alongside fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and your peers likely in a similar position and aim to level up their game,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.
Course Offerings and Ticket Packages
Dungeon Masters can select tiers ranging from $995 to $2.5K, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes selection from four classes:
- Skill Building: Teaches the basics of managing a session.
- Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
- Setting Creation: Highlights the crafting of environments.
- Industry Advancement: Tailored to game masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.
Every class includes two days of instruction split over two days.
“The courses are designed so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the week after and put into practice in your regular session.”
Expert Instructors
Most classes are instructed by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the craft of setting creation.
Industry advancement features four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is meant to deliver focused advice to participants with particular aims.
“Various attendees aim to start their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, some of them plan to produce and write original content,” Carl explained. “Others simply wish to ask, What's the path to be a DM at something like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”
Higher Tiers
A $1.5K premium package provides access to a welcome reception, a starter kit, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the inaugural DMU session, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their castle events.
“One could practically host an complete event just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – I think the formal instruction and the lab work 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 provides an 60-minute private session and the chance to run a game for five players plus an instructor, who will then offer feedback and coaching.
“The purpose is for the teacher to review whatever the DM is interested in: I have difficulty with improvisation or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scenario for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and information on a specific world that they’ve been developing.”
Next Steps
Responses from the debut workshop will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include increasing consultation time, making it longer to 72 hours, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.
“I anticipate that we host such events frequently,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a given year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The feedback has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with the results so far and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to organize these in conjunction with large gatherings.”
