Keith Baker and Monte Cook Are Teaching Sessions at Dungeon Master Academy
Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running immersive events where expert DMs manage 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 moment to participate as players themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.
In response, the planners began crafting a structured way to address these questions, which led to the establishment of DMU. The debut workshop is set for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.
“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on almost every theme and acquire valuable insights, but the idea was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience in the company of fellow DMs, where direct communication with expert teachers and other game masters often in the same boat and also want to improve their skills,” noted Jason Carl.
Workshop Options and Cost Levels
Dungeon Masters can select tiers ranging from nearly a thousand dollars 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 fundamentals of running D&D.
- Campaign Building: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
- Setting Creation: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
- Industry Advancement: Designed for dungeon masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.
All workshops includes two days of classwork split over a weekend.
“The classes are designed so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can attend, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the week after and apply in your home campaign.”
Expert Instructors
The majority of workshops are taught by duo of instructors. Setting design is led by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, together instructing the craft of setting creation.
Industry advancement features several experts, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is intended to offer targeted guidance to students with specific goals.
“Various attendees aim to start their own real-play series and present their narratives with the world, some of them want to publish and write original content,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”
Advanced Options
A fifteen hundred dollar enhanced option offers access to a opening gathering, a starter kit, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.
“You could almost run an full two days just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl observed. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – I think the structured learning and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”
The $2,500 platinum tier offers an extended personal consultation and the possibility to run a game for a small group plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and coaching.
“The purpose is for the faculty member to assess any element is focused on: 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 my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to receive input and information on a specific world that they’ve been building.”
Future Plans
Input from the first event will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl suggested that likely modifications could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to a longer period, or testing alternative workshop formats.
“I anticipate that we host such events very often,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a single year, in various locations, and in different countries. The feedback has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with the results so far and I think it would be amazing to be able to do this in conjunction with major events.”
