Monte Cook and Monte Cook Will Lead Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs run fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the moment to actually play themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The first session is planned for the start of 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“You can watch thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the idea was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction in the company of peers in game mastering, where direct communication with expert teachers and your peers often in the same boat and also want to improve their skills,” noted Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Pricing Tiers

Game masters can choose from tiers ranging from $995 to $2.5K, depending on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The base tier includes one of four courses:

• Skill Building: Focuses on the basics of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession.

Every class includes two days of classwork divided across a weekend.

“The classes are designed so that you depart having immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These workshops that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the next week and implement in your regular session.”

Professional Teachers

Most classes are taught by a pair of experts. Setting design is led by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Industry advancement includes four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is meant to offer targeted guidance to attendees with particular aims.

“Certain participants aim to start their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, some of them plan to produce and create new material,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Premium Packages

A $1.5K premium package provides access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“You could almost run an full two days just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the coursework 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 includes an extended personal consultation and the possibility to run a game for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The aim is for the instructor to review whatever the DM is concerned with: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. May I present a scene for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Alternatively they want to receive input and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Next Steps

Feedback from the first event will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we conduct these very often,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The feedback has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with the results so far and I believe it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in collaboration with big conventions.”