Monte Cook and Monte Cook Are Instructing Sessions at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running immersive events where expert DMs manage Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at an American castle venue. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often look for guidance from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The first session is scheduled for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are countless online tutorials on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the idea was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session alongside peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and other game masters likely in comparable situations and seek to enhance their abilities,” noted Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

Game masters can opt for tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, based on the level of access they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Skill Building: Focuses on the essentials of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Focuses around crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Highlights the crafting of environments.
• Industry Advancement: Tailored to game masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

Each course includes multiple sessions of training spread over a weekend.

“The classes are designed so that you walk away with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can attend, learn from, and then head back to your table the following week and implement in your home campaign.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are instructed by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is led by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Professional development includes several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is meant to provide specialized information to participants with definite objectives.

“Certain participants plan to create their own D&D actual play and display their adventures with the world, others want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at something like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Is this achievable?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 premium package provides access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This represents the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.

“One could practically host an full two days just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – In my opinion the formal instruction and the lab work is highly beneficial – but I suspect it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar premium option includes an 60-minute private session and the chance to manage an adventure for several participants plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The goal is for the instructor to assess whichever aspect is interested in: I struggle with improvisation or I encounter obstacles in specific fight encounters. May I present a scenario for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to receive input and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been developing.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the inaugural session will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, making it longer to three days, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I hope that we host such events regularly,” Carl said. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a given year, in multiple places, and in different countries. The feedback has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I feel it would be amazing to be able to organize these in collaboration with big conventions.”