Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Will Lead Sessions at DMU

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing immersive events where professional dungeon masters lead fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in England and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among forever DMs who rarely get the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from improv and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the organizers began developing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is planned for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session alongside other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and other game masters often in comparable situations and seek to improve their skills,” noted the program's dean.

Available Classes and Pricing Tiers

Dungeon Masters can opt for packages ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the experts. The starting package includes one of four courses:

• Skill Building: Covers the fundamentals of leading a game.
• Campaign Building: Focuses around crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Tailored to DMs who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes two days of training spread over 48 hours.

“The classes are designed so that you walk away with usable skills, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can join, absorb insights from, and then go right back home the week after and put into practice in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

Many sessions are led by duo of instructors. Universe creation is guided by an industry veteran and Keith Baker, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Professional development presents multiple instructors, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is designed to offer targeted guidance to students with particular aims.

“Some of them plan to create their own real-play series and present their narratives with the world, several want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Several only seek to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Advanced Options

A $1.5K gold tier offers access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the company has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between campaigns at their castle events.

“You could almost run an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – I think the structured learning and the lab work is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2.5K top package provides an hour of one-on-one time and the possibility to run a game for five players plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and coaching.

“The goal is for the faculty member to evaluate any element is interested in: I have difficulty with improv or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. Can I run a scenario for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to receive input and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been developing.”

Next Steps

Input from the first event will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to three days, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we conduct these frequently,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a single year, in multiple places, and in multiple countries. The reception has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in partnership with major events.”