Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Are Instructing Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing immersive events where expert DMs lead Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the chance to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of DMU. The inaugural event is scheduled for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“You can watch thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience together with fellow DMs, where direct communication with expert teachers and other game masters often in a similar position and also want to improve their skills,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

DMs can choose from options ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the level of access they desire with the experts. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Focuses on the essentials of managing a session.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Tailored to dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.

Each course includes multiple sessions of classwork split over two days.

“The courses are designed so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the week after and apply in your home campaign.”

Expert Instructors

The majority of workshops are led by a pair of experts. Setting design is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development presents several experts, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is meant to provide specialized information to students with specific goals.

“Various attendees plan to create their own real-play series and present their narratives with the world, several plan to produce and create new material,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, What's the path to be a DM at something like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K gold tier provides access to a welcome reception, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the debut of the program, though the company has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – I believe the formal instruction and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 top package offers an extended personal consultation and the possibility to manage an adventure for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then offer feedback and guidance.

“The purpose is for the instructor to evaluate any element is concerned with: I struggle with improv or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. May I present a scenario for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Or maybe they want to obtain critique and information on a specific world that they’ve been creating.”

Coming Developments

Input from the inaugural session will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that possible changes could include adding more office hours, extending the program to 72 hours, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we host such events regularly,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a given year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The feedback has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I believe it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in conjunction with big conventions.”