Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Are Instructing Sessions at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters run Dungeons & Dragons games in historic castles in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. These all-inclusive trips are widely appreciated among career game masters who infrequently find the opportunity to participate as players themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began crafting a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is planned for the start of 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session together with other dungeon masters, where direct communication with seasoned educators and your peers likely in a similar position and aim to enhance their abilities,” stated Jason Carl.

Available Classes and Cost Levels

Dungeon Masters can opt for packages ranging from $995 to $2,500, depending on the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Covers the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Focuses around building persistent adventures.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Designed for dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.

All workshops includes two days of training divided across two days.

“The courses are structured so that you leave with tangible results, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can join, learn from, and then head back to your table the following week and apply in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are taught by duo of instructors. Setting design is led by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, jointly leading the skill of universe design.

Industry advancement features multiple instructors, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is designed to deliver focused advice to students with specific goals.

“Certain participants want to launch their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, some of them plan to produce and create new material,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Premium Packages

A $1.5K enhanced option provides access to a welcome reception, a welcome gift pack, and a half-hour consultation appointment with an instructor. This represents the debut of the program, though the team has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – I think the coursework 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 twenty-five hundred dollar top package offers an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to run a game for a small group plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The aim is for the teacher to assess whatever the DM is focused on: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. May I present a scenario for you and get feedback on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to get feedback and advice on a specific world that they’ve been building.”

Coming Developments

Input from the first event will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include adding more office hours, extending the program to three days, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we conduct these very often,” Carl stated. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The reception has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with current developments and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to do this in conjunction with major events.”