Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Will Lead Sessions at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters lead fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in England and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is scheduled for early January 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the idea was that nothing compares to face-to-face interaction in the company of other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and other game masters likely in a similar position and aim to enhance their abilities,” explained Jason Carl.

Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers

DMs can select tiers ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, based on the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Focuses on the basics of leading a game.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
• Worldbuilding: Highlights the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Aimed at dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.

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

“The workshops are structured so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they go beyond recorded content. These workshops that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the week after and apply in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

The majority of workshops are led by two professors. Setting design is led by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the craft of setting creation.

Professional development includes four different teachers, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is intended to offer targeted guidance to attendees with definite objectives.

“Various attendees want to launch their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, others plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 premium package provides access to a introductory event, a starter kit, and a half-hour consultation appointment with an instructor. This represents the debut of the program, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – I think the structured learning and the practical exercises is extremely important – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option includes an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to manage an adventure for several participants plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The purpose is for the teacher to evaluate any element is concerned with: I have difficulty with improvisation or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. May I present a situation for you and get feedback on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl detailed. “Or maybe they want to receive input and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”

Coming Developments

Feedback from the first event will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to a longer period, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we conduct these frequently,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a given year, in different cities, and in different countries. The feedback has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with current developments and I think it would be amazing to be able to do this in conjunction with major events.”