Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Are Instructing Workshops at DMU
Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters run fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the moment to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.
In response, the planners began crafting a structured way to address these questions, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.
“You can watch numerous digital guides on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the idea was that nothing compares to an in-person experience together with other dungeon masters, where direct communication with seasoned educators and your peers who are probably in a similar position and seek to enhance their abilities,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.
Workshop Options and Ticket Packages
Game masters can select options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, based on the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:
- Core Techniques: Covers the essentials of leading a game.
- Story Arc Development: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
- Universe Design: Highlights the crafting of environments.
- Career Building: Tailored to DMs who want to learn more about the gaming industry.
Every class includes multiple sessions of instruction divided across 48 hours.
“The classes are designed so that you walk away with tangible results, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These are sessions that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the week after and apply in your local game.”
Expert Instructors
Many sessions are taught by a pair of experts. Setting design is led by an industry veteran and Keith Baker, jointly leading the skill of universe design.
Professional development presents four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is intended to provide specialized information to participants with definite objectives.
“Various attendees plan to create their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, some of them want to publish and create new material,” Carl stated. “Some just want to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”
Premium Packages
A $1.5K premium package offers access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This represents the debut of the program, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between game sessions at their immersive experiences.
“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the coursework and the lab work is extremely important – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”
The $2.5K top package offers an 60-minute private session and the chance to lead a session for a small group plus an instructor, who will then offer feedback and coaching.
“The purpose is for the teacher to evaluate any element is focused on: I struggle with improv or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scene for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and information on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”
Next Steps
Input from the debut workshop will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that likely modifications could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to three days, or trying out different seminar structures.
“I expect that we host such events regularly,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in various locations, and in different countries. The response has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in collaboration with big conventions.”
