Monte Cook and Keith Baker Will Lead Sessions at Dungeon Master University
Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters lead Dungeons & Dragons games in historic castles in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among forever DMs who infrequently find the chance to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from improv and puzzle design to managing conflicts at the table.
In response, the organizers began designing a structured way to address these questions, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.
“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces an in-person experience alongside other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and your fellow DMs likely in a similar position and seek to level up their game,” explained the program's dean.
Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers
Dungeon Masters can select tiers ranging from $995 to $2,500, depending on the level of access they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:
- Skill Building: Covers the basics of managing a session.
- Long-Term Game Planning: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
- Worldbuilding: Highlights the crafting of environments.
- Career Building: Aimed at dungeon masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.
Each course includes two days of classwork divided across 48 hours.
“The workshops are created so that you depart having immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These workshops that you can join, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the following week and implement in your local game.”
Professional Teachers
The majority of workshops are instructed by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is taught by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.
Professional development includes four different teachers, such as an author on gaming puzzles, Clint McElroy, and Hunter Fell. The expanded teaching staff is intended to provide specialized information to students with particular aims.
“Some of them aim to start their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, several want to publish and create new material,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”
Advanced Options
A fifteen hundred dollar enhanced option includes access to a welcome reception, a starter kit, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.
“One could practically host an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – I believe the formal instruction and the practical exercises is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”
The $2.5K premium option provides an hour of one-on-one time and the possibility to lead a session for several participants plus one of the faculty members, who will then offer feedback and coaching.
“The goal is for the instructor to evaluate whichever aspect is focused on: I have difficulty with improvisation or I encounter obstacles in certain battle scenarios. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Or maybe they want to receive input and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”
Next Steps
Input from the first event will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to three days, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.
“I anticipate that we conduct these frequently,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in multiple places, and in different countries. The reception has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in collaboration with big conventions.”