Monte Cook and Monte Cook Are Instructing Classes at Dungeon Master Academy

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters run Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among forever DMs who seldom have the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began developing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is planned for early January 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“There are numerous digital guides on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session alongside other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and other game masters likely in comparable situations and also want to level up their game,” noted the program's dean.

Course Offerings and Pricing Tiers

DMs can choose from tiers ranging from $995 to $2.5K, depending on the level of access they desire with the professionals. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Tailored to game masters who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.

Every class includes two days of training divided across two days.

“The courses are created so that you walk away with tangible results, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl said. “It's more than presentations and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can attend, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the following week and put into practice in your regular session.”

Professional Teachers

Many sessions are taught by two professors. Worldbuilding is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development features several experts, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is intended to provide specialized information to participants with definite objectives.

“Various attendees plan to create their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, others plan to produce and create new material,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K premium package includes access to a opening gathering, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.

“One could practically host an complete event just on office hours for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – I believe the formal instruction and the lab work is extremely important – but I suspect it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option includes an hour of one-on-one time and the opportunity to manage an adventure for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The aim is for the faculty member to review whatever the DM is concerned with: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in specific fight encounters. May I present a situation for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and guidance on a specific world that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Responses from the inaugural session will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl suggested that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to three days, or trying out alternative workshop formats.

“I expect that we host such events regularly,” Carl said. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in various locations, and in different countries. The reception has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with current developments and I believe it would be fantastic to be able to organize these in collaboration with major events.”