Keith Baker and Keith Baker Will Lead Workshops at Dungeon Master Academy

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters lead fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among career game masters who rarely get the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a structured way to address these questions, which led to the establishment of DMU. The first session is scheduled for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session in the company of other dungeon masters, where direct communication with faculty instructors and your fellow DMs likely in a similar position and aim to enhance their abilities,” noted Jason Carl.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

Dungeon Masters can opt for tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Core Techniques: Covers the basics of leading a game.
• Campaign Building: Focuses around crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Industry Advancement: Designed for game masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

All workshops includes two days of training split over a weekend.

“The workshops are created so that you depart having usable skills, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” 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 following week and implement in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are led by duo of instructors. Universe creation is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, jointly leading the craft of setting creation.

Professional development features several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is meant to deliver focused advice to attendees with definite objectives.

“Various attendees aim to start 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. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at something like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K gold tier provides access to a welcome reception, a starter kit, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their immersive experiences.

“One could practically host an complete event just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the structured learning and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 top package includes an 60-minute private session and the possibility to manage an adventure for several participants plus an instructor, who will then offer feedback and guidance.

“The aim is for the instructor to assess any element is interested in: I struggle with improv or I feel stuck in specific fight encounters. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the inaugural session will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that possible changes could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to a longer period, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we do this very often,” Carl said. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in different cities, and in various nations. The reception has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with current developments and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in partnership with big conventions.”