Keith Baker and Keith Baker Are Instructing Classes at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running immersive events where expert DMs run fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are highly favored among forever DMs who infrequently find the chance to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the coordinators began developing a organized method to address these questions, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is set for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that nothing compares to an in-person experience together with other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and other game masters likely in the same boat and seek to enhance their abilities,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

Dungeon Masters can select packages ranging from $995 to $2,500, based on the level of access they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:

• Core Techniques: Covers the fundamentals of managing a session.
• Story Arc Development: Focuses around crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
• Career Building: Designed for game masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

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

“The workshops are designed so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the following week and put into practice in your local game.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are instructed by duo of instructors. Universe creation is led by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, jointly leading the craft of setting creation.

Industry advancement features multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is designed to offer targeted guidance to students with particular aims.

“Various attendees aim to start their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, others plan to produce and write original content,” Carl stated. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Premium Packages

A $1,500 gold tier offers access to a welcome reception, a starter kit, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This represents the debut of the program, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their premium gatherings.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – In my opinion the structured learning and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option offers an hour of one-on-one time and the chance to lead a session for a small group plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The purpose is for the teacher to evaluate any element is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in specific fight encounters. May I present a scenario for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to receive input and information on a specific world that they’ve been developing.”

Next Steps

Input from the inaugural session will help determine upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I hope that we do this frequently,” Carl stated. “I would love to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in various locations, and in different countries. The feedback has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're quite pleased with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be amazing to be able to do this in partnership with large gatherings.”