Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Are Instructing Sessions at Dungeon Master University
Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing immersive events where expert DMs manage fantasy roleplaying games in historic castles in the UK and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often seek advice from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.
In response, the organizers began crafting a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is set for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.
“There are countless online tutorials on almost every theme and acquire valuable insights, but the idea was that nothing compares to an in-person experience in the company of peers in game mastering, where there’s live engagement with faculty instructors and other game masters often in the same boat and aim to enhance their abilities,” stated the program's dean.
Course Offerings and Cost Levels
Game masters can choose from packages ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:
- Skill Building: Covers the essentials of running D&D.
- Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
- Universe Design: Highlights the development of worlds.
- Career Building: Tailored to game masters who aim to explore more about the roleplaying business.
Every class includes multiple sessions of training divided across two days.
“The workshops are created so that you leave with usable skills, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the following week and implement in your home campaign.”
Seasoned Educators
Many sessions are taught by two professors. Worldbuilding is guided by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the craft of setting creation.
Professional development includes several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is meant to offer targeted guidance to students with definite objectives.
“Some of them want to launch their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, others want to publish and write original content,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Can anyone do it?”
Advanced Options
A $1.5K premium package provides access to a introductory event, a welcome gift pack, and a half-hour consultation appointment with an instructor. This marks 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 consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – I think the formal instruction and the practical exercises is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”
The $2,500 platinum tier offers an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to run a game for several participants plus a teacher, who will then give comments and instruction.
“The goal is for the teacher to review whichever aspect is focused on: I struggle with improv or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scene for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to receive input and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”
Future Plans
Responses from the inaugural session will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to three days, or experimenting with different seminar structures.
“I hope that we host such events very often,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a given year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The response has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in collaboration with major events.”
