Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Will Lead Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters manage D&D games in historic castles in England and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among forever DMs who seldom have the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began developing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The first session is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the idea was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session in the company of fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and your fellow DMs who are probably in a similar position and also want to level up their game,” stated Jason Carl.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

DMs can opt for tiers ranging from $995 to $2.5K, according to the level of access they desire with the experts. The base tier includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Covers the fundamentals of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Focuses around building persistent adventures.
• Worldbuilding: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Industry Advancement: Tailored to dungeon masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

Each course includes two days of instruction spread over a weekend.

“The workshops are structured so that you leave with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they’re not just static videos. These workshops that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the week after and put into practice in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are instructed by a pair of experts. Setting design is guided by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the craft of setting creation.

Industry advancement includes several experts, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is intended to provide specialized information to students with particular aims.

“Some of them plan to create their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, several want to publish and write original content,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, What's the path to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? Which abilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Premium Packages

A $1.5K gold tier provides access to a introductory event, a starter kit, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between game sessions at their immersive experiences.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for professional dungeon masters,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of everybody’s time – I think the structured learning and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2,500 platinum tier includes an 60-minute private session and the chance to manage an adventure for several participants plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and guidance.

“The goal is for the instructor to assess whatever the DM is focused on: I have difficulty with improv or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scene for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Next Steps

Responses from the debut workshop will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to a longer period, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I hope that we host such events very often,” Carl said. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The reception has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I believe it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in collaboration with major events.”