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

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs run fantasy roleplaying games in historic castles in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are highly favored among forever DMs who rarely get the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“You can watch numerous digital guides on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that nothing compares to face-to-face interaction alongside fellow DMs, where direct communication with seasoned educators and other game masters who are probably in the same boat and aim to enhance their abilities,” noted Jason Carl.

Available Classes and Pricing Tiers

Game masters can opt for tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, based on the degree of interaction they desire with the experts. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Foundational Skills: Focuses on the basics of leading a game.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
• Career Building: Tailored to DMs who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business.

Every class includes eight hours of classwork divided across 48 hours.

“The courses are designed so that you leave with tangible results, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can attend, learn from, and then return to your group the week after and apply in your home campaign.”

Expert Instructors

Many sessions are led by duo of instructors. Worldbuilding is led by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the craft of setting creation.

Professional development features multiple instructors, such as an author on gaming puzzles, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is intended to provide specialized information to attendees with definite objectives.

“Various attendees want to launch their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, some of them aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 gold tier provides access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This marks the debut of the program, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their castle events.

“You could almost run an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I believe the formal instruction and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar top package provides an extended personal consultation and the chance to run a game for five players plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and guidance.

“The goal is for the teacher to review whatever the DM is interested in: I struggle with improvisation or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. May I present a situation for you and get feedback on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Coming Developments

Input from the debut workshop will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to three days, or testing alternative workshop formats.

“I anticipate that we conduct these regularly,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in partnership with major events.”