Keith Baker and Keith Baker Are Instructing Workshops at DMU

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters lead fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are widely appreciated among forever DMs who rarely get the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often seek advice from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began developing a organized method to address these questions, which led to the founding of DMU. The first session is planned for the start of 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“You can watch thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces an in-person experience in the company of other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and other game masters who are probably in comparable situations and also want to enhance their abilities,” stated Jason Carl.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

Dungeon Masters can choose from tiers ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Covers the essentials of managing a session.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.

Every class includes two days of training split over a weekend.

“The courses are designed so that you depart having tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can participate in, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the week after and put into practice in your regular session.”

Professional Teachers

The majority of workshops are led by duo of instructors. Universe creation is taught by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development includes four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is designed to provide specialized information to attendees with definite objectives.

“Certain participants want to launch their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, others aim to release and write original content,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 premium package provides access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their premium gatherings.

“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – I believe the structured learning and the practical exercises is too valuable – but I suspect it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2,500 top package includes an extended personal consultation and the chance to manage an adventure for five players plus an instructor, who will then offer feedback and instruction.

“The goal is for the faculty member to review any element is concerned with: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scenario for you and get feedback on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to receive input and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Future Plans

Input from the inaugural session will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that possible changes could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to a longer period, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I expect that we do this very often,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in various locations, and in different countries. The reception has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be amazing to be able to organize these in partnership with major events.”