Monte Cook and Monte Cook Are Instructing Classes at DMU

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting immersive events where professional dungeon masters lead Dungeons & Dragons games in historic castles in the UK and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began designing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The first session is scheduled for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the idea was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session together with other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and your peers often in comparable situations and aim to improve their skills,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Available Classes and Cost Levels

DMs can opt for packages ranging from $995 to $2,500, according to the level of access they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Covers the basics of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on building persistent adventures.
• Setting Creation: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Tailored to DMs who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes two days of training divided across two days.

“The courses are created so that you leave with usable skills, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they go beyond recorded content. These workshops that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the next week and put into practice in your local game.”

Expert Instructors

The majority of workshops are instructed by duo of instructors. Setting design is guided by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the skill of universe design.

Industry advancement features several experts, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The extra instructors is designed to provide specialized information to students with specific goals.

“Some of them plan to create their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, several aim to release and create new material,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Premium Packages

A $1.5K enhanced option offers access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This marks the debut of the program, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their immersive experiences.

“One could practically host an full two days just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl said. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – I believe the structured learning and the lab work is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2,500 top package includes an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to lead a session for several participants plus an instructor, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The aim is for the teacher to assess whatever the DM is concerned with: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in certain battle scenarios. May I present a situation for you and get feedback on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to get feedback and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Feedback from the debut workshop will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to a longer period, or trying out alternative workshop formats.

“I expect that we do this very often,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The reception has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to do this in collaboration with big conventions.”