Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Are Teaching Classes at DMU

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters run fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the opportunity to participate as players themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from improv and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the creation of DMU. The first session is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on any topic and gain significant knowledge, but the idea was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session alongside peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and your fellow DMs who are probably in comparable situations and seek to enhance their abilities,” explained Jason Carl.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

Dungeon Masters can opt for options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes a choice of four workshops:

• Skill Building: Teaches the basics of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
• Career Building: Tailored to dungeon masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes two days of classwork split over 48 hours.

“The courses are structured so that you walk away with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then go right back home the week after and implement in your local game.”

Professional Teachers

Many sessions are taught by duo of instructors. Setting design is led by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Industry advancement includes multiple instructors, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is meant to provide specialized information to attendees with specific goals.

“Some of them aim to start their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, some of them plan to produce and write original content,” Carl explained. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Premium Packages

A fifteen hundred dollar enhanced option includes access to a welcome reception, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between campaigns at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on office hours for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the structured learning and the lab work is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar platinum tier offers an extended personal consultation and the possibility to lead a session for a small group plus a teacher, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The purpose is for the faculty member to review whichever aspect is focused on: I have difficulty with improvisation or I encounter obstacles in certain battle scenarios. May I present a scenario for you and receive input on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Alternatively they want to receive input and information on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”

Next Steps

Feedback from the inaugural session will help determine upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, extending the program to three days, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.

“I anticipate that we conduct these frequently,” Carl said. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a given year, in various locations, and in multiple countries. The response has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I believe it would be amazing to be able to organize these in partnership with large gatherings.”