Keith Baker and Keith Baker Are Instructing Sessions at DMU
Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs lead Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the chance to actually play themselves, and they often seek advice from experts on topics ranging from improv and puzzle design to managing conflicts at the table.
In response, the planners began developing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of DMU. The first session is set for the start of 2026 at Oglethorpe University.
“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session together with other dungeon masters, where direct communication with faculty instructors and other game masters often in a similar position and also want to improve their skills,” noted Jason Carl.
Available Classes and Pricing Tiers
DMs can choose from packages ranging from just under $1,000 to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes selection from four classes:
- Foundational Skills: Teaches the fundamentals of managing a session.
- Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to building persistent adventures.
- Worldbuilding: Highlights the development of worlds.
- Professional Development: Designed for dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession.
Each course includes two days of training split over two days.
“The courses are structured so that you depart having tangible results, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can join, learn from, and then head back to your table the following week and apply in your local game.”
Seasoned Educators
Many sessions are instructed by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, both teaching the skill of universe design.
Industry advancement presents several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is intended to deliver focused advice to students with definite objectives.
“Some of them aim to start their own live gameplay show and display their adventures with the world, others plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”
Advanced Options
A fifteen hundred dollar enhanced option includes access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the inaugural DMU session, though the company has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.
“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I believe the structured learning and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I suspect it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”
The $2,500 premium option includes an extended personal consultation and the possibility to manage an adventure for a small group plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and guidance.
“The purpose is for the faculty member to review any element is interested in: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in specific fight encounters. Can I run a situation for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to receive input and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”
Next Steps
Input from the inaugural session will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl said that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to a longer period, or testing alternative workshop formats.
“I hope that we conduct these frequently,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a single year, in various locations, and in various nations. The feedback has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I think it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in collaboration with big conventions.”