D&D In a Castle Organizer to Launch D&D Dungeon Master University

The makers of D&D In a Castle is launching a new program - a seminar to help Dungeon Masters improve their skills. Tabletop Vacations is launching Dungeon Master University, with the first symposium (their words) launching in early 2026. This is an officially licensed D&D event, meaning that Dungeon Master University can use the logo and other D&D IP in their promotional work. Dungeon Master University will take place at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA.

Per the press release announcing the event, there will be four learning tracks spread out over two days. Tabletop Vacations will bring in "acclaimed Dungeon Masters, industry professionals, and seasoned storytellers" to run the various sessions.

The four tracks are as follows:

• Skill Building – Learn to run dynamic encounters, manage player behavior, and sharpen your improvisational instincts.
• Campaign Building – Design memorable story arcs layered with meaningful adventures, and learn the art of narrative pacing.
• World Building – Construct compelling settings, factions, lore, and ecosystems that bring your tabletop to life.
• Career Building – Explore the business of Dungeon Mastering with advice from professional DMs, streamers, writers, and content creators.

The first Dungeon Master University will take place January 2-3, 2026. Spots will be limited.

 

[Hero4HireUK]

You might want to include a link in case people want more info.

Got your back...

Dungeon Master University — D&D in a Castle

Jan. 2 - 3, 2026 Oglethorpe University

www.dndinacastle.com

 

[Hero4HireUK]

You might want to include a link in case people want more info.

Got your back...

Dungeon Master University — D&D in a Castle

Jan. 2 - 3, 2026 Oglethorpe University

www.dndinacastle.com

 

[MNblockhead]

I never would have started if my wife hadn't pushed me to give it a go after I left my law clerk job! The taboo of pay to play was baked into me at a young age

I never had that taboo, but I remember not long ago when discussions about paid GMs in EN World would get very heated. It is interesting how quickly, in only the past few years, there has been a significant change in tone. People will still express dislike, but I see almost no aggressive attacks on the concept or people these days. It was very different only a few years ago.

The fancy stuff is for me really, because I'm running online- like I said, I was already spending $$$ on maps etc for running online games before I went pro... It's because it helps keep me engaged. In person, I just use a wet erase mat and miniatures for combat (miniatures inspire me, it might be a tactile thing), but otherwise theater of the mind is king.
But for online, I need a certain "quality" of presentation for it to be interesting for me, because I'm not in the same room with the people and the people are a big thing for me, that social interaction. And while webcams help (I'm always on webcam), a lot of people don't like to be on camera.. and even when they are, it's not quite the same to me (though it helps). So I guess having cool maps and art and weather and line of sight helps fill in that gap.

The "quality of presentation" is where I would find myself jumping down a rabbit hole. The more cool effects, features, and tool added exponentially lead to possible technical issues. I'd be anxious about making sure everything goes smoothly. In my personal games I've pared things back more to basics so I can spend most of my prep time engaged with the content of the adventures and less on configuration and testing. My reasons for not trying paid DMing, either at a site like Start Playing or at conventions, is partly that I'm not entertaining (voices, etc.) the way that I think many paying players may expect, but mostly because I'm a lot less flexible in how I run games and the people I want to run games for than I am in the kinds of games and groups I'm happy to play with.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I never had that taboo, but I remember not long ago when discussions about paid GMs in EN World would get very heated. It is interesting how quickly, in only the past few years, there has been a significant change in tone. People will still express dislike, but I see almost no aggressive attacks on the concept or people these days. It was very different only a few years ago.

I think the pandemic and the surge in online play changed things.

 

[ThatOneGuy32448]

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[ThatOneGuy32448]

I wonder the price tag...

$995. $1500. $2250 depending on the tier.

Dungeon Master University — D&D in a Castle

Jan. 2 - 3, 2026 Oglethorpe University

www.dndinacastle.com