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.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I think a writing course spread out over weeks would be far more valuable to me. Not just better retention but also time for the ideas to sink in and have time to work through some of the ideas. I just don't see how valuable a single weekend can be.

This is basically a D&D version of a writer's retreat, with a comparable price tag and probable utility. It's basically a fun weekend for hobbyists who can afford the price tag.

 

[Clint_L]

This thread led me to their “Play D&D in a Castle” retreats and now I am pitching my spouse on a trip to England.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

This thread led me to their “Play D&D in a Castle” retreats and now I am pitching my spouse on a trip to England.

 

[jasper]

This is basically a D&D version of a writer's retreat, with a comparable price tag and probable utility. It's basically a fun weekend for hobbyists who can afford the price tag.

You stole my post from my brain. mind flayer. Mind Flayer. Mind flayer!

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

You stole my post from my brain. mind flayer. Mind Flayer. Mind flayer!

 

[EternalDungeonMaster]

Hard pass. You can get the same education for $40 worth of books on Amazon and a couple hours watching videos on YouTube.

 

[Ghal Maraz]

I find it ridiculous, mostly for the price tag (which was expected). But then, I find the whole "D&D in a Castle" shtick quite ridiculous, so I guess I'm not really into their target audience.

 

[aiouh]

I wonder if the "Seminar/University" Terminology is also partly for tax reasons. Some TTRPG enterpreneurs might claim it as a educational expense for their business. Then I wonder if there are any publishers or RPG employees which make enough to afford this. Could probably count them on one hand.

 

[MNblockhead]

I find it ridiculous, mostly for the price tag (which was expected). But then, I find the whole "D&D in a Castle" shtick quite ridiculous, so I guess I'm not really into their target audience.

I don't have much interest in a weekend of lectures on how to be a better game master. But there is/was a company in Minnesota that will run games in Victorian homes that they rent out. They have a number of adventures they've created and run and have fancy terrain and miniature set up. They also provide food and drink. They'll do birthday parties or mini, personal game "conventions" for groups. If I had more disposable income, I could see doing this. In a castle would be an even better ambiance. At my income level though, I'm just as happy getting together with friends for a game and potluck.

 

[Clint_L]

I wonder if the "Seminar/University" Terminology is also partly for tax reasons. Some TTRPG enterpreneurs might claim it as a educational expense for their business. Then I wonder if there are any publishers or RPG employees which make enough to afford this. Could probably count them on one hand.

It means that I could apply for professional development funding to cover part of it, since running the D&D Club is part of my job. But I ain't traveling to the US right now, so it'll have to wait.