Lilac Deppei

Beverly Manor

If you’re reading this, you’ve likely received a strange letter in the mail inviting you to Beverly Manor for tea soon. On the contrary, if you haven’t received any letter and are just researching the family out of some strange fascination or curiosity, I'd recommend you delete this tab and browsing history now. The Beverleys have connections and do not like their history known to outsiders– but they don’t mind their guests doing a bit of research prior to their visit.

You should feel at least a little honored. They don’t extend this invitation to very many.

Though it is a privilege to visit their manor, it’s natural to feel a bit nervous or worried- a healthy amount of fear is good, even. Fear and caution will help you maximize your chances of making it through the tea party without any immediate harm to you or anyone you bring along (if your letter mentioned a plus one).

This guide will also be filled with helpful tips and information for your stay.

Everybody’s letter is nearly uniform, but there is slight variation in how they are worded or presented: For example, the wax seals can be red or black- Red usually means that the guest has a better chance of survival during the visit itself, whereas Black means the danger is higher for that specific guest (though they usually have a better life following the visit, assuming they follow all the rules accordingly). Rare accounts of a gold seal have been noted as well, but those guests never follow up with accounts of their stay. The wording also changes, as stated before: One prominent and key detail is how the reader is addressed.

If you are cordially invited, you should show up in at least “office casual” level clothing- dress shirts and ties, simple dresses, etc.. though anything more fancy will not reflect poorly on your standing with them.

If you are formally invited, you should show up in a proper suit and tie / nicer dress, as if you’re attending a wedding or dance for example.

If you are just invited, you should show up in whatever typical outfit you would wear in your usual day to day life, whether it’s to work, school, etc. As stated before, anything more fancy than casual streetwear will not be reprimanded, of course.

If there is no mention of being invited at the beginning of the letter, follow the steps as if you were invited but do not actually enter the manor, even if invited in. Politely decline and leave the item/s you are otherwise expected to bring with you on the doorstep, and do not look back as you leave.

All guests should bring a bottle of or ingredients for a specific beverage with them, depending on the month that the letter arrives.

You will not necessarily be expected to drink any of these, it is more often than not regarded as a gift- but if you are offered a glass, you should politely accept no matter what your drinking habits are.

One thing that never changes about the letters is when they arrive- Always on the 7th of the month, inviting the reader over on the 28th, giving them exactly three weeks to prepare. In February, I recommend arriving an hour before the time listed on the invitation, as you will then be ushered to leave an hour earlier and therefore have a lower chance of having to witness the end of month cleaning rituals.

When you are offered the fated tea, accept it with grace. Take a sip, no matter how hot it is or how unpleasant the smell may be. Do not ask for honey, sugar, or milk- even if it is presented to you. Do not take a sip while any of the Beverleys are speaking to you, though if it’s a servant you will be fine. Make sure you finish the tea before the hour is up.

When they talk to you, and they will talk to you, answer their questions honestly and summarily. Even if they touch on sensitive topics, even if they bring up personal details about you, even if they tell you things about yourself that you didn’t even know, answer their questions. Do not ask them any questions in return, unless prompted– if so, go with safe, factual questions like “When was this manor built?” or “How long have you lived in this manor?” just be prepared for potentially uncomfortable answers.

Lastly, some basic advice and miscellaneous tips for your stay.

Do not explore the manor beyond where your hosts explicitly direct you, and especially avoid the second floor. Do not comment on the decor, no matter how compelled you may feel or how morbid it may appear. Signs of discomfort will be taken as hostility, so try to keep a good face on. If at any point you witness any of the hosts or servants brandishing axes or cleaning supplies, you have likely already broken one of the rules and it is too late. Gather your belongings and attempt to leave if you feel like prolonging your suffering, otherwise finish your tea and wait quietly for the ceremonies to commence.

And most importantly, do not just ignore the letter. As i've mentioned before, the Beverleys have many connections.. and besides, that would just be rude, wouldn't you agree?

#horror