The Fifth Envelope
Maison Varenne at night: a velvet gown, sealed invitation and a view of Paris.

The Fifth Envelope presents

House of Velvet

A 1986 Paris Fashion House Murder Mystery

An evening of couture, secrets and suspicion.

Not everything behind the velvet is as it seems…

10–12 Players 135–155 Min Gameplay Digital Download

Get the GameSee What’s Included
Maison Varenne at night: a velvet gown, sealed invitation and a view of Paris.
Continue the Story

The Story

Paris, 14 June 1986.

Maison Varenne is celebrating its 40th anniversary with an exclusive gala and the unveiling of Velours Noir, Lucien Varenne’s final collection.

Designers, models, patrons, journalists and figures from the house’s past gather for a night of couture, ambition and carefully guarded secrets.

But behind the glamour, old rivalries are resurfacing, loyalties are being tested and the history of Maison Varenne may not be as immaculate as it appears.

Before the evening is over, the celebration will become a murder investigation — and everyone in the room will have something to explain.

An evening of couture, secrets and suspicion. Not everything behind the velvet is as it seems…

Inside the Envelope

Everything you need for the night.

Explore a selection of spoiler-safe materials from inside the game.

Preview the materials

Invitation

01 / 07

Invitation to the Maison Varenne 40th anniversary gala.

Invitation

What’s Included

Everything is already planned.

Everything you need for a complete murder mystery evening, from assigning the cast and preparing Maison Varenne to investigating three rounds of evidence and reaching the final reveal.

Includes both Premium Colour and Printer-Friendly editions.

  1. Start Here Guide

    Quick setup, print guidance, game-night flow and a clear map of the included files.

  2. Host Guide + Checklist

    Complete guidance for preparing and running the mystery while still allowing the host to play, plus a streamlined preparation and game-night checklist.

  3. Character Assignment Guide

    Helps the host assign the 10 core characters plus the optional 11th and 12th roles without opening private character materials.

  4. Atmosphere + Menu Guides

    Ideas for creating the Maison Varenne / 1986 Paris fashion-house setting, with themed food and drink inspiration for the evening.

  5. 12 Spoiler-Free Character Introductions

    Individual introductions that can be sent to guests before the party without revealing confidential game information.

  6. Private Character Round Files

    Complete Round 1, Round 2 and Round 3 instructions, secrets and character information for all 12 roles.

  7. Investigation Evidence

    Three staged rounds of investigative material, including player-count-specific evidence for 10, 11 or 12 players.

  8. 5 Interactive Audio Exhibits

    Audio A1–A5 accessed by QR code, each with a complete written transcript so the mystery remains fully playable without audio.

  9. Player Aids

    Supporting investigation materials designed to help guests follow evidence and work through the mystery.

  10. Final Reveal

    The complete solution and conclusion to bring the investigation to its final reveal.

  11. Party Printables

    Printable invitation, character name cards, envelope labels, menu, awards and Maison Varenne welcome sign.

  12. Two Complete Print Editions

    Premium Colour materials plus a full Printer-Friendly edition with matching low-ink versions of the game materials.

  • 10–12

    Players

  • 135–155 Min

    Game Time

  • 3–3.5 Hours

    Full Evening

  • 3

    Investigation Rounds

How It Works

From couture gala to final accusation.

Choose your player count, assign the characters, prepare the required materials and guide the group through three structured rounds before the final accusation.

  1. Prepare the Evening

    Choose your player count, assign the characters, prepare the required materials and test the optional audio exhibits before your guests arrive.

  2. Introduce the Cast

    Send each guest their spoiler-free Character Introduction before the event if you choose. The 10 core characters are always used, with additional roles included for 11- and 12-player games.

  3. Investigate

    Guide the group through three structured rounds of private character information, evidence and audio exhibits. New information is released stage by stage as secrets surface, stories collide and the investigation deepens.

  4. Accuse & Reveal

    Every player or team submits a final accusation before the solution is opened. Then reveal the complete truth, play the final audio exhibit if desired and discover how closely the group reconstructed the case.

Made for the Occasion

However you choose to host it.

Dress it up with dinner and cocktails, keep it simple with drinks and snacks, or make the mystery the entire evening. House of Velvet is designed to work around the kind of night you want to host.

  1. Dinner Parties

    Dress it up with dinner and cocktails.

  2. Murder Mystery Nights

    Make the mystery the entire evening.

  3. Fashion-Themed Evenings

    House of Velvet is designed to work around the kind of night you want to host.

  4. Game Nights

    Keep it simple with drinks and snacks.

  5. Special Evenings with Friends

    House of Velvet is designed to work around the kind of night you want to host.

A formal dinner is completely optional.

FAQ

Before the gala begins.

Everything you need to know before hosting your night at Maison Varenne.

The gala awaits

Not everything behind the velvet is as it seems.

Bring House of Velvet to your next gathering and turn an ordinary evening into a night of couture, secrets and suspicion.

Get the Game

Digital product · 10–12 players · Host can play

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