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The people described as bohemians include writers,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Buy_drinks_for_writers|Buy drinks for writers|Fallen London|}} ''"Buy drinks for writers"''</ref> painters,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Genre_Painter|The Genre Painter|Fallen London|}} ''"The Genre Painter is renowned by London's bohemians [...]"''</ref> musicians,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Visit_your_acquaintance,_the_Sardonic_Music-Hall_Singer|Visit your acquaintance, the Sardonic Music-Hall Singer|Fallen London|}} ''"Visit your acquaintance, the Sardonic Music-Hall Singer"''</ref> actors,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_evening_with_a_Regal_Actress|An evening with a Regal Actress|Fallen London|}} ''"An evening with a Regal Actress"''</ref> sculptors,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Bohemian_Sculptress|Bohemian Sculptress|Fallen London|}} ''"Bohemian Sculptress"''</ref> models,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_Admirer_of_Beauty_-|An Admirer of Beauty -|Fallen London|}} ''"Bohemian SculptressYou've enjoyed a close and cherished friendship with a Struggling Artist's Model"''</ref> and other artists and performers. They typically live modestly; after all, making a living as an artist is difficult, even if the "starving artist" archetype carries its own romance.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Demi-Monde:_Bohemians|The Demi-Monde: Bohemians|Fallen London|}} ''"Writers, actors, musicians, painters and other reprobates. There is a certain glamour in attic and gutter, but surely there are better ways to make a living."''</ref> Some are infamous for their eccentric behavior, though many others only want wine and payment for their trouble.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Arrange_a_particularly_Neathy_tableau|Arrange a particularly Neathy tableau|Fallen London|}} ''"The Indecisive Painter wishes to sketch London life at its eeriest. He has an infamous reputation for being difficult to work with however; you'll need to bribe the models."''</ref> The bohemians of [[London]] typically congregate at [[Veilgarden]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Veilgarden|Veilgarden|Fallen London|}} ''"A haunt of poets [...]"''</ref> while the more famous perform at [[Mahogany Hall]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mahogany_Hall_(Gaining_Access)|Mahogany Hall (Gaining Access)|Fallen London|}} ''"The mesmeric marvels of Mahogany Hall are famed throughout Fallen London. [...] Boasting one of the most prestigious stages in all the city, Mahogany Hall is home to seances, illusions, acrobatics and even, on occasion, vaudeville."''</ref> The most accomplished artists may be invited to present at the [[Shuttered Palace]] itself:<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/With_unmitigated_joy|With unmitigated joy|Fallen London|}} ''" Your talents have been imperially recognized! Hold nothing of your delight back."''</ref> staging a play for the [[Empress]] is the apex of many artists' careers,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_polite_tap_on_the_shoulder|A polite tap on the shoulder|Fallen London|}} ''"Your early works impressed the Empress, and she doesn't even like mushrooms. So, get to it, would you? We can't wait to see what you come up with."''</ref> though they dare not displease her unless they want to take a trip to the [[Tomb-Colonies]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_heavyweight_epic_mocking_the_Empress|A heavyweight epic mocking the Empress|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] A cannibalistic fiend, who sold her divine lands and now feasts on her children. [...] All eyes turn to the Empress. Offended? [...] She is in a beetroot-tinted, pop-eyed apoplexy. [...] the mob bays for your blood."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Before_you_go|Before you go|Fallen London|}} ''"I'm sure I can secure a position for you in the colonies [...]"''</ref> The artists of the Neath are not restricted to London: they also form communities in places like [[Helicon House]]<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Gain_entry_as_an_old_friend_to_the_Bohemians|Gain entry as an old friend to the Bohemians|Fallen London|}} ''"Gain entry as an old friend to the Bohemians"''</ref> and the town of Crathie near [[Balmoral]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Crathie|Crathie|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the distillery, now converted into a centre for crafts and the arts."''</ref> | The people described as bohemians include writers,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Buy_drinks_for_writers|Buy drinks for writers|Fallen London|}} ''"Buy drinks for writers"''</ref> painters,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Genre_Painter|The Genre Painter|Fallen London|}} ''"The Genre Painter is renowned by London's bohemians [...]"''</ref> musicians,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Visit_your_acquaintance,_the_Sardonic_Music-Hall_Singer|Visit your acquaintance, the Sardonic Music-Hall Singer|Fallen London|}} ''"Visit your acquaintance, the Sardonic Music-Hall Singer"''</ref> actors,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_evening_with_a_Regal_Actress|An evening with a Regal Actress|Fallen London|}} ''"An evening with a Regal Actress"''</ref> sculptors,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Bohemian_Sculptress|Bohemian Sculptress|Fallen London|}} ''"Bohemian Sculptress"''</ref> models,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_Admirer_of_Beauty_-|An Admirer of Beauty -|Fallen London|}} ''"Bohemian SculptressYou've enjoyed a close and cherished friendship with a Struggling Artist's Model"''</ref> and other artists and performers. They typically live modestly; after all, making a living as an artist is difficult, even if the "starving artist" archetype carries its own romance.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Demi-Monde:_Bohemians|The Demi-Monde: Bohemians|Fallen London|}} ''"Writers, actors, musicians, painters and other reprobates. There is a certain glamour in attic and gutter, but surely there are better ways to make a living."''</ref> Some are infamous for their eccentric behavior, though many others only want wine and payment for their trouble.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Arrange_a_particularly_Neathy_tableau|Arrange a particularly Neathy tableau|Fallen London|}} ''"The Indecisive Painter wishes to sketch London life at its eeriest. He has an infamous reputation for being difficult to work with however; you'll need to bribe the models."''</ref> The bohemians of [[London]] typically congregate at [[Veilgarden]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Veilgarden|Veilgarden|Fallen London|}} ''"A haunt of poets [...]"''</ref> while the more famous perform at [[Mahogany Hall]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mahogany_Hall_(Gaining_Access)|Mahogany Hall (Gaining Access)|Fallen London|}} ''"The mesmeric marvels of Mahogany Hall are famed throughout Fallen London. [...] Boasting one of the most prestigious stages in all the city, Mahogany Hall is home to seances, illusions, acrobatics and even, on occasion, vaudeville."''</ref> The most accomplished artists may be invited to present at the [[Shuttered Palace]] itself:<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/With_unmitigated_joy|With unmitigated joy|Fallen London|}} ''" Your talents have been imperially recognized! Hold nothing of your delight back."''</ref> staging a play for the [[Empress]] is the apex of many artists' careers,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_polite_tap_on_the_shoulder|A polite tap on the shoulder|Fallen London|}} ''"Your early works impressed the Empress, and she doesn't even like mushrooms. So, get to it, would you? We can't wait to see what you come up with."''</ref> though they dare not displease her unless they want to take a trip to the [[Tomb-Colonies]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_heavyweight_epic_mocking_the_Empress|A heavyweight epic mocking the Empress|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] A cannibalistic fiend, who sold her divine lands and now feasts on her children. [...] All eyes turn to the Empress. Offended? [...] She is in a beetroot-tinted, pop-eyed apoplexy. [...] the mob bays for your blood."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Before_you_go|Before you go|Fallen London|}} ''"I'm sure I can secure a position for you in the colonies [...]"''</ref> The artists of the Neath are not restricted to London: they also form communities in places like [[Helicon House]]<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Gain_entry_as_an_old_friend_to_the_Bohemians|Gain entry as an old friend to the Bohemians|Fallen London|}} ''"Gain entry as an old friend to the Bohemians"''</ref> and the town of Crathie near [[Balmoral]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Crathie|Crathie|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the distillery, now converted into a centre for crafts and the arts."''</ref> | ||
[[File:Bloodstain.png|alt=A bloodstain.|thumb|Bleed for your art.]] | [[File:Bloodstain.png|alt=A bloodstain.|thumb|Bleed for your art.]] | ||
The [[Neath]] opens up all sorts of avenues for artistic expression and innovation. These possibilities may be as simple as incorporating mushrooms into one's clothing<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sporing_Bonnet|Sporing Bonnet|Fallen London|}} ''"Are those really mushrooms? If they are, why do they whisper so?"''</ref> or painting Neathy landscapes and subjects.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Upper_River_Artistry|Upper River Artistry|Fallen London|}} ''"The more Nocturnalist Bohemians have taken a liking to Ealing Gardens. [...] some indulge in lifelike portraiture of Rubbery subjects; some simply paint landscapes of the vista from Aescwine Hill."''</ref> But some artists prefer riskier endeavors, like incorporating the [[Correspondence]] in their music, or using the fact that [[death]] is impermanent to stage performances with ''visceral'' realism.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Find_volunteers_willing_to_suffer_for_art|Find volunteers willing to suffer for art|Fallen London|}} ''"A Morbid Playwright has founded a movement to examine realism in theatre by staging actual deaths. The players recover after, of course; but most don't make it through rehearsals."''</ref> Some artists go beyond eccentric and into the realm of genuinely threatening; one such group are the [[The Set|Set]], who pilot the deadly zubmarine called the ''[[The Irrepressible|Irrepressible]]'' near the [[Gant Pole]].<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/A_Zubmarine_surfaces!#Story_description|A Zubmarine surfaces!#Story description|Sunless Sea|}} ''"The Irrepressible! The legendary vessel of the Pianolist! [...] a musical voice echoes in the dark [...] You have betrayers on board, of a Set untimely scattered. We would witness our betrayers taste betrayal. [...] Will you yield them to us?" The breezy musical voice shifts to the minor key. "Your immediate response is politely demanded.""''</ref> | The [[Neath]] opens up all sorts of avenues for artistic expression and innovation. These possibilities may be as simple as incorporating mushrooms into one's clothing<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sporing_Bonnet|Sporing Bonnet|Fallen London|}} ''"Are those really mushrooms? If they are, why do they whisper so?"''</ref> or painting Neathy landscapes and subjects.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Upper_River_Artistry|Upper River Artistry|Fallen London|}} ''"The more Nocturnalist Bohemians have taken a liking to Ealing Gardens. [...] some indulge in lifelike portraiture of Rubbery subjects; some simply paint landscapes of the vista from Aescwine Hill."''</ref> But some artists prefer riskier endeavors, like incorporating the [[Correspondence]] in their music,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Somewhat_challenging_music|Somewhat challenging music|Fallen London|}} ''" The Correspondence is not meant for human voices. Neither is it meant for musical instruments, but that's not going to stop you."''</ref> or using the fact that [[death]] is impermanent to stage performances with ''visceral'' realism.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Find_volunteers_willing_to_suffer_for_art|Find volunteers willing to suffer for art|Fallen London|}} ''"A Morbid Playwright has founded a movement to examine realism in theatre by staging actual deaths. The players recover after, of course; but most don't make it through rehearsals."''</ref> Some artists go beyond eccentric and into the realm of genuinely threatening; one such group are the [[The Set|Set]], who pilot the deadly zubmarine called the ''[[The Irrepressible|Irrepressible]]'' near the [[Gant Pole]].<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/A_Zubmarine_surfaces!#Story_description|A Zubmarine surfaces!#Story description|Sunless Sea|}} ''"The Irrepressible! The legendary vessel of the Pianolist! [...] a musical voice echoes in the dark [...] You have betrayers on board, of a Set untimely scattered. We would witness our betrayers taste betrayal. [...] Will you yield them to us?" The breezy musical voice shifts to the minor key. "Your immediate response is politely demanded.""''</ref> | ||
In the ''Sunless Skies'' timeline, artists have continued to form communities in places like [[Titania]]<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.fandom.com/wiki/Titania#Valentine_Square|Valentine Square|Sunless Skies|}} ''"An enclave of Bohemians have made it their home, seeking inspiration in the wildness of the Reach."''</ref> and [[Caduceus]].<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.fandom.com/wiki/Caduceus#The_Place_of_the_Rose|Write a Port Report|Sunless Skies|}} ''"Poets and musicians write rhapsodies on roses that never appear. [...] Poets whisper to you of rites performed by the Thorn Maiden, of sunlight somehow brought into Eleutheria, of revels done when the roses fall."''</ref>. Artistic tastes have shifted to account for the new environment of the [[High Wilderness]],<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.fandom.com/wiki/Origin:_Poet#Obtaining|The Celestials|Sunless Skies|}} ''"In Old London, they wrote nostalgically of the Surface and the Sun. Now, they write of the Stars, and the Treasures of Heaven."''</ref> and the '''Sovereign School''' was recently founded in the courts of [[Her Renewed Majesty]]. This school of art is patriotic and draws inspiration from the passage of time, such as clocks, hourglasses, or seasons. The Empress' own children support this school, and its artists find it easy to obtain sponsorship and aim to impress the Empress herself.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.fandom.com/wiki/Origin:_Poet#Obtaining|The Sovereign School|Sunless Skies|}} ''"A new tradition, born in the Empress' Court. Their works are patriotic, [...] occupied with the iconography of time: clocks and seasons and sand and so forth. Members of the Sovereign School can find wealthy patrons. The dream is to catch the attention of the Empress herself. Some of her own children are luminaries of the school."''</ref> | In the ''Sunless Skies'' timeline, artists have continued to form communities in places like [[Titania]]<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.fandom.com/wiki/Titania#Valentine_Square|Valentine Square|Sunless Skies|}} ''"An enclave of Bohemians have made it their home, seeking inspiration in the wildness of the Reach."''</ref> and [[Caduceus]].<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.fandom.com/wiki/Caduceus#The_Place_of_the_Rose|Write a Port Report|Sunless Skies|}} ''"Poets and musicians write rhapsodies on roses that never appear. [...] Poets whisper to you of rites performed by the Thorn Maiden, of sunlight somehow brought into Eleutheria, of revels done when the roses fall."''</ref>. Artistic tastes have shifted to account for the new environment of the [[High Wilderness]],<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.fandom.com/wiki/Origin:_Poet#Obtaining|The Celestials|Sunless Skies|}} ''"In Old London, they wrote nostalgically of the Surface and the Sun. Now, they write of the Stars, and the Treasures of Heaven."''</ref> and the '''Sovereign School''' was recently founded in the courts of [[Her Renewed Majesty]]. This school of art is patriotic and draws inspiration from the passage of time, such as clocks, hourglasses, or seasons. The Empress' own children support this school, and its artists find it easy to obtain sponsorship and aim to impress the Empress herself.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.fandom.com/wiki/Origin:_Poet#Obtaining|The Sovereign School|Sunless Skies|}} ''"A new tradition, born in the Empress' Court. Their works are patriotic, [...] occupied with the iconography of time: clocks and seasons and sand and so forth. Members of the Sovereign School can find wealthy patrons. The dream is to catch the attention of the Empress herself. Some of her own children are luminaries of the school."''</ref> | ||
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<blockquote>''"Without fail, each of these bores credit a muse: a friend who pulled them out of dreams, and thrust them into the limelight. You, of course, have no need of such assistance. But what could such a friend do with your already prodigious talents?"''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Gifts_from_your_Friends|Gifts from your Friends|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote> | <blockquote>''"Without fail, each of these bores credit a muse: a friend who pulled them out of dreams, and thrust them into the limelight. You, of course, have no need of such assistance. But what could such a friend do with your already prodigious talents?"''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Gifts_from_your_Friends|Gifts from your Friends|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote> | ||
[[File:Bohemiansculptress.png|alt=A woman wearing a unique hat made of mushrooms.|thumb|[[The Bohemian Sculptress]]]] | [[File:Bohemiansculptress.png|alt=A woman wearing a unique hat made of mushrooms.|thumb|[[The Bohemian Sculptress]]]] | ||
In addition to more familiar substances like laudanum<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Laudanum!|Laudanum!|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/ | In addition to more familiar substances like laudanum and alcohol,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Laudanum!|Laudanum!|Fallen London|}} ''"You will probably write nonsense under the influence of laudanum. At least it may be saleable nonsense."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Steal_a_painting_from_a_struggling_artist|Steal a painting from a struggling artist|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the artist is... still painting. It seems that this fellow likes to paint when drunk, and you have to admit he's not bad."''</ref> London's bohemians are infamous for their use of [[Prisoner's Honey]], as honey-dreams are an excellent source of inspiration.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Honey!|Honey!|Fallen London|}} ''"Prisoner's Honey might help with your ideas, [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Outshine_them_all|Outshine them all|Fallen London|}} ''""Prisoner's Honey," he shouts. "The poet's finest friend. You should try it.""''</ref> Some venture further and draw inspiration from [[Parabola]] itself. These include the [[The Bohemian Sculptress|Bohemian Sculptress]], who uses the dream-energies of the [[Viric Jungle]] to find inspiration for her work,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Inspire_the_Bohemian_Sculptress|Inspire the Bohemian Sculptress|Fallen London|}} ''"She has a commission that is causing her trouble. She has retreated to Parabola for inspiration."''</ref> and the performers of the Mirrored Salon at [[Helicon House]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discovered:_the_Mirrored_Salon|Discovered: the Mirrored Salon|Fallen London|}} ''"You have learned of another place inside Helicon House where the Bohemians seek the inspiration of Parabola."''</ref> Artists may also cross paths with the [[Fingerkings]], and may end up possessed either inadvertently<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Your_Salon:_invite_Silas_the_Showman_as_a_guest_of_honour|Your Salon: invite Silas the Showman as a guest of honour|Fallen London|}} ''"Silas is a surprise. He arrives gravely sober, in immaculate evening-dress. He conducts an hour-long lecture on the wars of the Fourth City [...] The next day, he calls on you to apologise for missing the Salon. You are confused. He is confused."''</ref> or for seeking knowledge and status.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Serpent_Muralist_(10_FATE)|The Serpent Muralist (10 FATE)|Fallen London|}} ''"This person must have sought Parabolan insight, hoping for some way to distinguish themselves in a scene already crowded by would-be Cartographers. They came back with a Fingerking behind their eyes."''</ref> Notably, many artists credit the [[The Ophidian Gentleman|Ophidian Gentleman]] for their success.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Gifts_from_your_Friends|Gifts from your Friends|Fallen London|}} ''"Without fail, each of these bores credit a muse [...] You, of course, have no need of such assistance. But what could such a friend do with your already prodigious talents?"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_an_invitation|Accept an invitation|Fallen London|}} ''"It is from the 'friend' who made so many artists great. He wishes to meet you."''</ref> Members of the [[The Glass|Glass]] at [[Mahogany Hall]] work directly under the Fingerkings for their performances,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Most_Daring_Feat_of_Illusion_and_Escapology!|The Most Daring Feat of Illusion and Escapology!|Fallen London|}} ''"You have your illusion planned; [...] The Fingerkings, whatever they are, will control most of the illusion, but you've been assured you can trust them."''</ref> and are fiercely opposed by the [[The Shroud|Shroud]] in a perpetual conflict of magic and illusion.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Join_the_Cats_in_support_of_the_Shroud|Join the Cats in support of the Shroud|Fallen London|}} ''"Mahogany Hall has long been the heart of a battle between the Glass and the Shroud. Accompany the cats in their business, and see how they battle back the influence of the Fingerkings."''</ref> | ||
==Schools of Art in the Neath== | ==Schools of Art in the Neath== | ||
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The bohemians of the ''Fallen London'' universe draw inspiration from the social movement of the 19th century known as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemianism bohemianism]. The name "bohemian" does not refer to the region of Bohemia in what is now the Czech Republic. Rather, the nomadic [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romani_people Romani people] were called ''bohémiens'' in French due to a misconception about where they came from, and the name stuck across languages. | The bohemians of the ''Fallen London'' universe draw inspiration from the social movement of the 19th century known as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemianism bohemianism]. The name "bohemian" does not refer to the region of Bohemia in what is now the Czech Republic. Rather, the nomadic [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romani_people Romani people] were called ''bohémiens'' in French due to a misconception about where they came from, and the name stuck across languages. | ||
Historically, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opium opium] was the drug of choice for Victorian artists (and perhaps Victorians in general); its relative non-prominence outside of its use in laudanum can be simply explained by the scarcity of poppies underground and the abundance of prisoner's honey. | Historically, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opium opium] was the drug of choice for Victorian artists (and perhaps Victorians in general); its relative non-prominence outside of its use in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laudanum laudanum] can be simply explained by the scarcity of poppies underground and the abundance of prisoner's honey. | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 23:39, 9 May 2024
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Beyond this point lie spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include midgame or minor Fate-locked content. Proceed with caution. You can find out more about our spoiler policy here. |
"Writers, actors, musicians, painters and other reprobates. There is a certain glamour in attic and gutter, but surely there are better ways to make a living."[1]
Bohemians are all manner of artists in London and the Neath, and in the Sunless Skies timeline, the High Wilderness.
Culture and Counterculture
"To get ahead in the world, one must perform great deeds. Sometimes this includes proving your poetical prowess by ennobling the mushroom."[2]
The people described as bohemians include writers,[3] painters,[4] musicians,[5] actors,[6] sculptors,[7] models,[8] and other artists and performers. They typically live modestly; after all, making a living as an artist is difficult, even if the "starving artist" archetype carries its own romance.[9] Some are infamous for their eccentric behavior, though many others only want wine and payment for their trouble.[10] The bohemians of London typically congregate at Veilgarden,[11] while the more famous perform at Mahogany Hall.[12] The most accomplished artists may be invited to present at the Shuttered Palace itself:[13] staging a play for the Empress is the apex of many artists' careers,[14] though they dare not displease her unless they want to take a trip to the Tomb-Colonies.[15][16] The artists of the Neath are not restricted to London: they also form communities in places like Helicon House[17] and the town of Crathie near Balmoral.[18]
The Neath opens up all sorts of avenues for artistic expression and innovation. These possibilities may be as simple as incorporating mushrooms into one's clothing[19] or painting Neathy landscapes and subjects.[20] But some artists prefer riskier endeavors, like incorporating the Correspondence in their music,[21] or using the fact that death is impermanent to stage performances with visceral realism.[22] Some artists go beyond eccentric and into the realm of genuinely threatening; one such group are the Set, who pilot the deadly zubmarine called the Irrepressible near the Gant Pole.[23]
In the Sunless Skies timeline, artists have continued to form communities in places like Titania[24] and Caduceus.[25]. Artistic tastes have shifted to account for the new environment of the High Wilderness,[26] and the Sovereign School was recently founded in the courts of Her Renewed Majesty. This school of art is patriotic and draws inspiration from the passage of time, such as clocks, hourglasses, or seasons. The Empress' own children support this school, and its artists find it easy to obtain sponsorship and aim to impress the Empress herself.[27]
Bohemians and Parabola
"Prisoner's Honey might help with your ideas, but not reliably. And it doesn't encourage you to be productive."[28]
"Without fail, each of these bores credit a muse: a friend who pulled them out of dreams, and thrust them into the limelight. You, of course, have no need of such assistance. But what could such a friend do with your already prodigious talents?"[29]
In addition to more familiar substances like laudanum and alcohol,[30][31] London's bohemians are infamous for their use of Prisoner's Honey, as honey-dreams are an excellent source of inspiration.[32][33] Some venture further and draw inspiration from Parabola itself. These include the Bohemian Sculptress, who uses the dream-energies of the Viric Jungle to find inspiration for her work,[34] and the performers of the Mirrored Salon at Helicon House.[35] Artists may also cross paths with the Fingerkings, and may end up possessed either inadvertently[36] or for seeking knowledge and status.[37] Notably, many artists credit the Ophidian Gentleman for their success.[38][39] Members of the Glass at Mahogany Hall work directly under the Fingerkings for their performances,[40] and are fiercely opposed by the Shroud in a perpetual conflict of magic and illusion.[41]
Schools of Art in the Neath
"Fallen London has its own artistic movements. Perhaps you ignore them, but they don't ignore you."[42]
- The Nocturnals: Who prefer shades of midnight and the freedom of the dark
- The Celestials: Who prefer the blue skies and joys of the Surface
- The Bazaarines: Who draw inspiration from the Echo Bazaar
- The Mycologenes: Who draw inspiration from Blemmigans
- The Terpsichoreans: Who draw inspiration from the dances of devils
Historical and Cultural Inspirations
The bohemians of the Fallen London universe draw inspiration from the social movement of the 19th century known as bohemianism. The name "bohemian" does not refer to the region of Bohemia in what is now the Czech Republic. Rather, the nomadic Romani people were called bohémiens in French due to a misconception about where they came from, and the name stuck across languages.
Historically, opium was the drug of choice for Victorian artists (and perhaps Victorians in general); its relative non-prominence outside of its use in laudanum can be simply explained by the scarcity of poppies underground and the abundance of prisoner's honey.
References
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