Editing Helicon House

{{Neath Location|image1=door.png|caption1=The entrance to Helicon House.|location=[[Ealing Gardens]]|alias=Helicon<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Visit_Helicon_House_as_the_guest_of_your_Rubbery_Bellringer|Visit Helicon House as the guest of your Rubbery Bellringer|Fallen London|}}</ref>|allegiance=[[The Tentacled Entrepreneur]] (patron)|notable_inhabitants=The Shopkeeper in Viric}}<blockquote>''"Interlocked tentacles: a gathering place. Soothing bubbling noise: an invitation, hesitantly extended. An explanatory writhing: humans are only sometimes permitted. It will have to wait for a suitable time. Also, most of the other humans who attend are... what's that word? Painters? Raving? You've always had trouble distinguishing the terms."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Construe_a_significant_burble|Construe a significant burble|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>

'''Helicon House''' is a center for art in [[Ealing Gardens]].__forcetoc__

== Invites Only ==
<blockquote>''"A Clay Man with an unusually keen expression keeps the door. He admits Rubbery Men without question, but challenges the human visitors."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Helicon_House_(Storylet)|Helicon House (Storylet)|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
[[File:Amber.png|alt=Orange amber containing a bug.|thumb|A piece of amber.]]
Helicon House is [[Ealing Gardens]]' center for the arts, where [[Rubbery Men]] are free to express themselves<ref name = "listen composers">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Listen_to_the_compositions|Listen to the compositions|Fallen London|}} ''"The finest Rubbery composers present their art here [...]"''</ref> and present their ideas to a wider audience. In its many halls and salons,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Entrance_Hall|The Entrance Hall|Fallen London|}} ''"Helicon House is the result of an architect copying [...] townhouse [...] redesigning the rooms to be twice as large."''</ref> Rubbery art and culture is given foremost importance:<ref name = "seen sculpture">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Catch_up_on_Bohemian_gossip|Catch up on Bohemian gossip|Fallen London|}} ''"One must be invited to Helicon House. [...] the most prominent Rubbery artists, [...] have you seen their sculpture...?"''</ref> the majority of Helicon's artists are Rubbery musicians<ref name = "listen composers"/> and sculptors.<ref name = "seen sculpture"/> Paintings by [[Bohemians]] are displayed as well,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Admire_the_work_of_a_fellow_Nocturnal_artist|Admire the work of a fellow Nocturnal artist|Fallen London|}}</ref> in several artistic schools.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Study_the_Portrait_of_the_Tentacled_Entrepreneur|Study the Portrait of the Tentacled Entrepreneur|Fallen London|}}</ref> Helicon is a celebration of change - both of the physical changes brought upon by the [[Shapeling Arts]],<ref name = "boil amber">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Detect_where_amber_is_being_boiled|Detect where amber is being boiled|Fallen London|}}</ref> and of the cultural evolution of the Rubbery Men.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Listen_to_the_compositions|Listen to the compositions|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] there is a meaning in those dissonances, [...] A sense of purpose and even development, in the way a tune falls short of harmony and then comes very close to regaining it. [...] It is a music of approximation; it offers imperfection as a necessary state, and mutation as inevitable."''</ref>
[[File:Rubberyman.png|alt=A humanoid with a squid-like head wearing a suit.|thumb|A [[Rubbery Man]].]]
Helicon was built sometime after the [[Fall of London]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Helicon_House_(Storylet)|Helicon House (Storylet)|Fallen London|}} ''"The building has been built since the Fall."''</ref> Externally, it's an ordinary townhouse<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Catch_up_on_Bohemian_gossip|Catch up on Bohemian gossip|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Helicon House. It is a little townhouse – looks like nothing at all from the outside [...]"''</ref> based on that of [[His Amused Lordship]], but its rooms are double the size of its inspiration's, and its handrails have a tentacular flourish.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Entrance_Hall|The Entrance Hall|Fallen London|}} ''"Helicon House is [...] architect copying the [...] townhouse of His Amused Lordship, [...] and redesigning the rooms to be twice as large. The banisters have a tentacular curve."''</ref> The staff at Helicon include humans,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Track_rumours_you%27ve_been_hearing|Track rumours you've been hearing|Fallen London|}}</ref> [[Clay Men]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Stay_after_hours_for_a_singular_occasion|Stay after hours for a singular occasion|Fallen London|}} ''"A Clay Footman discreetly asks a few guests [...]"''</ref> and Rubbery Men.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_a_Pendant_of_Helicon_Amber_(40_FATE)|Accept a Pendant of Helicon Amber (40 FATE)|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the Slippery Secretary explains that this piece of amber was – selected? excreted? – specifically with you in mind."''</ref> Helicon's existence is a secret, even among London's counterculture;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Catch_up_on_Bohemian_gossip|Catch up on Bohemian gossip|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] your interlocutor doesn't know how to get into Helicon House. [...] that puts her ahead of [...] those [...] who are so outside the mode [...] they don't even know it exists."''</ref> Rubbery Men may enter freely, but human visitors are vetted by the doorman.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Helicon_House_(Storylet)|Helicon House (Storylet)|Fallen London|}} ''"A Clay Man [...] keeps the door. He admits Rubbery Men without question, but challenges the human visitors."''</ref> Frequent visitors wear amber pendants<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_a_Pendant_of_Helicon_Amber_(40_FATE)|Accept a Pendant of Helicon Amber (40 FATE)|Fallen London|}}</ref> and typically leave them at the door when they enter.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Pay_in_the_currency_of_perishable_wealth|Pay in the currency of perishable wealth|Fallen London|}} ''"The Keen-eyed Clay Doorkeeper [...] collects [...] amber pendants from the human guests. [...] He doesn't take your pendant, [...] "I was told to leave you with yours," [...] "You can turn yours in separately if you like."''</ref> Entering late into the evening is frowned upon, as it is discourteous towards the musicians.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Arrive_fashionably_late_(Helicon_House)|Arrive fashionably late (Helicon House)|Fallen London|}} ''"At Helicon House, it is a faux pas to arrive too long after the music starts. [...] is understood as a lack of enthusiasm about Rubbery composition, [...]"''</ref>

The '''Keen-Eyed Clay Doorkeeper''' receives visitors. He provides guidance on proper etiquette towards Rubbery Men,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Pay_in_the_currency_of_perishable_wealth|Pay in the currency of perishable wealth|Fallen London|}} ''"The Keen-eyed Clay Doorkeeper takes the payments, and collects hats and coats from the human guests. [...] he supplies a hand towel and a [...] guide to etiquette. [...] how to exchange greetings with a tentacled individual. [...]"''</ref> and ensures orderly conduct within Helicon.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Make_polite_conversation_with_a_railway_passenger|Make polite conversation with a railway passenger|Fallen London|}} ''"He [...] starts painting over part of a Rubbery Man portrait [...] the Clay Doorman turns up to discourage further defacement exercises."''</ref>

=== Main Halls ===
<blockquote>''"It is a music of approximation; it offers imperfection as a necessary state, and mutation as inevitable."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Listen_to_the_compositions|Listen to the compositions|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
[[File:Tentacle hallowmas.png|alt=A tentacle holding a bell.|thumb|A Rubbery musician.]]
The '''South Parlor''' is where Rubbery composers<ref name = "listen composers"> present music near the evening's start.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_South_Parlour|The South Parlour|Fallen London|}} ''"The evening begins with music."''</ref> The music can be unorthodox, using dissonances and shifts in rhythms to convey feelings of development, imperfection, and mutability.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Listen_to_the_compositions|Listen to the compositions|Fallen London|}} ''"The music establishes a beat, and then abruptly deviates from it. [...] there is a meaning in those dissonances, [...] It is a music of approximation; it offers imperfection as a necessary state, and mutation as inevitable."''</ref>

The '''Supper Room''' serves food supplied by Bohemians for human consumption,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Gorge_yourself_on_mushroom_vols-au-vent|Gorge yourself on mushroom vols-au-vent|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the food has been provided by the bohemians [...]"''</ref> as well as food meant for Rubbery consumption, some of which resembles potatoes filled with thistles.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Dine_with_your_Brother,_Returned|Dine with your Brother, Returned|Fallen London|}} ''"Those items might look like potatoes, but they are meant for the Rubbery Men. Break them open and they are full of glittering [...] spicules, [...]"''</ref>

The '''Yellow Salon''' and '''Prussian Salon''' both showcase sculptures and paintings, with the former being hushed and the latter meant for discussion.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Yellow_Salon|The Yellow Salon|Fallen London|}} ''"There's [...] paintings and sculptures on display; [...] in contrast with the Prussian Salon, a polite hush is generally expected."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Prussian_Salon|The Prussian Salon|Fallen London|}} ''"There are paintings on display, and [...] sculptures, but the room is devoted primarily to conversation [...]"''</ref>

=== Secluded Corners ===
<blockquote>''"What was that flash of light? And is it a shade of light that should exist in these parts?"''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discover_where_illusions_are_being_staged|Discover where illusions are being staged|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>''"Behind Helicon House, a curling gallery of stalagmites forms a sort of shaded tunnel. This is a place for art that is too radical even for the interior of the house; sculptures of bone and amber, and some of the most secretive arts of the Rubbery Men."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Be_let_into_the_sculpture_garden|Be let into the sculpture garden|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
[[File:Mirror.png|alt=A mirror.|thumb|A mirror.]]
The '''Mirrored Salon''' is a hidden location where visitors seek inspiration from the arts of [[Parabola]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discovered:_the_Mirrored_Salon|Discovered: the Mirrored Salon|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] place inside Helicon House where the Bohemians seek the inspiration of Parabola."''</ref> The room is marked by flashes of light alien to this world, and the hallway leading to it is covered in [[viric]] wallpaper decorated with vines and snakes.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discover_where_illusions_are_being_staged|Discover where illusions are being staged|Fallen London|}} ''"What was that flash [...] a shade of light that should exist in these parts? [...] The door into this room definitely exists. [...] the hallway is papered in viric wallpaper printed in a pattern of interlocking snakes and vines."''</ref> The room itself is covered in several mirrors, and illusionists use this place to stage wonders and visions that are too intense for [[Mahogany Hall]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Mirrored_Salon|The Mirrored Salon|Fallen London|}} ''"This Salon is set aside for illusions and magic. The visions shown here cannot be [...] at Mahogany Hall because they are too esoteric, too intimate, or too challenging [...] The Scoundrel discreetly notes his reflection in all these many mirrors."''</ref>

The '''Upstairs Honey-Den''' is a hidden location where visitors consume [[Prisoner's Honey]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Work_out_where_honey_is_being_sipped|Work out where honey is being sipped|Fallen London|}}</ref> Consuming honey in this area leads to the [[Sea of Spines]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Upstairs_Honey_Den|The Upstairs Honey Den|Fallen London|}} ''"They say that honey-sippers in Helicon House can find their way into [...] the Sea of Spines."''</ref> a wondrous location reminiscent of [[Axile]]. Dreamers feel as though they're deep underwater in a moonlit sea, with aquatic features suiting their new environment. When they return, however, they find themselves covered in liquid.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Dream_with_the_others|Dream with the others|Fallen London|}} ''"A recollection of Axile [...] The surface of the ocean is above you; [...] Your limbs retract, your skin hardens to shell, spines extend from your body. [...] your gills [...] You come back to yourself. Your skin is slime-slick, [...]"''</ref>
[[File:Amber red.png|alt=Red amber containing a bug.|thumb|A piece of amber.]]
The '''Sculpture Garden''' is a hidden location for artworks "too radical" even for Helicon.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Be_let_into_the_sculpture_garden|Be let into the sculpture garden|Fallen London|}} ''"Behind Helicon House, [...] a place for art that is too radical even for the interior [...]"''</ref> Here, Rubbery Men practice calligraphy,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Be_let_into_the_sculpture_garden|Be let into the sculpture garden|Fallen London|}} ''"Watch a Rubbery Calligraphist [...]"''</ref> make sculptures out of amber and bone,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Be_let_into_the_sculpture_garden|Be let into the sculpture garden|Fallen London|}} ''"This is a place for art [...] sculptures of bone and amber [...]"''</ref> and collaborate with Bohemian sculptors. Some of the Bohemians here partook in the [[Shapeling Arts]] to better their art.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Be_let_into_the_sculpture_garden|Be let into the sculpture garden|Fallen London|}} ''"A Bohemian and their Rubbery co-sculptor are working on something together. [...] He's uncommonly good at it; [...] you notice one extra knuckle on each finger, terminating in a very fine tip."''</ref>

'''Below-Stairs''' is a basement in Helicon<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discovered:_Below-Stairs|Discovered: Below-Stairs|Fallen London|}}</ref> that serves as a lab for the [[Shapeling Arts]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Detect_where_amber_is_being_boiled|Detect where amber is being boiled|Fallen London|}}</ref> Here, Rubbery Men gather around a massive crucible of amber and produce wonders of shaped flesh and bone.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Below-Stairs|Below-Stairs|Fallen London|}} ''"At the back of Helicon House, [...] there is a room where extraordinary changes are performed – Shapeling alterations of flesh and bone. [...] you might take your own place at the cauldron."''</ref> Visitors may partake as well, though newcomers are closely supervised.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Perform_the_duties_of_a_sous-artist|Perform the duties of a sous-artist|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] you can assist one of the others. [...] The Rubbery in charge is also extremely careful [...] about preventing any foreign objects from falling into the cauldron. It discourages you even from speaking [...] lest your concentration be broken. [...]"''</ref>

== The Entrepreneur's Patronage ==
<blockquote>''"The Tentacled Entrepreneur's study is windowless and dark, an interior void in the building that you wouldn't know was there from the shapes of the rooms around it."''</blockquote>

<blockquote>''"Within, a semicircle of guests surround a small sculpture on a dais. In the relative darkness, it's hard to make out the material, or the shape; something dark and tangled – a bramble, an octopus, a venus flytrap?"''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Chiaroscuro|Chiaroscuro|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
[[File:Tentacledentrepreneur.png|alt=A well-dressed Rubbery Men wearing a top hat.|thumb|[[The Tentacled Entrepreneur]]]]
The [[Tentacled Entrepreneur]] recently took an interest in Helicon. During his campaign to become [[Lord Mayor of London]], he became one of Helicon's most generous patrons,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Attend_Helicon_House_as_the_guest_of_the_Bohemian_Sculptress|Attend Helicon House as the guest of the Bohemian Sculptress|Fallen London|}} ''"The Tentacled Entrepreneur stands in front of [...] portraits of Rubbery men, writhing his critique [...] "He commissioned those," [...] He's become one of our best patrons [...]"''</ref> and worked to make it more accessible for the general public.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Visit_Helicon_House_as_the_guest_of_your_Rubbery_Bellringer|Visit Helicon House as the guest of your Rubbery Bellringer|Fallen London|}} ''"This is a public night. [...] if the Tentacled Entrepreneur has his way, it will be easier to stay for a time."''</ref> He also ensured that Helicon would become a key staging ground for the expression and evolution of Rubbery culture.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Visit_Helicon_House_with_the_Dean_of_Xenotheology|Visit Helicon House with the Dean of Xenotheology|Fallen London|}} ''"Several of the Rubbery people are gathered around a sculpture [...] "We shouldn't approach without permission," [...] "Their [...] posture is one associated with... sacred receptiveness. [...] This is a time of extraordinary change for them. A few years ago, Rubbery culture had nothing like this—""''</ref>

After the Entrepreneur's bid for Lord Mayor failed, however, he reevaluated his goals.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Tentacled_Entrepreneur%27s_plans|Discuss the Tentacled Entrepreneur's plans|Fallen London|}} ''"He ran for Mayor and lost. Is he embittered? Planning something new? [...] The old striving was... unsuitable?"''</ref> In pursuit of his new priorities, he commissioned a Rubbery Man named the '''Malleable Sculptor'''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_another_invitation_from_the_Tentacled_Entrepreneur|Accept another invitation from the Tentacled Entrepreneur|Fallen London|}} ''"The Entrepreneur, [...] gesticulates an introduction; [...] this Rubbery is the one responsible for the [...] stone sculpture you touched in this very study, a few evenings ago."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Stay_after_hours_for_a_singular_occasion|Stay after hours for a singular occasion|Fallen London|}} ''"Standing before the cauldron, [...] is the Malleable Sculptor – looking a bit more malleable than when you last saw him."''</ref> to produce and showcase unique works of art,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Chiaroscuro|Chiaroscuro|Fallen London|}} ''"The Tentacled Entrepreneur's study [...] Within, a semicircle of guests surround a small sculpture on a dais."''</ref> the first of which resembles a massive jaw that lightly clamps around those who interact with it.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Touch_the_sculpture|Touch the sculpture|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the sculpture [...] snaps shut around your hand [...] It's a pointed surprise, but not painful [...] [...] the object's shape [...] it's a mouth, or simply a jaw."''</ref> The Entrepreneur's further plans for himself and his kin are unclear, but it seems that rather than aimlessly striving for similarity with [[London]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Tentacled_Entrepreneur%27s_plans|Discuss the Tentacled Entrepreneur's plans|Fallen London|}} ''"He, or the Rubberies together, or his progenitors, tried to become worthy-through-similarity to other Londoners, [...] Now, that desire is replaced."''</ref> the Entrepreneur is now pursuing another path, and perhaps even a new beginning.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_another_invitation_from_the_Tentacled_Entrepreneur|Accept another invitation from the Tentacled Entrepreneur|Fallen London|}} ''"The Entrepreneur [...] looking for images that might explain: bohemians hawking paintings on the street in Veilgarden; hands holding brushes, chisels, and pens; [...] But also stranger images; a tangle of newborn serpents; a zee-steamer cresting the horizon; a single chicken's egg sitting on a table."''</ref>

==References==
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