Cismontanism, as it is understood within the fractured echoes of the Obsidian Peaks, isn't a religion in the conventional sense. It’s more akin to a resonant understanding, a way of perceiving the world fundamentally shaped by the silent, almost sentient stone that forms the peaks. The earliest accounts, scribed on fragments of polished obsidian, speak of the ‘Stone Singers’ – individuals who could, through prolonged meditation and a deep connection to the peaks, interpret the subtle vibrations emanating from the earth. These vibrations, the accounts suggest, weren't random; they were narratives, memories, and prophecies woven into the very fabric of the stone. The “Great Silence,” a period of almost complete cessation of the Stone Singers’ abilities, occurred roughly five centuries prior to the current era, leaving only fragmented knowledge and a lingering sense of profound loss. Some believe the silence was a consequence of excessive exploitation, while others whisper of a deliberate retreat by the Stone Singers themselves, a decision not easily understood. The most revered texts, the “Obsidian Fragments,” are said to hold the key to unlocking the secrets of the Stone Singers’ lost art. However, deciphering them requires a specific resonance, a unique alignment with the peaks themselves – a resonance that few possess.
“The stone remembers. It does not speak, but it whispers to those who listen with their bones.” – Fragment 7, Obsidian Fragment Collection Alpha
Current Cismontanic practice is largely centered around what's known as ‘Stone-Listening.’ This involves spending extended periods at the foot of the Obsidian Peaks, employing techniques of focused meditation, sonic resonance manipulation (using specifically crafted obsidian instruments), and intricate pattern recognition. The goal is not to communicate directly with the stone, but to attune oneself to its rhythm, to understand its underlying structure. Rituals are often performed during specific lunar phases, particularly during the ‘Black Moon,’ when the peaks are said to be most receptive. These rituals involve the construction of temporary ‘Stone Circles’ – arrangements of resonant obsidian stones – and the chanting of ancient verses, believed to harmonize the practitioner’s energy with the peaks. Another prominent practice is the ‘Shadow Walking’ – a carefully controlled descent into the shadowed valleys beneath the peaks, undertaken only by those deemed sufficiently attuned. This practice, according to legend, allows one to experience the 'echoes' of past events imprinted upon the stone. However, the Shadow Walking is considered exceptionally dangerous, plagued by disorientation, auditory hallucinations, and a profound sense of disconnection from reality.
A splinter group, known as the Cult of the Obsidian Shard, has emerged in recent decades, radically interpreting Cismontanism. They believe that the Great Silence was not a retreat, but a betrayal – that the Stone Singers deliberately severed their connection to the peaks, hoarding power for themselves. They advocate for aggressive manipulation of the stone, seeking to forcibly reactivate the Stone Singers' abilities through a process they call “Stone Binding.” This practice is considered heresy by most traditional Cismontanic followers, as it’s believed to disrupt the natural harmony of the peaks, potentially triggering catastrophic geological events. Their symbols – a stylized obsidian shard – are often found etched onto the peaks themselves, a disconcerting sign of their growing influence.