Lodgegrass isn't merely a plant; it's a repository of geological memory. Found exclusively within the fractured canyons of the Obsidian Peaks, it exhibits a slow, almost agonizing growth cycle dictated by the earth's own tremors. The most striking feature is the 'Stone Bloom' – a crystalline structure that forms at the heart of the plant. These blooms aren't organic in the conventional sense. They are solidified echoes of geological events: the weight of ancient glaciers, the heat of volcanic flows, the pressure of subterranean shifts. Each bloom resonates with a unique frequency, a vibrational imprint of the moment it formed.
Local lore speaks of ‘Stone Singers’ – individuals who, through prolonged meditation within a Lodgegrass grove, can tap into these vibrational patterns. They claim to glean prophecies, understand the shifting tectonic plates, and even, on rare occasions, briefly relive moments from the plant’s nascent existence. However, the process is immensely taxing, often leading to disorientation, vivid hallucinations (typically centered around molten rock and the rush of displaced water), and, in extreme cases, a complete fracturing of the mind.
The growth of Lodgegrass is inextricably linked to seismic activity. During periods of heightened tectonic strain, the plant accelerates its growth, sending forth delicate, silver tendrils that burrow deep into the canyon walls. These tendrils aren’t roots, but rather geological sensors. They analyze the composition of the surrounding stone, identifying areas of instability and stress. The Stone Blooms themselves grow in response to these readings, solidifying with minerals drawn from the earth – primarily obsidian, quartz, and a rare, iridescent mineral known as ‘Stormglass’.
The resonance of a Lodgegrass grove is profoundly unsettling. It’s a layered symphony of low-frequency hums, subtle vibrations, and – during periods of intense geological activity – a cacophony of grinding, cracking, and the feeling of being pulled apart at a fundamental level. The air itself seems to thicken, carrying a metallic tang and a persistent sense of unease. Many have reported experiencing time distortions within the grove – moments stretching into eons, or collapsing into fleeting fragments. The most persistent theory suggests that the Stone Blooms are actively manipulating the local spacetime continuum, though the precise mechanisms remain entirely unknown.
Harvesting Lodgegrass is considered a sacrilege by the few who acknowledge its existence. The plant is incredibly slow to regenerate, and any disruption to its structure – even a minor wound – can trigger a catastrophic release of resonant energy. Those who have attempted to collect the Stone Blooms describe a feeling of being overwhelmed by a torrent of sensory information – a deluge of sights, sounds, and emotions, all originating from the moment of the bloom’s formation. The experience is often described as “becoming the stone,” losing one’s sense of self within the plant’s ancient memory.
The ‘Echoes’ extracted from the Stone Blooms are highly sought after by alchemists and scholars. They are believed to possess potent restorative properties – capable of accelerating bone healing, enhancing psychic abilities, and even, theoretically, extending lifespan. However, the use of these Echoes is fraught with danger. Without proper preparation and a deep understanding of their resonance, they can induce madness, cellular degeneration, and a permanent connection to the geological currents of the Obsidian Peaks.
The Stone Singers were a secretive order who guarded the knowledge of Lodgegrass for centuries. Their rituals involved prolonged meditation within the grove, coupled with the ingestion of a carefully prepared tea made from the plant's tendrils. This tea was said to heighten psychic sensitivity and facilitate communication with the plant's resonant memory. The order vanished abruptly nearly two hundred years ago, leaving behind only fragmented accounts and cryptic symbols etched into the canyon walls. Some believe they were consumed by the plant’s resonance, while others suspect they simply transcended the limitations of human perception.
Recent expeditions have uncovered a hidden chamber beneath the largest Lodgegrass grove, containing a collection of Stone Singers’ journals. These journals detail their research on resonance, their attempts to decipher the plant’s language, and their growing obsession with the idea of ‘becoming one with the stone’. The last entry, dated just before the order’s disappearance, reads: “The Bloom understands. It offers us eternity. But at what cost?”