The Order of Clear Waters

In the world of the Living Nexus, the equivalent of Alcoholics Anonymous is known as the Order of Clear Waters. This organization operates in cities, towns, and even some smaller villages, providing support for those struggling with addiction, particularly to alcohol, but also extending to other vices such as gambling, certain magical substances, or even cursed objects. The Order believes in the idea of purity and clarity, much like fresh water cleansing a muddy stream, guiding individuals back to a life of self-control and inner peace.   Tips, Tricks, and Techniques of the Order:   1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Borrowing from various traditions, the Order emphasizes being present and aware of one’s triggers. They teach meditation techniques that help members focus on the present moment, manage stress, and resist temptation.     2. Potion of Reflection: The Order uses a symbolic potion in their rituals, not meant to be consumed but rather as a focus point for contemplation. The shimmering liquid represents the member's past struggles, and staring into it is supposed to help reflect on how far they've come.     3. Mentorship and Accountability: Just like AA's sponsor system, each member of the Order is paired with a mentor called a "Water Brother" or "Water Sister." These mentors help guide newcomers through their struggles, providing counsel and support whenever needed.     4. Group Sharing: Every gathering of the Order includes time for members to share their personal journeys, both their failures and triumphs. The group provides a safe, judgment-free space for people to express their hardships, draw strength from each other, and learn through shared experiences.     5. Cleansing Rituals: Some cities, particularly those near bodies of water, hold cleansing ceremonies where members symbolically "wash away" their urges in rivers, lakes, or magical pools. These events are highly spiritual and celebratory, reinforcing their commitment to the path of sobriety.     6. Traveling Support: Since many members are adventurers or people of the road, the Order has established a unique system of correspondence. Members can visit any chapter across the Living Nexus and receive the same level of support. For those on the move, the Order often gives them letters of introduction that can be presented at any chapter, granting immediate access to local resources.       Tokens of Sobriety:   The Order gives each member a Glass Token—a small, clear, triangle amulet with the shape of flowing water. The clarity of the glass represents their personal journey toward transparency and clarity of mind. A clear center. The token is carried as a reminder of their ongoing journey and commitment to their recovery.   In addition, for each milestone (one month, one year, etc.), members receive colored glass tokens that fit in the center of the tokens:   Blue for the first month   Green for six months   Silver for a year   Gold for five years These tokens are kept on their person or in special bags, showing others the progress they've made and reinforcing their bond to the Order.     Leadership in Cities of the Living Nexus:   Each major city has a Water Sage, the leader of the local chapter of the Order. They are usually former members who have completed their journey or have been sober for many years and offer wisdom and guidance to those still on their path.   Atlantea: Maris Brightflow, an elf known for her soft-spoken but deeply impactful words. Her wisdom is renowned, and her speeches at annual festivals are often considered life-changing.   Ivory Walls City: Brennan Stonestep, a dwarf who once struggled with addiction in his mining community but turned his life around. Brennan is known for his no-nonsense approach and practical advice.   Goorsmead: Rurik Ironcurrent, another dwarf, but with a more spiritual approach. He emphasizes the role of rituals and ceremonies in overcoming addiction, often involving the dwarven legends in his teachings.   Pendle Harbor: Sylvia Tidebreeze, a half-elf whose journey to sobriety is intertwined with her life as a sailor. She created many of the techniques for helping those who travel and has established many of the Order’s traveling support networks.   Dirdburg: Fenwick Mossroot, a halfling druid who uses the natural world as part of his healing process, integrating herbal remedies and druidic meditation into the Order’s practices.   Morin’s Watch: A mountainous city known for its mining and fortifications. The local Vows of Renewal group is led by Aelar Brightrock, a former military officer who turned to the Vows after struggling with his own addiction. His approach is very structured, focusing on discipline and responsibility, while emphasizing the bond of brotherhood.     Deldim Haggar: A bustling trade hub with a vibrant, multicultural community. Here, Leodara Moonquill, an elven historian and once an excessive drinker, leads the chapter. Her leadership emphasizes healing through knowledge, meditation, and reconnecting with one’s cultural roots.     Varn Dolarr: An isolated frontier town, where survival is the priority. The leader here is Thraldir Ironaxe, a dwarven craftsman known for his hard past and dedication to rehabilitation. He implements crafting and building as part of the group’s techniques for handling addiction, using hands-on activities to channel urges into productive outlets.     Maghi Dolsun: A hidden, forested elven enclave with a focus on mystical practices. Elandor Thistlewind, a nature cleric who found the Vows after a near-death experience in the Feywild, heads this group. His methods lean heavily into spiritual reflection, connection with nature, and daily rituals to encourage sobriety.     In all these cities, the leaders connect traveling members with local groups and provide letters of introduction, so anyone who embarks on a journey can find support wherever they go. The shared token of the Vows of Renewal remains the wooden charm, serving as both a reminder of their commitment and a tangible link to the broader network of support throughout the Living Nexus.     The Order of Clear Waters is a beacon of hope in the Living Nexus, providing a lifeline to those in need of support, and helping them navigate the choppy waters of their personal struggles with dignity and kinship.