Cayden Cailean

**Cayden Cailean** (pronounced KAY-den KAY-lee-en) is one of the Ascended: those who achieved godhood by passing the Test of the Starstone. Because of the way in which he passed the Test, he is also known as the "Lucky Drunk", "Drunken Hero", or the "Accidental God".

## History

Before he successfully completed the Test of the Starstone in 2765 AR, the man known as Cayden Cailean was a Taldan sellsword and freedom fighter working out of Absalom. He strongly believed that no man should hold power over another, and went so far as to leave jobs unfinished rather than violate his principles. His refusal to compromise his ideals was as well known as his love for drink, and the combination of the two resulted in a less-than-favorable reputation among potential employers. Ultimately, however, the latter would lead to the man's apotheosis.

Cailean never planned to become a god, but when a drunk friend challenged him to take the Test of the Starstone, an equally inebriated Cailean accepted, forgetting that only two mortals, Aroden and Norgorber, had passed the test. Another story claims that Cayden was prompted to take the Test after his advances had been rejected by the goddess Calistria herself. Legends abound regarding the challenges Cailean faced at the Starstone, but no one knows the truth of what happened. Regardless, after three days had passed, the sellsword—to everyone's surprise, including his own—emerged as a deity. He could not remember how he had passed the test, but continued as a god in much the same way as he had when he was a mortal: doing whatever he wanted, fighting for just causes, and enjoying the drink.

Cayden Cailean holds freedom and adventure in high regard, and opposes tyranny and oppression on principle. He willingly accepts challenges when they are issued, although not as a point of honor; he sees no shame in retreating when necessary. One instance of note is the fall of the devil Salicotal, who grew infuriated with Cailean during a duel of dares, and attacked—only to be defeated—at the hands of the god.

## Appearance

Cayden Cailean is an unassuming deity, and appears much as he did before completing the Test of the Starstone. He is usually depicted as a bronze-skinned man wearing chainmail and holding a tankard of ale in one hand, sometimes accompanied by a rapier in the other. He is often shown in combat against hosts of devils, and is sometimes depicted wearing broken shackles, representing his pursuit of freedom for both body and mind.

## Providence

Cayden Cailean's favor might be rewarded with the discovery of fresh drink, while his displeasure may result in such beverages turning inexplicably sour.

## Relationships

Cayden Cailean makes a point of avoiding trouble with his peers as much as possible, although he responds to challenges quickly, and has little patience for the less-benign divine powers.

### Warm relationships

Cailean particularly favors Desna, Sarenrae, and Shelyn (whom he enjoys serenading). Torag shares the Lucky Drunk's love of ale, and the two have been known to compare human and dwarven brews on occasion. Cayden also has a strong tie to the Taldan god Kurgess, whom legend claims was raised to godhood by Cayden and Desna himself. Cayden is allied with Milani as well. Both former mortals share similar views regarding personal freedom and his herald, Thais, uses a halberd borrowed from the half-elven goddess.

The god Aroden respected Cayden because of the special way he had overcome the challenges of the *Starstone*.

### Neutral relationships

Cayden generally finds Erastil, Abadar, Gozreh, and Irori tolerable to be around, but difficult to agree with on certain matters (Erastil is too somber, Abadar too tolerant of oppression, Gozreh angers too quickly over the transformation of wild lands to farms that grow the grains required for brewing, and Irori is too stuffy). Furthermore, there is a slight rivalry between Cayden's faithful and those of Irori, as the latter's worshipers believe the Accidental God's method of apotheosis was cheating. On the other hand, Iomedae finds Cayden to be undisciplined and irresponsible. His relationship with Calistria runs both hot and cold; Cayden is rumoured to have taken the Test to impress the beautiful goddess of lust, he nonetheless remains cautious of her as she has gotten the better of him from time to time.

### Inimical relationships

While Cayden has no patience for evil peers, he actively opposes Asmodeus who is diametrically opposed to Cayden morally and ethically. Cayden rarely misses an opportunity to strike at the Prince of Darkness.