Cayden Cailean (pronounced KAY-den KAY-lee-en)[1] 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".[2]

History
Before he successfully completed the Test of the Starstone in 2765 AR,[3] 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.[4][2]

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.[4][5]

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.[2]

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.[2][5]

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.[4][2]

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).[6] Torag shares the Lucky Drunk's love of ale, and the two have been
known to compare human and dwarven brews on occasion.[2] Cayden also has a
strong tie to the Taldan god Kurgess, whom legend claims was raised to godhood by
Cayden and Desna himself.[7] Cayden is allied with Milani as well.[8] Both former
mortals share similar views regarding personal freedom and his herald, Thais, uses a
halberd borrowed from the half-elven goddess.[9]

The god Aroden respected Cayden because of the special way he had overcome the
challenges of the Starstone.[10]

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).[6][11]
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.[12] On the other hand, Iomedae finds Cayden to be undisciplined and
irresponsible.[11] 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.[11]
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.[11]

Planar allies
Creatures that exemplify bravery and freedom hold special honor in the mind of the
Drunken Hero. Cayhounds, satyrs, and rust monsters are prime examples.[2] His
divine servitor race are the ataxians, humorous and boisterous pixie-like creatures
with an uncanny ability to find the nearest tavern.[13] On Elysium (and sometimes
beyond), Cayden Cailean is also served by a number of races that share his
philosophy, including azatas, cayhounds, and fey.[14]

Unique servants
Little Thunder
This celestial cayhound is the son of Thunder, Cayden Cailean's pet mastiff. He
enjoys strong beer and battle, but goes out of his way to ensure the safety of
innocents.[2]
Luthier, the Knight of the Vineyard
At first glance, it would seem Luthier's love for fine wine has dulled both his senses
and wits. But in times of need, the Knight of the Vineyard becomes alert and ready
to fight. His agility and precision in battle make him a deadly enemy and a valued
ally.[2]
Thais, the Accidental Herald
Before rising to the status of Herald of the Accidental God, Thais was a prostitute
and friend of the then mortal Cayden Cailean. The two adventured together on more
than one occasion, and after her death the now divine Cayden claimed her spirit and
placed her in her current role.[9]
Valon, the Spirit of Spirits
A goodly priest and historian who was killed in battle, this ghost insists that beer is
the greatest of mankind's innovations. Valon dearly misses the body he once had,
and readily accepts the opportunity to possess an individual and once again
experience the world of the living in exchange for his assistance.[2]
Church of Cayden Cailean
The faithful of Cayden Cailean hold their patron's two loves, freedom and drink, as
the pillars of his church. Free to seek their own means of venerating the Drunken
Hero, it's not uncommon for followers to take part in events involving one or both of
these. The creation and drinking of spirits is often considered a noble and holy,
though not formal, pastime. Likewise, the act of fighting for freedom, both that of
others and of oneself, is highly respected and honored; both liberators and
chevaliers are welcome additions to the Lucky Drunk's faith.[4][2][15] Members of
Cailean's church can be found anywhere on and in Golarion, but worship of the
Lucky Drunk thrives in Absalom, Andoran, Galt, the River Kingdoms, the Shackles,
and Taldor,[5] and among Ulfen,[16] Taldans,[17] Varisians,[18], dwarves,[19]
gnomes,[20] halflings,[21] half-elves,[22] and half-orcs throughout the Inner Sea
region.[23]

Despite the church's promotion of drink, the faithful draw a line between drinking
for merriment and drinking to excess. The latter is seen as the abuse of one of the
deity's favored things, and as such is frowned upon. Similarly, although the faithful of
Cayden Cailean are known to actively seek out danger and adventure, they recognize
the need to withdraw when a situation turns sour. Stupidity does not equal bravery,
and bravery should never be sought at the bottom of a keg.[2]

Worshipers

A depiction of the Accidental God

The majority of those who follow Cayden Cailean are simple people who seek simple
pleasures in life. Those who brew and sell alcoholic drink often revere the Drunken
Hero, as do those who partake of such fare. Adventurers seeking to promote
goodness often find a sense of kinship with the deity, their goals of freedom and
adventure mirroring those of the god of bravery.[2]

Brewkeepers
Main article: Brewkeeper
Followers of Cayden Cailean who devote themselves to brewing, distilling, and
crafting alcoholic and magical beverages are known as brewkeepers. These talented
and celebrated faithful can distill spells into potent beverages, enhance potions with
alcoholic chasers, and brawl with a tankard as effectively as if it were a mace.[24]

Clergy
Cayden Cailean's clergy is comprised primarily of clerics, though a smattering of
druids and bards can also be counted among their number. In the rare instances
where any structure exists, the church favors a loose hierarchy. Typically, priests are
free to spread the ideals of their faith as they see fit; the priests of the Lucky Drunk
are often barkeeps, freedom fighters, or adventurers traveling alone or as part of a
group. Matters of ceremony and high society are often held as secondary
considerations to such individuals, and the clergy reflects this by limiting its formal
dress to a simple brown tunic or robe and a wine-red stole bearing the god's ale mug
symbol. Many members also include a tankard as part of their formal garb, for luck
and as a matter of practicality.[4][2] Before attempting a particularly difficult or
stressful task, followers of the Accidental God will often pour out a bit of ale on the
ground.[5]

Temples and shrines

Few buildings exist that serve primarily as a house dedicated to the worship of
Cayden Cailean. However, smaller shrines to the Lucky Drunk are common in
alehouses, inns, and breweries. When seeking divine assistance from such a house of
worship, it's expected for to partake in its more worldly offerings; although such
temples often donate their earnings to benefit the community, they are still run as
businesses. The church also sponsors a large number of orphanages, and it's not
uncommon for children from such locations to take the surname Cailean when they
leave.[2]

Holy sites
In the southeastern River Kingdom of Mivon stands a bald hill covered in standing
stones that make it look like a crown. Every few years, the standing stones expand to
become the Feasting Hall of Cayden Cailean, and it is rumored that the Accidental
God himself takes part in the festivities there.[25]

Holy texts
Cayden Cailean is not known to have taken the time to write a book or manual
describing his divine teachings. Instead, he chooses to let his actions before and after
attaining divinity serve as an example to his followers.[2]

Placard of Wisdom
Consisting of no more than a few lines of text, this writing usually takes the form of a
simple wall-hanging that summarizes the traits that should be embraced by the
followers of the Drunken Hero.[2]
Holidays
Celebration is a key component in the worship of Cayden Cailean, and there is
always something worth celebrating in the minds of those who follow the Lucky
Drunk.[2]

First Brewing
Held in early autumn, roughly a month after a community's first harvest, this day is
dedicated to the sampling of the drinks brewed from that harvest.[2][26]
Ascension Day
The 11th of Kuthona is celebrated as the anniversary of Cayden Cailean's rise to
divinity, though the actual date of the event has long been forgotten by all.[2]
Merrymead
On 2 Calistril, the faithful celebrate the end of the winter's overwhelming gloom.[26]
Organizations
Starstone Brewers
A loose organization of Cayden Cailean's worshipers.[27]
Favored animals
Gods are often associated with certain animals, either because they possess a quality
that the god favors, or because the god's faithful feel a special kinship to it. Cayden
Cailean's favored animals include hounds, eagles, and animals that have escaped
captivity.[28]