Cayden Cailean, The Drunken Hero

Cayden Cailean is one of the Ascended, a mortal man who became a god after passing the gruelling tests of the magical Starstone. Three days after entering the Cathedral of the Starstone on a drunken dare, the good-natured sell-sword emerged a living god, baffled and amused. His behaviour changed little after his ascension: he continued to fight for just causes, sample various drinks, and avoid things he didn’t want to do. Thus, Cayden Cailean became the patron of brave souls, alcoholic spirits, and the freedom to choose your own path in life. He expects his followers to be brave in the face of danger, though there is no shame in necessary retreat — he’s the god of bravery, not reckless stupidity. Although many assume his faithful will accept any dare, the god’s focus on freedom keeps his heroes from being manipulated so easily, and even the dullest hero of Cayden Cailean has the sense not to accept an impossible or suicidal challenge — though it is not uncommon to accept a risky one after a swig or two of “liquid courage.” Cayden Cailean is outgoing, friendly, boisterous, unashamed, and flirtatious, even more so when he indulges in fermented delights. He loves good-spirited toasts, friendly bar brawls, bawdy songs, and standing up for the underdog. He loathes slavery, mean-spiritedness, bullying, teetotallers, and restrictive laws and customs. He believes that everyone would get along better if they could all just sit down and have a drink, preferably in the company of attractive companions. A former mercenary, he believes in fair pay for a job well done, whether in coin, drink, or a tumble in the hay with an enthusiastic paramour.

Cayden Cailean’s direct intervention in the mortal world isn’t frequent, but he has been known to prevent a keg from emptying (often to help good folk survive a siege or convince them to congregate a little longer in a place of safety) or to push someone especially meek to show courage at a key moment. Having had his share of hard times as a mortal, he’s not above helping someone for free now and then, or leaving an extra-generous tip for someone in need. This simple and welcoming philosophy makes him popular with adventurers, philanthropists, revellers, and those who fight for good, and it is traditional among his adherents to toast his name with the first drink of the evening.