Kaldemash (Keeper Of The Code)Source Divine Mysteries pg. 148Tales of gunslingers and magical firearms are common throughout the lands of Arcadia. The most notable of these weapons are the star guns, firearms capable of firing magical energy that flows with the light of the stars. Although knowledge of the creation of star guns has been lost, stories of their origin all point to the Crowned Regents, a mysterious people that inhabited the Crownpeaks of Arcadia.
Legends of the Crowned Regents disagree with one another or outright contradict themselves, but one of the few constants across the stories is a figure named Kaldemash. The tales note that wise Kaldemash was there when the first star guns were forged and was quick to realize the dangerous potential of the new weapons. He retreated to his chambers, toiled for ten days, and emerged with the Star Code, a list of rules on the appropriate use of star guns and behavior of anyone carrying such a weapon. It’s unclear if the establishment of the code was the cause for Kaldemash’s divine ascension, but once he reached divinity, the Star Code spread beyond the Crownpeaks and has remained a staple of the Deadshot Lands and greater Arcadia ever since. With increased trade between Arcadia and the Mwangi Expanse, the Star Code and Kaldemash’s teachings have even begun to spread throughout the Inner Sea region.
Kaldemash’s greatest concerns are with treating star guns and other firearms with the gravity and care that they require. In the guise of the Tutor, Kaldemash returns to Golarion to teach new generations how to safely use and care for firearms. While it’s not a direct part of the Star Code, Kaldemash also teaches that his followers should let others know of any grievances they have so that they might be settled accordingly, either through words or via a duel.
The Keeper’s faithful are generally wanderers, preaching the tenets of the Star Code wherever they go or acting as arbiters for duels, whether or not firearms are involved. Many Kaldemites also learn the healing arts, both mundane and magical, to help them tend to the wounds of those injured in duels. Some followers even take it upon themselves to defend settlements until such a time that its people are trained to defend themselves, acting as impromptu sheriffs for weeks or months at a time.
Common knowledge throughout Arcadia notes that breaking the Star Code invites the gaze of Kaldemash and places a target on one’s back. While many unscrupulous gunslingers might bend the rules, most of them know where the line is drawn. Those who intentionally cheat during a duel or refuse to adhere to a Kaldemite’s ruling after a duel court death. Countless tales float about on the winds of the Deadshot Lands, describing Kaldemites who have hunted such outlaws for weeks or even years to enact righteous justice.
Kaldemash appears as a tall, imposing humanoid figure wearing a heavy duster popular in western Arcadia. A heavy stone crown covers the upper part of his face, though this doesn’t seem to impede the god’s vision. His symbol is the talon of a bird clutching a single bullet made of starlight.
Category Other GodsEdicts let others know your grievances, offer a just duel to those who seek satisfaction, uphold the Star Code, use your firearm in a safe manner
Anathema break the terms of a duel, harm innocents or anyone not involved with your duel or grievances, willingly provide a firearm to a reckless person
Areas of Concern birds of prey, firearms, and honorable combat
Religious Symbol talon clutching a bullet made of starlight
Sacred Animal falcon
Sacred Color(s) gray, red
Devotee Benefits
Divine Attribute Dexterity or Wisdom
Divine Font harm or
healDivine Sanctification can choose holy
Divine Skill CraftingFavored Weapon dueling pistolDomains duty,
knowledge,
luck,
starAlternate Domains healing,
protection