To be Careful is to be precise, measured and practiced. It is the art of the craftsman and the wisdom of age, though often it can be mistaken for cowardice1.
- In thought and word, it means being circumspect and observant - mindful of mistakes or rash words.
- In act and deed, to be careful is to be slow and deliberate - rigorous and detail-oriented. It is useful when you want to avoid overreach or mistake.
- In craft, it is being meticulous and understanding how to do the job well.
- In combat, a careful warrior is vigilant and guarded.
It is not just being Courtly, which understands propriety but not the wisdom behind it - nor simply being Cunning, for a bright idea is often fool’s gold. Nor is it even being Subtle; where that delights in the secondary effect of the action, carefulness is more straightforward.
Carefulness is most worthy of the reputations, because there is nothing worth doing that is not worth doing well.
Footnotes
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It is not necessary for a Careful character to be Prudent or vice versa. It is possible to act recklessly but to do those danger-seeking acts carefully - and it is possible to choose prudently but panic in carrying out the prudent thing (in fact, that is a common end of real cowards). ↩