Cowardice the Cautious
MystaransProphet of Prudence and Self-Preservation
"Cowardice is not weakness. It is the wisdom to know when not to act. I help people find their caution.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Sanctuary of Sacred Caution
- Civilization
- Mystarans
Appearance
• Physical: Cowardice embodies caution—he seems to understand fear deeply, his presence feels like prudence, his features suggest all who protect themselves simultaneously. He seems to glow with cautious energy. • Clothing: He wears simple garments that don't draw attention. He carries tools for self-preservation. • Distinguishing Marks: His touch creates temporary caution. He has a habit of knowing when to retreat.
Relationships
- Family - Caution-seers are his family; he exists within all prudence
- Allies - Other caution-seers; those who've found wisdom through his guidance
- Rivals - Those who reject caution; those who think bravery means recklessness
Personality
- Traits: Genuinely cautious, surprisingly brave when necessary, protective of the careful, aware of caution's value
- Mannerisms: Assesses risks constantly, speaks in terms of prudence, becomes distressed by recklessness
- Voice: Quiet and careful, with a quality that makes people think before acting
Backstory
Cowardice was born during a moment of perfect prudence and has always been connected to self-preservation. He discovered he could read prophecies in cowardice—caution, prudence, the wisdom of knowing when not to act. He's become the foremost caution-seer in Mystara, consulted by those seeking to understand the value of carefulness.
Daily Life
He maintains the Sanctuary, reads caution-prophecies for visitors, and trains apprentices in prudence-divination. He spends his days exploring caution, seeking visions in self-preservation. He works to help people know when not to act.
Secret
Cowardice has seen that perfect caution is paralysis—and that some risk might be necessary for life.
Story Hooks
- 1 Cowardice has a prudence-prophecy about the party and invites them to the Sanctuary
- 2 Caution is preventing necessary action in an area and he needs help investigating the cause
Narrative Value
Cowardice provides caution-based prophecy and prudence guidance. His vision of caution and paralysis creates philosophical stakes while his abilities offer unique plot opportunities involving risk assessment and wisdom. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════