playbook_read

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description carries the full behavioral burden, yet it only supplies normative framing (not Scripture, binds no conscience) rather than operational traits. It never states that this is a safe read, how results are ordered or paginated, or how the `limit` parameter behaves.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The operational content is embedded inside heavy thematic prose, and the front-loaded segment is flavor rather than function. It is readable but several sentences serve world-building more than tool selection.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a four-parameter read tool with no output schema and no annotations, the definition covers the core lookup modes and the status enum but omits limit behavior, pagination, and return shape. Adequate but with clear gaps.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It does document three parameters meaningfully and crucially supplies the `status` enum values (quarantine/confirmed/rejected/pruned) that the schema lacks. However, `limit` is entirely undocumented, leaving a gap for a read that can return many rows.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description gives a concrete operation: list entries filtered by status/author, or fetch one by id, which is a specific verb+resource. The metaphorical framing ('the Body's testimony of faithful obedience') is unusual but it clarifies the domain concept. It does not explicitly distinguish itself from siblings like playbook_submit or playbook_signable, so it falls short of a 5.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It states the retrieval modes ('List entries... or one by id'), which implies how to call it, but gives no guidance on when to use this versus the sibling playbook tools (submit/signable). No exclusions or prerequisites are provided, so usage is only implied.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.