Sherwoodshire roleplaying (companion thread)

[glee]

Jumpin' Jehosephat what the heck is this manservant screaming about?! Talk about a drama queen. Aislinn's not that ugly.

It was more of a squeal than a scream - he is a sensitive chap.

Well, considering when I emailed GLee to ask if Walker would recognise the scream as Aislinn's voice, he informed me that it "definitely sounds female, but not Aislinn's", I'd agree that if I find it's a manservant I think Walker would be slightly bemused haha. He is definitely expecting a damsel-in-distress, not some drama queen bloke who's scared of a small woman!

Fortunately I've taught in a private school, so have experience of dealing with highly intelligent yet slightly unruly people*.

Yes, the servant was originally female. Then I was politely asked to change gender (for clever plot reasons ) to male and happily did so.
Now I may have missed the gender alteration when speaking to ping later.
Or I may have had in mind a highly-strung, sensitive chap who is still on edge after having a dragon fly by and who has a naturally high-pitched squeal when surprised!
(In either case the squeal wasn't anything to do with Aislinn's appearance - just surprise at her sudden arrival in the corridor.)

*and that was the staff, let alone the pupils.

Seriously let me add that I'm enjoying this immensely as the players are full of ideas and dialogue. It's going so well that I'm almost tempted to sit back and see what happens next...

...but I have a planned story-line and various hair-raising encounters, so will keep at it.

[glee]

Here's an example of how the manservant reacted to a surprise:

[glee]

... and the award for most entertaining post in the roleplay category goes to Ping for:

"Uhh. Massive wolf. This one the friendly one? Can't see any damsels in distress. Aislinn looks ok. Bit panicked but I don't think she's been attacked. There's some vegetables....?"

[ping]

... and the award for most entertaining post in the roleplay category goes to Ping for:

"Uhh. Massive wolf. This one the friendly one? Can't see any damsels in distress. Aislinn looks ok. Bit panicked but I don't think she's been attacked. There's some vegetables....?"

She was reporting what she saw, ok???

[glee]

... and the award for most entertaining post in the roleplay category goes to Ping for:

"Uhh. Massive wolf. This one the friendly one? Can't see any damsels in distress. Aislinn looks ok. Bit panicked but I don't think she's been attacked. There's some vegetables....?"

She was reporting what she saw, ok???

Apologies - no offence was intended.
I just thought it was an amusing juxtaposition.

[ping]

To Aislinn: Walker, seeing you next to the wolf and him only having the magic he's been granted by Kitty by way of having Eye, would naturally assume that you have the same connection and are currently having a conversation in your minds.

[ping]

[edit because I can't - damn editing time limit! - you will notice the time is off slightly ie. he would have seen you kneeling when he came in, and assumed that during that time you were talking in your head to your wolf. I know you since stood up to have the conversation, but I couldn't edit my post to make the timeline fit. I hope it makes sense!]

[choie]

That actually works since I edited my post so she's looking at Wolf the whole time and doesn't get up. I goofed and apparently Wolf is supposed to disappear the second Aislinn starts talking to someone, or stops looking at it if I understand correctly, so either my post needs to change completely to eliminate Aislinn speaking, which is unfortunate, or so that the Wolf disappears the instant she utters a word to the others, which is even more unfortunate! I've asked glee if it helps if she's seeing/looking at Wolf and/or talking about Wolf during all this.

If Wolf just up and disappears now that's the worst situation for Aislinn's character purposes, so given the choice I may not be able to have her speak. We'll see if my changes (focusing on Wolf the whole time) work, but I'm not sure; if them's the rules, them's the rules. It's glee's world so I have to abide by the laws. Even though Aislinn is not Lawful Good. (Frankly I'm not sure if I am either.)

Meanwhile let me see if I can add the ability to edit your posts for a longer time since like me you like to tweak things even hours later!

[glee]

I've sent Choie a couple of brief Mellophamt messages, but to help out here let me explain.

Aislinn can talk whilst looking at her Wolf!

(This is an unprecedented precedent, but having two jolly good roleplayers means I'm happy to give Aislinn this bonus!)

[choie]

Thank you so much!! A victory for human/illusionary lupine relations!


*****************

ping -- I've increased the edit time to 24 hours; will that help a bit?

[glee]

And these rules will apply to all Phantom Force Illusions that Aislinn casts (I'm looking forward to that happening)

[ping]

Oh this is all brilliant, thank you both And I think that we are both on the same page with the scenario of what just happened. So Aislinn got to say her bit to the wolf, and while looking at it said to US that everything was ok, and since then Walker and Marron have had their bit and Eye is returning with Giles behind at some point. And the wolf is still there?

[glee]

Oh this is all brilliant, thank you both And I think that we are both on the same page with the scenario of what just happened. So Aislinn got to say her bit to the wolf, and while looking at it said to US that everything was ok, and since then Walker and Marron have had their bit and Eye is returning with Giles behind at some point. And the wolf is still there?

Absolutely to what just happened (e.g. Giles is strolling towards the party and Eye can fly back) ... as far as the Wolf goes, I'm just awaiting a hint from Aislinn!

[ping]

Internet cock-up today?? I posted mine at about 11am and it just showed up now. I don't think it changes the narrative though and I'm sure it will make sense. No idea what happened there.

[glee]

I've heard from Tim P. today.
He apologises for not posting as Saradoc, but (naturally) real life took precedence.
Of course he's always welcome to return (but I don't see it happening.)

However the present party is well-equipped to face the campaign challenges, so on we go.

[ping]

Walker would know, but Ping does not: would the light spell give basically full illumination to the area? I'm not sure (this is me, Ping, not Walker!) which would be the best option, to have that or to have the head-torch in this situation. Ideas welcome from all people btw! Ping is NOT a Ranger! Out of character question as to what an actual experienced ranger would decide. [edit] Walker doesn't know how the Light spell works, but now it's been described to him, Ping needs the info on how it would affect the situation haha!

Also should add, I've never played a ranger, well, I had one for a few sessions, but many years ago and I think it was a different edition anyway, so regardless, my rangering experience both in life and in game are close to zero. I do have a bow and two daggers (actually, 2 daggers, a hand-axe, a short sword, a long sword and a rapier on its way from the US soon! BUT ANYWAY), but out of character probably couldn't spot an elephant in a room. Often don't. So OOC help required as to what an actual sensible and accomplished Ranger would do!

Walker would know, but Ping does not: would the light spell give basically full illumination to the area? I'm not sure (this is me, Ping, not Walker!) which would be the best option, to have that or to have the head-torch in this situation. Ideas welcome from all people btw! Ping is NOT a Ranger! Out of character question as to what an actual experienced ranger would decide.

Also should add, I've never played a ranger, well, I had one for a few sessions, but many years ago and I think it was a different edition anyway, so regardless, my rangering experience both in life and in game are close to zero. I do have a bow and two daggers (actually, a long bow, 2 daggers, a hand-axe, a short sword, a long sword and a rapier on its way from the US soon*! BUT ANYWAY), but out of character probably couldn't spot an elephant in a room. Often don't. So OOC help required as to what an actual sensible and accomplished Ranger would do!



*I can send pictures and videos of this rapier being made. This guy I know in the US is SO AWESOME. It's for my character in another game who is a bard, I have a cloak made for her (literally; it's lying on my bannister, but in character she requested a custom cloak that was pitch black on one side but reversible so the other side was absolutely sparkling in blue and purple sequins. Yes now my house is covered in sequins, shhh.) and this will be her rapier. I have another friend who does leatherwork and made the sheath to match the dagger!

[edit: handaxe and dagger. I have the videos of them being forged, it's awesome. Rapier incoming!!]

[glee]

Given that you're just searching a small area of a farm, either Light option is fine.

In the film of the Two Towers when Aragorn is trying to track Merry and Pippin, he crawls along the ground.
So maybe the head torch? Your choice!

As for Rangers:

- they are front-rank Fighters with good health
- they can learn any weapon (Walker has gone down a 'Woodland / Druidical' route by using a wooden Staff and a leather Sling. (He has a dagger just for skinning)
- Walker does extra damage with a hit against any 'Orc-Kind' e.g. goblins, orcs, hobgoblins, ogres, trolls and giants etc.
- Walker can track (several uses e.g. chasing monsters; finding hidden treasure (by following tracks of those who left it); warning party of nearby danger; rescuing kidnapped victims)
- by using so little metal and having acquired an Elvish Cloak (giving 90% hidden), Walker can help Scouts stage an ambush
- they can easily live off the countryside (Walker knows fire-building, fishing and herbalism)

[ping]

Sorry, the IC bit that made me giggle as I was typing was just the thought of Aislinn walking in to see a ........ compromising situation........... between Walker and Marron, that might assuage her concerns about whether they're going to sexually assault her and make her more comfortable!

I just want to say that in no way was I suggesting that Marron or Walker's characters would be doing anything, or that it would be wrong. I'm not trying to change the story of either character, this was just an amusing image that popped in my head!, it was just one of those random thoughts that come to you after a brain injury and I just thought she walks in seeing them being gay, and thinks "I can relax a bit!!"!!

None of this is real, just something that amused me.

[glee]

I'm not quite sure how to react (though I'm glad you are enjoying the campaign!)
It can be tricky interpreting stuff over the Internet...

Anyway Marron is pretty devoted to the Arthurian Tradition (especially as he was seen worthy to inherit Gawain's Holy Symbol.)
So at this stage of his life, he's focused on helping others and defeating evil ... and is celibate.

[choie]

Oh my! So Walker is ace (if they had such a term back then) and Marron celibate. There may be some interesting discussions down the road once the trio learns more about one another!

Er, did Marron just curl up on the ground where all three of them were standing outdoors, or did he teleport himself back to our room?

[glee]

When not curing the party or fighting the Mordred Cabal, Marron believes in comfort, good fresh food and relaxation.
Yawning, Marron strolls back to the guest room and settles down for the night.

[ping]

I'm not quite sure how to react (though I'm glad you are enjoying the campaign!)
It can be tricky interpreting stuff over the Internet...

Anyway Marron is pretty devoted to the Arthurian Tradition (especially as he was seen worthy to inherit Gawain's Holy Symbol.)
So at this stage of his life, he's focused on helping others and defeating evil ... and is celibate.

Oh my! So Walker is ace (if they had such a term back then) and Marron celibate. There may be some interesting discussions down the road once the trio learns more about one another!

Apologies, GLee I was just finding it amusing that Aislinn could have just walked in on a romantic event (but didn't) and that it might have been a bit of a "WOAH!" but also "PHEW!" moment if she knew the two men she was travelling with were not interested in her!

It might calm her more if she does find in future that Marron is celibate - is that a vow? @choie As for Walker, out of the game as I'm not sure it's a topic that would be broached in-game (except to just say he's not interested... he's not taken a vow or anything), I would say that yes he is ace. He would have, both back at home in his youth and in his travels, encountered both (probably taboo) sexes but finds that neither is particularly his "thing".

Going into more detail I suspect that growing up there near the Keep and in the sort of surroundings and community would have always been the expectation that a young lad of a certain age should be having a young lass by now sort of thing, but that just didn't do it for him. He could see that they were attractive (when pointed out, eg. "Young Emma's so pretty, look at her beautiful hair" .... why yes, yes she is I can objectively see that), but it just didn't work for him, though he went through the motions in the town and Keep dances etc. He did wonder if maybe the young men around him were attractive, and indeed he did find some of them attractive, and may have had a few covert dalliances, as it would probably be frowned upon, but again it just wasn't doing it for him. He found them attractive in the same way he found the women attractive; he could see why other people would describe them so and enjoyed their company, but it just doesn't make a connection for him. It was easier to take a job where he could spend time just being on his own! (Also, if you hadn't noticed, probably autistic).


[edit to add]: I've edited my post to remove references to souls as that is a real-world religious thing, but as Aislinn referenced spirit previously, I hope you're all ok with the idea of spirits? (In a non-religious way, at GLee's request). I am personally totally non-religious so don't give a flying fig either way haha.

[glee]

I'm glad we cleared that up about any romance - as a typical male Marron had no clue what was going on!

Walker and Aislinn can find out by roleplaying whether Marron is a) celibate and b) has vowed this.

Just to confirm that my campaign has no reference to any real-life religion - it's purely about story-telling and imagination (with rules about what abilities each character class has.)
To draw a parallel with chess: I enjoy chess for the strategy, tactics and analysis involved (plus rules about what each piece can do): I have no interest in comparing the game to real-life conflict.

[choie]

Hey thanks for the clarity, ping. For the record I have no problem with basically anything that works for anyone's character and the story world in general. Walker's being on the Spectrum has been well depicted and certainly noticed by me, and it's an interesting and challenging character choice!

As far as I'm concerned I'm game for you guys to broach any topic. As a player my one boundary is having my PC say or do something out of character, short of some enchantment or extreme circumstance where extraordinary decisions have to be taken. People's typical beliefs and actions should be challenged sometimes.

I'd imagine any romantic/physical aspects of the PCs' personalities would likely only come up if an NPC starts flirting with one of them, or just generally wondering what the deal is between these two men and the young woman traveling together. Or maybe it crops up in a personal discussion if plot brings anything up. Otherwise it's just a background bit of knowledge.

(But the ambiguity of what Aislinn saw upon entering the room was indeed a funny thought, ping!)

Finally, roleplayingwise, I think it's actually good that Aislinn has no specific "aha" moment where she realizes, "yay, these men are gay and/or not interested in sex so I'm perfectly safe." Or for that matter, if the characters aren't so easily identified as trustworthy because they're a sworn Arthurian so always do the right thing.

An important part of character growth that I enjoy in storytelling (and in life!) is when people must learn to trust despite lack of certainty. That's when trust is an act of faith and bravery, not something easily won. Like all hard-fought prizes, the reward becomes more meaningful.

[glee]

Just to let players know that in real life I am packing tonight and travelling home tomorrow.
Since there will be important stuff for the characters during the forthcoming night, I don't intend to risk typing all that whilst travelling 6,000 miles!

So please bear with me as there will be a few days delay - but I'm sure it will be worth it!

[ping]

Oooh, good luck and safe journey! Certainly sounds like you've had (in your words now!) a "jolly good" time!

To choie, I totally agree re. trust issues. I personally have only recently come into GLee's world here, and I get that the Arthurian Tradition is a big deal, but from real world experience, you can claim to be the holiest person ever and still commit atrocities and be totally untrustworthy (totally can't Google any examples of that happening, nope, not a single one, hmm...), so - in real life - I wouldn't take someone at their word just because they said they'd taken a holy vow or some such nonsense (my opinion, each to their own!). Especially if (as I suspect in-character Aislinn has) I'd have a reason to be wary.

Spectrum-wise, thanks for noticing Lets just say I have some experience. But anyway, Walker would be generally good at masking, particularly in formal situations like at the Keep as he knows and has learned what the "normal" should be like, or when he meets the villages he visits as he knows, sort of like how we talked about picking up basic phrases even if you're not fluent in the language, how to make small talk and make friends with the villagers. Most of the time though he's on his own, and his choice to be a ranger and away from civilization and just peopling in general wasn't an accidental choice. Hence the occasional just muttering to himself or Eye, and this carries over when he's distracted or more relaxed, eg. travelling with friends where he doesn't have to have the mask on, so to speak. Unexpected situations can make him flustered but usually only social interactions, if it's a battle situation he can totally fixate on that. Similarly with the tracking.

[glee]

I'm back and safely recovered from mild jet-lag.
As you'd expect, there was a lot of stuff to catch up on, but the campaign is now a top priority!

[glee]

Just a quick note on night watches:

- if Walker and Eye are exploring on their own, they can use the method suggested in the main thread (each in turn tries to be alert to danger whilst also getting some rest.)
It's not guaranteed (especially if the day has been hectic), but it's well worth a go.

- Scouts are taught to share watches (this works with other companions too), so if there are three* or more to share watches, then there is always a guard awake and everyone gets a restful night's sleep.

Eye and Walker count as two!

[ping]

As this is, I think, technically Walker's first (at least narrated) night with the group, then he and Eye would be doing their usual routine regardless of the others, who might be feeling safe and comfortable in their beds! I assume (un-narrated) we've had at least one night together as a group. In which case Walker and Eye would still be doing it just out of habit but would acknowledge that the others have their routine as well, and maybe at some point they will, or have already talked it out and realise that there's technically four "people" available to watch out at night, rather than two and two, and also that they're in a safe place right now! However, habits are hard to break!

[choie]

Welcome home, glee! Hope you feel recuperated from your wonderfully lengthy vacation! Takes awhile to get into the swing of things, I've found.

[glee]

Thanks - although Vegas was fun, I'm glad to be back.

I will post the events of the night soon...

[glee]

I take the earlier point made by ping that in real life one has to be aware that claims and vows may not be backed up by deeds.

However (as mentioned earlier) this campaign differs from real life (e.g. no resemblance to religion; plus magic and monsters exist.)
Another clear change is that the three belief systems (Arthurian Tradition, Nimue Way and Mordred Cabal) are personally supervised by their respective Beings. So (for example) an Arthurian Cleric who betrayed his way of life would instantly have his Clerical powers withdrawn and his Round Table symbol would catch fire.

[ping]

three belief systems (Arthurian Tradition, Nimue Way and Mordred Cabal) are personally supervised by their respective Beings. So (for example) an Arthurian Cleric who betrayed his way of life would instantly have his Clerical powers withdrawn and his Round Table symbol would catch fire.

Is there any in-between? I mean, such as a cleric could sign up to the Arthurian Tradition and the above would happen, but a regular person (or other class) perhaps might subscribe to the ideals but not be bound by them? In other games those such as Rangers have always been neutral-good, so would possibly "follow the Arthurian Tradition" but isn't a card-carrying member necessarily and would be actually be closer to Nimue Way in terms of his nature connection? But it's not a vow in the same way as a cleric?

[glee]

There is some 'wriggle room' - occasionally someone will drift from one cause to another. But it's quite a big decision - and especially so for Clerics who have taken vows.

Assume that the Arthurian tradition represents Good; the Nimue Way Neutral (but with reverence for the environment, plants and animals); the Mordred Cabal Evil.

Now an experienced character (e.g a 5th level Archer) who has chosen the Arthurian Tradition would be expected to abide by most (if not all) of the beliefs e.g honesty, chivalry, courtesy etc.
However a peasant who has chosen the Arthurian Tradition would just have to be a pleasant fellow.

Also in a feudal economy, the Arthurian Tradition would embrace many of the Nimue Way beliefs - after all the crops, farm animals and the farmland are vital for all.

[ping]

Venn diagrams!

So it would be fair to say that Walker is Arthurian from background and employment, and would follow the Arthurian Tradition but understands Nimue beliefs and abides by those too. Having taken no religious vow and having no magic, it should not make a material difference if he's specifically subscribed to a religion

[choie]

Glee will correct me if I'm wrong, but as I understand it, the alignment system boils down to Evil (Mordred); Good with a Nature Fetish (Nimue); and Good, Noble and Pure (Arthur). I stuck Aislinn in the Nimue group since the requirements seem slightly less stringent than Arthurians. Aislinn's done some not-great things, but she does love nature and her heart's generally in the right place.

If one existed, I'd put Aislinn in an agnostic category, but I don't think that's how the universe works here, at least for humans. For example, I don't know where the Lizardfolk lean, if they have different religions. But we have met at least one Ogre named Woody (this was before Walker joined) whose tribe was clearly Mordredy but he was Nimue-ish.

[ping]

I didn't get a choice so to speak, stepping in to what was an NPC originally with GLee's ideas behind him - he almost certainly didn't plan for an ace autistic, but anyhow - religion-wise it would make sense, as he grew up in and has worked at the Keep for so long, than the Arthurian Tradition is sort of ingrained into Walker. However, as Aislinn, he's travelled and met other folk with other religions (or none), so I would like to put him in the venn-diagram of between Arthurian and Nimue. Arthurian born and bred though never sworn an oath into that (like a cleric or paladin would), is open to other things as he's met them along the way, naturally(!) open to nature and most likely would have met followers of the Nimue path. Without growing up in/around the Keep then he probably would have followed Nimue's path as he enjoys nature more than he enjoys people, but the roots of the Arthurian values are strongly ingrained!


No doubt I am riding rough-shod over poor GLee's perfectly planned ranger NPC here haha sorry not sorry

[glee]

I agree with you both.

Note that only one Venn diagram is acceptable - that between Arthur and Nimue.
By contrast the Mordred Cabal is like Saruman in LotR once he has gone over to Evil - he will not change as he only wants power for himself ... and chops down trees for fun.

I'm jolly happy how ping is playing Walker (I just wanted a reliable fighter-type who had good knowledge of Sherwoodshire and was chatty )
Clearly Walker wears a symbol of Arthur as he was brought up in the Arthurian Keep (also it helps folk to trust him), but he has sympathy for Nimue (and shares her beliefs.)

Choie is right about the alignment system.
It's pretty basic for these reasons:

- it's easier for me to run
- it makes sense given a feudal system and Beings who take a close interest in the world

I'm happy for there to be some overlap between Good + Neutral and also enjoy seeing Evil being converted to Neutral. (N.B. This is not frequent e.g. Evil Clerics will never turn.)

All intelligent inhabitants will take a belief in Arthur, Nimue or Mordred.
Walker has spent some time with one Lizardman community and can tell you they were Nimue (makes sense since they rely on fishing.)

[ping]

I agree with you both.

Note that only one Venn diagram is acceptable - that between Arthur and Nimue.
By contrast the Mordred Cabal is like Saruman in LotR once he has gone over to Evil - he will not change as he only wants power for himself ... and chops down trees for fun.

I'm jolly happy how ping is playing Walker (I just wanted a reliable fighter-type who had good knowledge of Sherwoodshire and was chatty )
Clearly Walker wears a symbol of Arthur as he was brought up in the Arthurian Keep (also it helps folk to trust him), but he has sympathy for Nimue (and shares her beliefs.)

Choie is right about the alignment system.
It's pretty basic for these reasons:

- it's easier for me to run
- it makes sense given a feudal system and Beings who take a close interest in the world

I'm happy for there to be some overlap between Good + Neutral and also enjoy seeing Evil being converted to Neutral. (N.B. This is not frequent e.g. Evil Clerics will never turn.)

All intelligent inhabitants will take a belief in Arthur, Nimue or Mordred.
Walker has spent some time with one Lizardman community and can tell you they were Nimue (makes sense since they rely on fishing.)

That is pretty much what I had thought. It would make sense for me, for Walker to be somewhere in between Arthurian and Nimue, and having spent time with various peoples - including Lizardfolk - and out in nature by himself would have a good knowledge of/empathy for Nimue, while also having been brought up in a quite strongly Arthurian setting in/around the Keep.

Your description of the Mordred Cabal as being like Saruman is excellent and as I'd imagined.

[glee]

Actually I think I absorbed much of my simplistic alignment system from LotR - after all:

- Gondor*, Rohan, Dunedain, Elves and Dwarves are all Good
- Hobbits and Woses are Neutral (and love the land)
- Sauron, Saruman and the Southerners are Evil

*well not Denethor

[ping]

[ping]

I have to admit this is my first attempt at playing an aligned-good character! I am firmly (in life and usually in game) Chaotic Neutral.

(in the image above I am Gimli or Pippin. )

[ping]

I assume we are awaiting Marron to react or DM to tell us it's morning I don't think there is anything left to add to Walker's dream? Unless Glee you have something to add for him before they wake up.

[glee]

Watching Walker organise the defence of Giles' farm, I am irresistibly reminded of two marvellous scenes by another hero making arrangements:

[ping]

Watching Walker organise the defence of Giles' farm, I am irresistibly reminded of two marvellous scenes by another hero making arrangements:

Haha I wouldn't compare Walker to either of those but he thanks you for the compliment! Just trying to assess the threat, not order people around!

[glee]

Test of map

https://btcloud.bt.com/web/app/share/invite/YML27nDGuq

[glee]

Quote:

Aislinn glances back at Farmer Giles without expression. Grateful for his hospitality or not, she cannot help thinking: 'Yes, little girl two feet shorter than me, please go and defend my entire farm against some armed soldiers whilst we lock ourselves up nice and snug.'

This is more fine roleplaying.

(In defence of Farmer Giles though, he knows Aislinn + co have defeated a Red Dragon.
By contrast Giles' toughest opponent was a recalcitrant cow. )

[ping]

Quote:
(In defence of Farmer Giles though, he knows Aislinn + co have defeated a Red Dragon.
By contrast Giles' toughest opponent was a recalcitrant cow. )

Also out of character and referring to 5e stats (not sure how close it is in this edition), Farmer Giles as a commoner probably has like, 4 HP. We're adventurers on something like 50 HP. Aislinn could probably beat up Farmer Giles with her little finger.... or her mind at this point!

... and yes, we killed a dragon. A small one, but shh.

[choie]

Ha! Well, I guess I don't know how "meta" this world is, or how much our characters are aware this is all just a big game. Are all of the PCs meant to understand there's this system of hit points and whatnot? Heck Aislinn barely knows she can cast spells.

As mentioned above, I play her as someone who only knows what she personally experienced (or remembers experiencing, anyway) and understands, none of which is very comprehensive. So she's gonna look askance at big strong farmers scurrying indoors, even if as a player I'm aware that due to the external points system she may have more magic or endurance than these men do.

She's not someone who instinctively knows that everyone who is Good is All Totally Good and Trustworthy, or who automatically knows that people who are Bad are All Horribly Bad and Betraying Liars. I like there being some doubt in my girl's mind, so that trusting is an act of bravery rather than easy.

[glee]

I'm going to gently remind ping that we are playing 1st Edition and also that hit points are what we know, not what our characters know!

As I said, Aislinn is fully entitled to have these thoughts - but Giles' position is also reasonable.

I look forward to hearing about how the party is going to deal with an Empire Patrol...