[he takes it in stride and gives it right back, a little smirk on his lips]

Your gods sound far more invested in the affairs of humans than mine.

[oh no, out of tea. Might as well stir up another cup.]

All of this is of no consequence when the core matter is, the mystics are no better or worse at protecting an encampment or a city than mere humans, at least around here. The nature of the enemy averages against the nature of the protectors.