If a settlement is concerned about raiders, and I walk up all dressed like a raider, the settlers should be all like "OH CARP A RAIDER", not "oh thank goodness it's the protagonist we could really use your help".

Or, you know, "you look like a dang clown. We'll wait for the next protagonist."

It's all very contextual.

Pirates Vs Ninjas

That's still a thing, right? Debates about pirates Vs ninjas? Yes? No?

You see, kids, back in the olden memes...