Nanoka says:
... Magic is dangerous ... more interesting/different than the usual ...
Yeah, there are risks and costs, and it is frowned upon (possibly for reasons of superstition).
Magic can be very interesting, and it is 'allowed' OOC, just be careful. A noble background would have allowed a lot more leniency in the past. How well are you and your family coping with now having to deal with the need for secrecy?
Nanoka says:
... Wizard's "Summon" ability would be the main form of spellcasting in this world ...
Yes, most 'magic' requires summoning and possibly commanding a spirit.
Nanoka says:
... and thus what is being shunned?
Presumably so. The corrupting influence of these spirits has probably contributed to the stigma.
Nanoka says:
... financial collapse ... forced to make her fortune as an adventure ...
Did you sign up as a caravan guard because the money seemed worth it or is this an attempt to gain credibility as an adventurer, and a supposed stepping-stone to what comes next?
Are you a caravan guard or are you out here on your own and will be forced to join the party for 'reasons'?
Nanoka says:
Leadership ... interest in hirelings ... when the character has more pocket money ... Diplomacy...
Leadership seems like it would cover 'diplomacy' and such, yes. See below about a possible hireling at the start.
Nanoka says:
Decipher - ... sole purpose is to order people around might be a bit strange ... - reading foreign/ancient languages ... Analyzing magic items ... contracts ...
'Ordering people around' is less likely to be successful now that you are no longer a wealthy noble. You may have to resort to the more subtle forms of Leadership.
Those all sound like exactly what Decipher could be used for.
Remember that you can still try to do any of these things. All the skill does for you is soften the worst outcome, making it a little 'safer'. They add flavour to the character, but should not limit the character.
'Leadership', for instance, means people will tut and ignore you ("She does not know how to behave") rather than get angry and fight you on a miss.
Nanoka says:
Summon - ... not completely outruled ... can't use it openly ... domains.
Indeed. Those sound like interesting domains. I always worry about 'love' it can be very rapey. Tread carefully.
Nanoka says:
Pet - ... another partymate has also picked a pet ... Falconry ...
theatreofcomets: Would you be happy with another Pet in the party?
Nanoka: Are you taking a Pet instead of Command? Summoning spirits and then not being control them proves why everyone is
right to mistrust these magic users.
Without Command, the spirit will probably only do what it wants, as dictated by its nature. I don't know if you can reason with (or Lead) spirits.
paladintodd: Would you be happy with another player taking Command? Are you still wanting to go with that? If you are still set on 'magic disruption' why does it not work on this noblewoman? ("Because she is PC" is not a good enough reason, but we don't need to know the answer, yet.)
Nanoka says:
WoD seems very rules light in regards to ...
Yes, it does. :)
Nanoka says:
...
... Falcon could: scout, deliver messages or ferry objects, hunt small game ... harry the enemy as a distraction ...
Most of those seem reasonable, and fit the idea of a falcon.
'Delivering messages', though? It is not 'intelligent', can not follow complex instructions, so tying something to its leg and sending it to someone you can see seems reasonable, but sending to find someone elsewhere is hard to justify, unless it is 'go home', and then it is gone.
Nanoka says:
... sort of like a Rogue-Bird ...
I don't know what that is.
Nanoka says:
... only hoping for a positive Cha and maybe Con ...
Well done. Nice roll overall.
CHA would also be useful for Commanding these spirits, if you choose to do so.
INT is good for Deciphering, including 'contracts' for the spirits.
Nanoka says:
... no idea how much adventuring gear to buy - or should I let the more hardened adventurers in the party take care of all the ...
How recently were you still a 'noble'? Does your
character have any idea what to bring?
Do you want to blow most of your starting money on a 'loyal retainer' (hireling) who we don't need to worry about paying, for now?