it is basically empathy! when i say it's passively running, banagher is able to get a decent overall 'read' on people more than anything, and he often doesn't play it up as more than being a little intuitive with first impressions.

to give a personal example — banagher's initial impression of sturmhond is largely positive because of how he conducted himself during their mission and essentially looked out for the team. i think to really get underneath and sense that he's hiding so much, he'd have to actively use his ability, which he doesn't like to do to people on principle. if it came up in a conversation between them where sturmhond was actively glossing over the subject, that's when he'd be able to sense something was up, if that makes sense? and he probably wouldn't call him on it unless he'd be risking something by not doing so.

however depending on how/if/when it comes up, i'm totally okay with discussing consequences for it!