A short walk later, you quickly spot the main church on top of a hill. Its white walls and blue accent make it stand out from the rest of the buildings—which is the main point of any worshipping structure in the Shepherdist religion.

According to the Shepherdist doctrine, there is no set standard for place of worship design, which means churches in different regions can have vastly different appearances and even names. But a place of worship needs to stand out from other buildings so it can be easily identifiable even to those who doesn’t follow Shepherdism; churches are more than just a place to pray, it also provide people, both believers and non-believers, with comfort, food, and safety.

From the outside, you can hear the priest talking something to the crowd. There is probably a sermon inside, which means you will have to sit through this one.

With that out of the way, you enter the church and take a seat. You see Valijs, a yuan-ti (with legs) facing the stained glass and altar in front of you. From your point of view, he isn't looking at the crowd who he is addressing, but at the altar itself. That's how any prayer in Shepherdist is performed, you aren't praying to other people, you're praying to God, and God is 'looking' back at you.

The stained glass depicts a white dove and a cloud. It's taboo in Shepherdism to create images of its religious figures, which means people must find a more abstract way to represent each character. For God Himself, He is often associated with the sky and the stars. 

"And I say this to you: God's love knows no bounds, He loves you even if you doubt or do not believe in His existence, He loves you even if you hate or reject Him. And He wants you to be like that too." Valijs pauses, "If someone hates you, do not hate them back, because hate only breeds more hate. Love your enemies, pray for them, and they will become your friend. Amen."

People begin getting up from their seats and clearing their things, seems like the sermon is over already, and that's a good thing.

Valijs crouches down and clasps his claws in a prayer, looks like he doesn't notice you yet.

Astra's shop isn't that far away from the market, it's by the main street, but you can't see the church from here.

Entering the shop, everything looks mostly the same. Of course, it's the same building, just in a different place. Some of the products are restocked, mostly canned and preserved foods.

You don't see the cat anywhere, but on the counter, there is a longbow and a sign that says 'Sorry, be back 11:00.'  It's probably around 9:00 right now.

Inspecting the longbow, you can see small, ornate carvings on the grip and the shaft, depicting leaves, nature, and such. Maybe that's why Astra charged so much for a regular longbow—this bow is exactly like other bows out there, except you can knock out your enemies with more style.

Alex leads Liivi and Maya quickly to the temple, pausing a moment when he hears his mentor's voice. He smiles softly, then glances at his companions before quietly slipping inside (as best he can anyways in his armor). He takes a seat at the back, hoping to avoid distracting anyone else even though he'd usually take a seat near the front when possible. 

"Amen," he says at the end of the prayer. He lets out a sigh of relief. It feels good to be in a familiar place with words of encouragement and love rather than... well, Janus and Paulis. Though, he does have some underlying worry that Valijs won't agree with the path they've chosen for saving the world. It's... not like they have much choice anymore, but... he also is positive Valijs wouldn't agree with how Paulis was torturing murderers by putting their brains in jars. That's not love. That's just more hatred. Not to mention taking judgement upon yourself instead of trusting God to judge rightly. 

Glancing at Liivi and Maya, he says with a smile, "That's Valijs. He taught me everything I know." Then he looks back to his mentor, clearly worried about interrupting his prayer. 

Unfortunately they don't have a ton of time, so he takes a breath before walking up to the alter. However, instead of immediately addressing Valijs, Alex kneels down next to him to face the alter and offer his own silent prayer. God give me strength. I know not what lies ahead, only that you will guide me. I surrender this trial to you and I trust that whatever the outcome, it will all work towards your plan. Janus thinks that my team and I are Lancea's only hope, but we both know that without you there is no hope at all. Amen. 

With that done, he stands up and bows his head one last time before looking to Valijs again, hoping that his old mentor will be finished too. 

Regardless he'll say quietly, "Sir Valijs... I'm sorry to interrupt but... I really could use some guidance." 

Maya follows Liivi and Alek in silence, but gives one last courtesy to Janina before she leaves, her disguise swaying in motion as she turns. Upon entering the chapel, she swivels her head slowly in all directions as she admires the silence of the interior, let alone its dazzling layout inside. Curiously, she too walks up to the alter and affectionately nuzzles his forehead whilst he prays, before she stands back besides Liivi and clasps her hands on her own, imagining herself being the typical shrine maiden that the people of Hiroshima loved. Well, not that she's got anything to say to the leopard woman; She's a bit paranoid of her still.

When Alek approaches Valijs, Maya does reel back a bit upon catching his snake-like appearance. A Yuan-Ti? With legs?! To her, that's a really unusual sight. She's not fond of this race especially given that the ones she encountered were extremely hostile to her and her son. But it seems that the young boy know him, so she waits back, her tail swayin underneath her disguise; if this one would be able to assist the current trio plus the ones at the shop along the way too, it would be crucial.

As they walk, the tabaxi is a bit surprised that Maya has joined them. 'I would have expected her to stay with Renar. So this is intriguing. But good.'  She tries talking to the woman a bit as they go. "It is nice that you are able to speak to us now. Hopefully we'll be able to work together with you better going forward. Thanks for joining us to see Alex's church."  Once there she hesitates a little as she hears the priest speaking. Though not Shepherdist herself, Liivi was familiar with their distinctiveness and had been inside one or two at various times. She wasn't certain though about interrupting a sermon and would not have entered if not for Alex going inside. 

Slipping inside after Alex, she sits down in the back as he does. When he moves to speak to the priest, she thinks, 'Valijs is his name evidently. Ah and Alex knows him well.' Though she had stood and followed, as he went to kneel down, she hangs back. Standing still and silent, she waits to see how the conversation goes.

Valijs gets up and turns around, "Let me guess... it's Cezars?"

"I'm not his mentor, but I've heard about who he is and what he did."

Valijs takes a seat "When Cezars was born, his parents were too poor to support him, so his aunt Adelaide took care of him instead. He was raised to be her lap dog, he must do everything she orders him to do, he never felt love or joy, and Adelaide treated him more like a servant than a family member." The fact that Cezar's parents are poor but his relative doesn't show how greedy Adelaide is. She never bats them an eye despite being one of the richest people in the world.

"As time went on, he would eventually run into Elmars in high school, and he relentlessly bullied him for his..." He pauses, then shakes his head, "I don't think I should be saying this... but moving on... The relentless bullying made Elmars very scared of him, and that fear continued to his adulthood. He let Cezars get away scot-free because he doesn't want to be reminded of his childhood again."

"It's not clear how Cezars became an Oathbreaker in the first place, but I heard he worshipped Rovagug instead of God... I haven't heard of this Rovagug deity before, other religions of Lancea have no records of this entity either... Odd." Valijs ponders. You also have no idea who or what Rovagug is, but perhaps either he or Adelaide might have an answer for that... assuming they're even willing to answer in the first place.

"You are very brave for pressing charges against Cezars, but even if you win the trial, the fight isn't over yet." Valijs places his claw on Alex's shoulder, his claw feels cold and plastic-y, just like how snake skin is. "You have to find Adelaide and bring her to justice too, she's the reason why Cezars became like this in the first place."

"I've finished my duty for today, I can go to the courtroom with you too if that makes you feel better." Valijs walks back one step, "If you have any other question or advice, feel free to ask." He smiles.

Valijs

Rovagug is a deity from Pathfinder 1e and 2e. I'll let you find out more in character.

Outside of Mira's shop, you spot five people wearing black robes and cloaks walking into an alley. One of them is carrying a sack, which wiggles a little bit as they walk by.

Other people on the streets are too busy to notice them, but you have a feeling that there might be something suspicious. People don't wear all-black cloaks like that unless they're going to a funeral, which is very unlikely in this case.

They do outnumber you, though, so you should be careful if you want to investigate them right away.

"Y..yeah," Alex is a little surprised that Valijs already seems to know everything, but on second thought that makes sense. Its not like this trial will be held secret, though... "We... well, I was going to press charges regardless, but now we don't have a choice. I think the guards... ah... well, I think they will side with us now, but it's because of them and an unfortunate encounter that we have to go to trial to. I really don't know what will happen if we lose." 

He looks to Liivi and Maya, "Oh, these are my friends. Liivi and Maya, Maya has been with me and my team since... well, she's unfortunately caught up in this Cezars business too. Liivi joined us not long ago, but she's awesome too! She's helped a lot already." He smiles, beaming for a moment before he remembers the real reason he's there.

"But... well, back to the topic at hand I guess... About Cezars... We've already had an encounter with some of Adelaide's cronies, it seems none of them have a choice in what they are doing, and I do intend to bring her to justice. All of us do... Could this Rovagug be the reason Cezars... well, I've detected a very strong evil presence emanating from him. I'm sure if you've seen him you probably have felt it too. I'm kind of wondering if that has something to do with his behavior. That and the fact that his fellow guards seemed surprised by his temperament after we caught him. They said he used to be nice to them... though I suppose that could have been an act. What do you think?"

"I would greatly appreciate it if you could come to the courtroom too," Alex sounds relieved. He isn't sure what Vajlis can do for them in court, but just having him there will provide some reassurance. 

His face grows solemn for a moment though as he ponders how to address the situation with Janus, "There is... something else though that I wanted to discuss... and it is really really important that others are aware of it, especially in the event that my companions and I end up losing this trial. I... don't know how much jail time we'd have to serve and any delay could be catastrophic..." He proceeds to explain everything that has gone on with Janus and Paulis, the underground laboratory, the apparent threat of invasion, and every other detail he can think of that his old mentor might be able to provide insight on. However, he leaves out the fact that Maya and Renar are from Toril, knowing that even though his mentor will share his same mindset, it's not his secret to share. 

"Yeah..." he finishes, rubbing the back of his head. "I was just.... well it doesn't seem like we have much of a choice, and we chose the route we thought was better. I don't agree with either choice, not fully anyways, but I don't know what else to do. I just don't think that we should be the only ones aware of this."

Walking out of the shop alongside Mira, he chuckles slightly at her comment towards Renar. Then he is immediately distracted by the black clad figures and the wiggling bag. What the heck?!

"Uh. Do you to see that?" He whispers pointing to the one with the bag. He debates on what he should do. They are about to go to trial after all, getting into more trouble is the last thing he needs...but at the same time. He sighs.

"I think I can check that out safely." He says, suddenly becoming invisible. "I'm just going to try to untie that wiggly bag." His voice whispers to Mira and Renar.

With that, he sneaks over pulling out a small knife while invisible. He then sneaks up next to the one carrying the sack, then carefully cuts the string holding the bag shut so that whatever is in it can escape. As soon as the bag falls open, he retreats back to Mira and Renar without looking to see what it was. He remains invisible even after retreating.

Stealth with advantage: 25

Slight of hand? 6

Mira

Hopping part Renar infuriated, the next thing Mira hears is Shugo addressing... what? . She peers around the corner with alert bunny ears... and drops her jaw in suspicion. "Oh I see what you mean... get down!" She hisses at the two boys as they all duck behind a wall like some sort of undercover royals.

"What the- who is that they're carrying?" She asks to no one in particular whilst half of her tiny body leans out from the wall they're packed into. She turns her head to back to discuss with the boys... and notices that Shugo has vanished. 

"Wait... Shugo... don't be reckless- Shugo?! Where did he go... Renar?" She gasps. Having a gut feeling that he has indeed gone to cut the bag, Mira begins to hop backwards, something that rabbits actually cannot do. "Do me a favour and keep an eye out on him. I'm gonna stay a good distance away from you in case I accidentally give your positions away." She whispers as she backs off 20 feet from where the boys are hiding. Hearing Renar telling her to run, if he and Shugo do so, she too will make a break for it.

Stealth: 6

Renar

This has to be a coincidence; I did hear Mira calling me a dummy for forgetting where Liivi, Okaa-san and Alek went, but to hear Shugo alerting the two of us to something else... like what?! A bunch of kidnappers?! No... that can't be my instinct freezing in cue with that awful suspicion... Far out... Just when we thought we can get by without anything sidetracking us... I fume inside my head; Like the other two, I push myself against a wall, just enough so that we stay clear out of their radar. This doesn't look right. Why are they all dressed in black? And who's that they're carrying? I shudder a little. "Rather... what are they doing here? Who are these people? And why do they appear to be kidnapping someone? What is their purpose? Who do they have in that sack of theirs?!" I add on to Mira's statement whilst my golden eyes home in on their movements like a radar. The way they walk with that squirming figure seems unnerving enough for my tail to stick up high under my disguise... but not as unnerving when Mira ask me... wait. "Shugo? He was here a second... where did Shu-go..." I kept whipping my head everywhere for him until I notice a sudden and swift knife slash in an attempt to free whoever that was inside. That was uncalled for. Even if he is trying to free up whoever it is, that single action alone would be enough to endanger our positions... something that I was fine with in the past but definitely not right now!

I grabbed Shugo's collar aggressively as my facial expression goes insane with paranoia, assuming he did drop his invisibility after that. "...A-Are you freaking insane?! What if they suddenly turn in our direction?!" I hiss at Shugo after noticing his fumbles his attempt to cut the bag open. That cut was so obvious that I have this gut feeling he either made a big tear in the bag or it wasn't enough to free him. Nonetheless, seeing that his attempt would've alerted them instantly, my first instinct was to retreat. The stupid tribulation is coming soon and if we somehow catch their attention, this won't definitely do us any favours.

"Run. Get out of here before they notice us!" I whisper to Mira and Shugo, hoping that they won't know who it was that freed whoever was inside there. I cursed myself in the meanwhile, wishing that I also can turn Invisible If I had time to jot it down in my spellbook again!

Stealth to get out of there: 19

(OOC: I hope that sleight of hand wasn't with advantage because if it was, I don't know what to say)

Sitting besides Liivi, Maya prays in silence whilst Alek converses with that unusual snake-like priest. There is an occasion but subtle shudder every once in a while, sometimes too subtle for the other lady to see, but that's what happens when she becomes lost in thought. Whilst she dreams of something peaceful, there were times where she also experienced negative memories too, memories that she never wants to recall. In fact, there was one moment when she flashbacks to the 'gyoza' and recalls the tabaxi woman saying her name. Liivi... it's definitely a name she cannot properly pronounce in her oriental tongue. Nonetheless, despite her menacing exterior, Maya was able to recall the soft, gentle tone that she used when she addressed her especially when she voices her appreciation to join the two, which is indeed very out of character for her.

Even so, her focus was so strong that nothing could faze her out of the world that she dreams of, a world without violence and discrimination... until Alek suddenly calls out her name as she jumps. "Eh?! N-n-nani-" She replies startled upon hearing her name being called out. She whips her head to the young boy she likes other than her son... only to realise he's just introducing her to that snake priest that she's mildly terrified of. Nonetheless, when being introduced, Maya doesn't hesitate to give him a majestic courtesy, albeit without anything even with her introduction of herself with a 'yoroshiku (よろしく)' at the end. 

And then her instincts kick in again; This time it was about the three that are currently not here. Didn't they agree to meet up at the shop? Or was it the other way around? She can't remember but now that the thought has suddenly returned to her head, the kitsune in disguise is panicking unnecessarily. She then turns her head back to the front entrance and wonders what are the other three up to in the shop. A sinking feeling then clings onto her thinking that instead of buying whatever it was they were looking for, whatever was that something worthwhile to them, they've in fact caught up in some other trouble instead...

She wants to check on the trio if they're ok; If they've encountered anything that needs to be taken aware of.

Luckily, you three managed to go unnoticed. However, when Shugo tries to slash the bag open, the bag... screams?

"Shut up!" The cloaked person elbows the sack hard, and all the movement inside it stops. You do see a small tear, and inside the bag appears to be an unconscious goblin lady—she wears a black gown with a golden badge depicting the Libra constellation on her chest. Her left arm is wounded and it's soaked with blood, it seems like Shugo must've dug the knife too deep.

The Libra constellation is associated with scales, scales are associated with law and justice. These cloaked figures are kidnapping someone who's associated with law and order.

"Hurry up, I think we've been compromised." The kidnapper says to the rest of his cloaked friends, and they speedwalked into an alleyway, disappearing from your line of sight.

Liivi has little to interject while Alex speaks to Valijs. Cezars she of course had met. And she already heard of his connection to Adelaide. But how would they bring her to justice?

When Alex introduces her, she nods politely, but still stays silent.  The underground laboratory is new information to her. Intetesting that her own companion is the one to give her additional knowledge! She listens to all the details he reviews with interest. 

Occaisonally she steals a glance over to Maya. See too seems to have as much to say as Liivi. It takes her a bit, but she slowly noticed the other woman seems anxious. Likely worried about Renar, who until this excursion she would have thought inseparable from this one.  They'd be reunited soon enough though.

Trying to be reassuring, she places a paw softly on Maya's arm for just a moment. "I'm sure we'll be on our way shortly," she whispers.

Throughout Alex's explanation, Valijs goes from minor interest to major concern. By the end of his dialogue, Valijs looks visibly downcasted.

"You did the right thing... I think. If I were in that situation, I'd struggle to choose too, but of course, the safety of our people comes first." He chuckles dryly, "I can't believe I have to agree with demon on this one, but he's right."

"Lanceans are God's chosen people, He will protect us, and anyone who harms His children will not go unpunished. God might forbid us from going to war, but he never said anything about going to war with those heathens." Valijs says. "However, I think you should keep all of that a secret, some people might have a more... hostile reaction to the news that we're being invaded. We haven't had a war for four thousand years, we need time to adjust ourselves and prepare." Besides, if you run into someone who supports Paulis and they find out you're not on their side, you're essentially painting a target on your back.

Valijs sighs, "We can't do much until we catch Adelaide anyway. She's the one with the answers, not me, and that answer isn't coming out that easily."

He walks to Maya and Liivi, then offers them a claw shake, "I should introduce myself again—I'm Valijs, mentor of Alex. He's been training under my wing ever since he was young, and—"

He notices that Maya seems to be acting a little... strange. "She speaks a little bit funny, where is she from, Alex?" The Yuan-ti turns to his apprentice.

Mira

As Shugo cuts that squirming bag, Mira does get in a debacle of whether to pitch in or not. Saving people does count in her priorities, but when she and the two boys that are with her against those guys, is it even worth risking life, limb and trial for something, or rather, someone? She does flinch when he apparently injured whoever was inside the bag, though. "Wait Renar! Don't run away yet!" She hisses as she signals for him to stop. She turns back... and gasps when she sees the tattoo on the victim's arm. That looks oddly familiar, too familiar in fact that her spectral clock returns in response to her growing anger. Renar is right. What are they doing?! Before she can even dare to try and stop them herself, they suddenly vanish out of sight from their view.

"Darn it, they got away. Not that we can take them on our own right now...!" She grits, before she flashbacks to the tattoo however and clenches her tiny paws in anger. "But... you two saw that mark right?! That mark... it's one of the constellations... the sign of justice... that's one of those who abide by the law... It scars my heart seeing that they're somehow getting away with this. They can't get away with this! I'd never let them, even if they'd avoid being compromised! Never!" Already fuming from their treatment of whoever that is, Mira's spectral clock suddenly vanishes as she steels herself again.

"Well... since they're gone... I... it wouldn't make sense to go after them maybe we can start heading to..." Mira suggests only to notice Renar has left in a huff again. "...I... I take that as a yes then...?" She mutters before she hops away, thinking of how she track down those goons and bring them to their knees. She whips her head all over the place to see if Shugo has actually came back in the meanwhile.

Renar

Before I can even go down the path to see what the other three were up to, I hear a painful scream, followed by Mira urging me not to go off so soon. I whip back my head in confusion. What on Japan just happened?! Not to mention that Mira is indeed getting super angry for... for what? I couldn't help but shudder. "W-w-what the- what are you getting so riled up for?!" I hiss back at Mira when I noticed that Shugo had also injured the person getting wrapped inside. Sure I get she's angry that she wants to rid these kidnappers, but why is she going overboard? At least that's what I thought when she then explains the entire system of 'justice' crudely. Right, so that's why she's mad. Even as the figures vanish in a corner, I also can't help but scowl in frustration. We may as well deliver the news on what we just saw... And yeah... I can't believe Shugo also had to injure him... speaking of which has he returned? Sigh... a valiant effort but you obviously and nearly exacerbated the entire scenario. 

"Let's go, wherever the hell Shugo is. We need to relay this ASAP." I huff as I swiftly walk off without thinking twice, or at least, not stopping to wrangle Shugo for actually injuring whoever it was he was trying to free, because I am seriously close to doing so.