The Za

There has always been guilds, or Za, in, where merchants co-operate with temples and shrines in order to protect themselves against bandits, samurai and daimyo. The merchants transport their goods and travel in groups. Arrangements are made for them to sell their goods in temple grounds, which also places them under the auspices and protection of the temple. Some merchants in feel that the protection from traveling in groups and the arrangement with the temples aren't enough. They have turned to you, offering a share of profits in order to gain protection, maybe some tax exemptions and other formal governmental benefits.