Challenge

The characters are approached by a merchant representing one of their clans (a perfect oportunity for Crab, Mantis, or Unicorn). The merchant is attempting to deliver supplies for trade to another clan, by order of his clan daimyo. The ronin who were hired to guard the caravan have deserted him and his assistants, leaving them without protection for the long remainder of the journey.

Focus

The merchant desparately needs assistance in guarding his wares, and seeing his clan's colors, hopes that the character will be able to help. His trip will take him another hundred miles -- completely out of the characters' way, incidentally -- before he is able to deliver the supplies. If the supplies do not arrive, the character's clan will not only suffer the dishonor of not fulfilling their bargain, but may also face shortages if the goods they received are demanded returned.

Strike

Guarding a merchant caravan is not the most glorious work available to a samurai, which is why ronin were hired to do it in the first place. If the characters have any politacal enemies, such a duty may actually cause them dishonor in the courts. But by aiding the merchant, the characters are also aiding the clan, and may very well earn the respect -- and debt -- of the daimyo.