Avalonian trading caravans begin to leave the Avalonian and Erinamese spheres in search of new markets. Due in part to the hostilities of some groups to the Avalonian empire, these caravans begin to arm themselves well and to pass through the steppes as quickly as possible. To keep its merchants safe, Avalonia considers signing treaties or whatever with troublesome tribes or maybe just conquering them. Some Avalonian merchants are reporting success to the west and have returned with silver in exchange for various goods.
Following monsoon season, the Avalonian navy begins ferrying troops, horses, supplies, &c. into Japan from all the cardinal directions save North because they were expecting that. Despite initial repulsion of the fleets at some locations, the majority of ships were able to unload their troops and stuff and the invasion is going fairly smoothly, with Avalonian armies moving to soften the areas where the fleets were repulsed to allow more ships to land. Japanese resistance seems to be heaviest in the areas surrounding Mount Fuji; in response to this, Avalonia has continued with its conquests elsewhere in Japan, preparing to draw out the defenders at a later but still soon time.