Eachann

Eachann, a low gravity planet in the Gothic Sector features not only an exceptionally peaceful past, but only a great density of navy academies and schools for the Aeronautica Imperialis.

History
Discovered in the Great Crusade, it's native population of sentient mammals had been wiped out after attempted contacts were met with excessive violence.

Once all resistance had been subdued, specially shielded cities were constructed, in which the gravity was measured to fit that of ancient Terra in order to counter long-term effects on the planet's population. The low gravity and clear, unpolluted atmosphere made the planet an ideal training ground for imperial pilots.

After it's initial discovery, Eachann experienced a period of peace that lasted until the 42nd Millennium, when an Ork WAAAGH! attempted to establish a foothold on Eachann's moon. Almost half a century later, the Orks returned, this time making planetfall.

What went down in Imperial records as the Liberation Of Eachann was a victory only blemished by the death of Eachann's greatest hero, Colonel Dougal Monroe.

Geography
Covered in lush, boreal forests covering 90% of it's landmass, Eachann is close to qualify as a pleasure world. Deep valleys and ravines cut through steep, snow-topped mountains, which descend into wide, shallow oceans.

Locations

 * O Bradaín: The planet's capital, largest space port and seat of the governor, it is also features most navy academies of all city states. It was here where the decisive battle over the planet was fought in 021.M42.
 * O Dougal: The home town of Colonel Dougal Monroe, it was posthumously renamed in his honor in accordance with the population's demand. Though his corpse was never recovered, a shrine and mausoleum in his name have been erected.

Culture
Life on Eachann mainly happens in the shielded, fortified city states scattered across the globe. Each city is largely autonomous in their affairs, though united in the planet's close ties with the imperial Navy. It is no surprise that the imperial propaganda has built up pilots as the world's idols. Annual surveys reveal that 86% of Eachann's fit for military service inhabitants have applied or plan to apply for the Navy's pilot training program. Given the special attention the planet receives in terms of protection from the Navy has instilled a sense of superiority and security in it's citizens through all layers of society.

Rise Of A Hero
A recent shift in the perception of the planet's military forces has caused officials to increase it's funds and raise awareness of this optional path of career in service for the Imperium. Shortly before the dawn of the 42nd Millennium, in 999.982.M41, an Ork WAAAGH! under the command of Boss Dakkazot invaded Eachann's moon with plans to launch an attack.

Thus, it was decided to deploy the planet's military, the Eachann Fusiliers under the command of General Tierney Milligan. To the surprise of the Imperial Command, The Fusiliers secured the moon much faster than anticipated and while failing to confirm the kill of Boss Dakkazot, the Orks were driven off-planet and out of the system.

Upon returning to the surface of Eachann, it was revealed that General Milligan had lost her life during the initial assault and that Captain Dougal Monroe had taken command and guided the Fusiliers to victory. For his deeds, he was awarded the rank of Colonel and revered by the population as a hero.

Fall Of A Hero
To the surprise of his own men, Colonel Monroe accepted the offered command of the 1st Cairngorn Penal Legion, raised in a neighboring system. As the Fusiliers faced necessary restructuring and waves of eager recruits, they were put out of active duty as fast as they had been deployed.

Nearly 40 years later, the Orks returned, this time with twice their numbers. Though having been armed up in the meantime, the Eachann Fusiliers faced one loss after the other. That was until Colonel Monroe, along with his 1st Cairngorn returned and turned the tide of battle. Monroe, however, though ultimately enabling victory lost his life in battle.

Aftermath
Both victories combined with giving his life in the line of duty have raised Colonel Monroe to a planetwide idol, inspiring millions to apply for military service. Shrines were erected in his memory and a holiday introduced to honor the anniversary of his sacrifice.

Government
Each city state features an elective monarchy, deciding an absolutist leader for a period of 10 years. Each citizen above the age of 20 holds the right to vote and while technically everyone can be appointed the position, it is usually held by members of influential families with ties to the Imperial Navy or into economy. Together, the city states form a federation, electing a separate entity as planetary governor.

Military
While the planet sustains it's own regiment, the Eachann Fusiliers, it is mainly defended by a large fleet of imperial vessels. This is to protect the training grounds of the Aeronautica Imperialis housed on the planet's surface, which produce some of the finest pilots in the Segmentum Obscurus.

Flora and Fauna
Eachann is almost exclusively covered by thick, lush boreal forests of up to 100 meter tall conifers. A total of 1200 species of these trees have been discovered by scholars and provide home for an immeasurable number of birds and airborne mammals.