History wip

When Brennus was given command of his legion, he knew he had a truly difficult task at hand. His father had given him a horde of disillusioned men with no common thread to bind them, and expected his son to form an army. The Primarch felt that this was simply his first challenge, a way for a father to ensure his son was ready for command. Brennus decided that, if no common link existed among his sons, his own presence would forge one. He greeted his Astartes as a High King would greet soldiers returning from battle: with open arms, celebrations, and feasting. He had spoken to the veterans and senior captains among the legion before seeing the rank and file, and so he knew much about the deeds and proclivities of each chapter. Armed with this knowledge, the Primarch mingled with his legion, hearing their stories, their grievances, and their dreams. He encouraged them to connect to the people of his world; he would accompany many Astartes on hunting expeditions eschewing the technology of his father's realm for the sword and spear of his home. The warriors of Alessia and young men of Alessia were also encouraged to mingle with the warriors from the stars; Brennus thought that it would be wise for both cultures to know as much as possible about their new brothers. The council of tribes was largely in favor of this; the only exception was Brennus' best friend and the current Council Champion, the warrior Ferdiad mac Conn. Ferdiad had advised Brennus for years, and his position now was that the Imperium could no nothing but harm to their peaceful world. Brennus was not in the habit of disagreeing with his friend, but felt that the Champion was simply nervous about leaving his world to go to the stars. Brennus also suspected that his friend was worried that the two would grow apart, and so appointed Ferdiad to the position of Legion Equerry, a post second only in power to the Primarch's own. Though the new Equerry would give up this point of contention, it would fester in his heart throughout the Great Crusade.

Brennus dedicated the better part of a year to interacting with his legion. In addition to hunting expeditions, the High King set elaborate tests and challenges for his sons, to ensure they were adaptable and able to think on their feet. He also set them to live among the people, to remind them of the human beings they laid down their lives to serve. At the same time, he prepared the world he ruled to contribute to the Imperium. Though Brennus favored a traditional existence for his planet, he allowed modern innovations to arrive on Alessia as a measured pace; soon small hive cities had sprung up on the larger continents. The Primarch encouraged his people to spend a good deal of time with the Astartes, and began contests between young men to decide who would have the honor of sailing the stars. While he was doing this, however, he was also coordinating the Imperial conquest of Alessia's nearest neighboring star system. In Alessian folklore, the star was called "Cranórga", the Golden tree. Brennus believed it was an auspicious sign, and so he directed the forces under Lord General Cruzand to conduct skirmishes against the system, and learn everything possible about their capabilities. They would relay the information to him, and he crafted a plan that would give each of his newfound sons a piece of glory.