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Difference between revisions of "Bridge Four"

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(made a bunch of improvements all in the intro and History)
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'''Bridge Four''' is the name of a group headed by [[Kaladin Stormblessed]], an Alethi [[Knight Radiant]] of the [[Order of Windrunners]]. The group was originally one of the [[bridge crew]]s of the [[Sadeas]] warcamp in the [[Shattered Plains]], hence the name, but its function has evolved several times, becoming both a military unit within a battalion of the [[Kholin]] army and [[Dalinar Kholin]]'s honor guard, then later becoming a group of [[squire]]s and [[Knights Radiant]] of the [[Order of Windrunners]]. Despite such drastic changes, the members still refer to themselves by their original bridge crew name.
'''Bridge Four''' is the name of a [[bridge crew]] belonging to [[Highprince]] [[Torol Sadeas|Sadeas]]'s army, which is used to transport bridges so that soldiers could cross the chasms of the [[Shattered Plains]].{{book ref||6}} Infamous for being the worst crew, it does not have a stable leader until [[Kaladin Stormblessed]] is transferred into the unit.

Under Kaladin's leadership, Bridge Four transfers to the control of [[Highprince]] [[Dalinar Kholin]], where it becomes a military unit, but chooses to retain the name of Bridge Four as an homage to its past.{{book ref|sa2|2}} In this capacity, Bridge Four acts as the personal guard of Highprince Kholin, royal guard to King [[Elhokar Kholin]], premier spearman platoon of the [[bridge crew]]s, and headquarters platoon for the bridge crew battalion.{{book ref|sa1|73}}


Their insignia, designed by Kaladin, is made up of the glyph vev (meaning the number four) suspended above the glyph gesheh (meaning bridge), stylized as a bridge spanning a chasm.{{17s ref|post|125104|Isaac told us|date=2014-04-13}}{{cite|I don't know if this is the earliest we knew this? or if someone worked it out before we were told?}}
Their insignia, designed by Kaladin, is made up of the glyph vev (meaning the number four) suspended above the glyph gesheh (meaning bridge), stylized as a bridge spanning a chasm.{{17s ref|post|125104|Isaac told us|date=2014-04-13}}{{cite|I don't know if this is the earliest we knew this? or if someone worked it out before we were told?}}


== History ==
== History ==
⚫
Notorious for its bad luck, Bridge Four of [[Torol Sadeas]]' bridge crews seldom kept a bridgeleader for more than a few days{{book ref|sa1|6}} and almost always took the highest casualties on bridge runs.{{book ref|sa1|9}}


⚫
A transfer to Bridge Four was often used as a punishment for [[bridgemen]],{{book ref|sa1|11}} and the existence of a group worse off than themselves was a mental control used by Sadeas' men on the rest of the bridge crews. As a result of this, the bridgemen in Bridge Four knew that nothing worse could be done to them, and put no effort into anything. They didn't tell each other their names or anything else about themselves.
⚫
Notorious for its bad luck, Bridge Four seldom kept a bridgeleader for more than a few days{{book ref|sa1|6}} and almost always took the highest casualties on bridge runs.{{book ref|sa1|9}}


⚫
Upon arrival at the bridge yard in Sadeas' warcamp [[Kaladin]] managed to earn the immediate enmity of [[Gaz]], the bridge sergeant in charge of the bridge crews, who then placed him in Bridge Four.
⚫
A transfer to Bridge Four was often used as a punishment for [[bridgemen]],{{book ref|sa1|11}} and the existence of a group worse off than themselves was a mental control used by Sadeas' men on the rest of the bridge crews. As a result of this, the bridgemen in bridge four knew that nothing worse could be done to them, and put no effort into anything. They didn't tell each other their names or anything else about themselves.

⚫
Upon arrival at the bridge yard in Sadeas' war camp [[Kaladin]] managed to earn the immediate enmity of [[Gaz]], the bridge sergeant in charge of the bridge crews, who then placed him in Bridge Four. They will still face resistance to turn their luck, for example, Sadeas has ordered the wounded men of Bridge Four to not receive food or pay for the duration of time they can't run bridges.[4]


=== Changes under Kaladin ===
=== Changes under Kaladin ===
Kaladin spent several weeks in the bridge crew before deciding to give leading and protecting one more try.{{book ref|sa1|11}} Once the decision had been made he quickly turned Bridge Four around, and through his efforts it became the best of the bridge crews, taking the fewest casualties,{{book ref|sa1|30}} treating its wounded{{book ref|sa1|17}} and training for escape.{{book ref|sa1|27}}
Kaladin (still unaware of his latent powers) managed to survive the bridge runs even after several weeks, and eventually decided to protect other members of Bridge Four and become their bridgeleader.{{book ref|sa1|11}} Using both his medical and military knowledge, he quickly turned the crew around. His efforts in building morale and instilling discipline led to better organization.{{book ref|sa1|27}} He found ways to treat wounded crew members, saving many lives.{{book ref|sa1|17}} Soon enough Bridge Four was having the fewest casualties among the bridge crews.{{book ref|sa1|30}}

=== Escape Attempt and Freedom ===
Despite huge gains, the treatment of [[lighteye]]d officers in the warcamp towards Bridge Four did not improve, and in fact even worsened. Kaladin starting thinking of escape, not just for himself, but for his bridge crew.{{book ref|sa1|43}}

After careful preparation, just when they found an opportunity to set their escape plan into motion, Kaladin and Bridge Four found themselves being the only ones able to rescue Highprince [[Dalinar Kholin]] and his army from a trap set by [[Torol Sadeas]] during the [[Battle of the Tower]]. Sacrificing their chance to escape, Kaladin chose to save the highprince.{{book ref|sa1|67}}{{book ref|sa1|68}}


For this, Dalinar bought the freedom of every single bridgeman in Sadeas' warcamp{{book ref|sa1|69}}. In addition, the members of Bridge Four became Dalinar's new honor guard, and Kaladin was appointed captain in charge of both the honor guard and a new battalion consisting of former bridgemen.{{book ref|sa1|73}}
=== The Battle of the Tower ===
During the [[Battle of the Tower]] Bridge Four rescued Highprince [[Dalinar Kholin]]{{book ref|sa1|67}}{{book ref|sa1|68}} resulting in Dalinar buying the freedom of all the bridge crews,{{book ref|sa1|69}} placing Kaladin in command of all bridgemen that choose to become soldiers, and requesting Bridge Four as personal bodyguards.{{book ref|sa1|73}}


=== Battalion Officers ===
=== Battalion Officers ===
As captain to the new battalion of former bridgemen, Kaladin assigned several Bridge Four members as officers:
As captain, Kaladin assigned several Bridge Four members to become officers of the new battalion:


* [[Rock]] - lieutenant and quartermaster, in charge of food for the battalion
* [[Rock]] - lieutenant and quartermaster, in charge of food for the battalion
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* [[Moash]] - lieutenant
* [[Moash]] - lieutenant


Skar and Moash were both tasked to focus on Bridge Four's bodyguard duties.
Skar and Moash were both tasked to focus on Bridge Four's bodyguard duties.{{book ref|sa2|2}}


=== Bodyguards ===
=== Dalinar's Honor Guard ===
As Highprince Dalinar's personal bodyguards, Bridge Four guarded both the Highprince and his family. They considered Dalinar as their top priority, as Kaladin believed that the highprince was their only guarantee of freedom. He made it a policy to have a team lead by a Bridge Four lieutenant, if not Kaladin himself, watching the highprince at all times, while others guarded his sons or carried out other responsibilities as members of Kaladin's battalion.{{book ref|sa2|2}}
As Highprince Dalinar's personal bodyguards, Bridge Four guarded both the Highprince and his family. They considered Dalinar as their top priority, as Kaladin believed that the highprince was their only guarantee of freedom. He made it a policy to have a team, led by a Bridge Four lieutenant if not Kaladin himself, watching the highprince at all times, while the rest guarded his sons or carried out other responsibilities as members of Kaladin's battalion.


Initially they were given [[Cobalt Guard]] uniforms, but they rejected the idea of being part of the Cobalt Guard. A Bridge Four insignia was later made to replace the Cobalt Guard insignia that they had cut off from their uniforms.
Initially they were given [[Cobalt Guard]] uniforms, but they rejected the idea of being part of the Cobalt Guard. A Bridge Four insignia was later made to replace the Cobalt Guard insignia that they had cut off from their uniforms.{{book ref|sa2|2}}


=== Radiants ===
=== Radiants ===
Members of Bridge Four started becoming Kaladin's squires shortly after he spoke the Third Ideal of the Windrunners.{{book ref|sa2|87}} This gave them access to [[Stormlight]] and the [[Lashing]]s. Because of this Dalinar considered them too important for guard duty, so that was given to other bridge crews instead.{{book ref|sa3|4}}
Members of Bridge Four started becoming Kaladin's squires shortly after he spoke the [[Order of Windrunners#Third Ideal|Third Ideal of the Windrunners]].{{book ref|sa2|87}} This gave them access to [[Stormlight]] and the [[Lashing]]s. Because of this Dalinar considered them too important for guard duty, so that was given to other bridge crews instead.{{book ref|sa3|4}}


Bridge Four focused more on training their abilities, recruiting potential squires, and performing more crucial assignments. Their abilities disappeared when Kaladin was too far away, so Dalinar gave them the Windrunner [[Honorblade]] to use for training in such cases.{{book ref|sa3|64}}
Bridge Four focused more on training their abilities, recruiting potential squires, and performing more crucial assignments. Their abilities disappeared when Kaladin was too far away, so Dalinar gave them the Windrunner [[Honorblade]] to use for training in such cases.{{book ref|sa3|64}}


At some point, [[Teft]] and [[Lopen]] bond Honorspren to become Knights Radiant themselves.{{book ref|sa3|121}} Others Bridge Four members may have already done the same.
At some point, [[Teft]] and [[Lopen]] bonded Honorspren to become Knights Radiant themselves.{{book ref|sa3|121}} Others Bridge Four members may have already done the same.


Teft, who reached the Third Ideal as well, received squires of his own from another bridge crew, namely Bridge Thirteen.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
Teft, who reached the Third Ideal as well, received squires of his own from another bridge crew, namely Bridge Thirteen.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
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All Bridge Four members except Kaladin have glyphs for "Freedom" and "Bridge Four" tattooed on their person. The "Freedom" glyph is usually a mark of a freed slave.
All Bridge Four members except Kaladin have glyphs for "Freedom" and "Bridge Four" tattooed on their person. The "Freedom" glyph is usually a mark of a freed slave.


In Alethi society, slaves were branded on their forehead to make their status quite apparent to anyone who sees them. A freed slave would be given a writ of freedom, but he could also cover his slave brand with a tattoo indicating that he has been freed in order to make this more apparent.
In Alethi society, slaves are branded on their forehead to make their status apparent to anyone who sees them. A freed slave is given a writ of freedom, but he could also cover his slave brand with a tattoo indicating details of his freedom to make misunderstandings less likely.


When Kaladin had a tattooist apply a Freedom tattoo to Bridge Four members who were former slaves, [[Hobber]] insisted on adding "Bridge Four" glyphs as a statement that Bridge Four gave him freedom. The rest of the former slaves copied him. As a gesture of solidarity, even those who never had a slave brand proceeded to have the same tattoo as well, although [[Moash]] opted to have the tattoo placed on his upper arm.
Shortly after moving to Dalinar's warcamp, Kaladin hires a tattooist to apply a Freedom tattoo on Bridge Four members who were former slaves. The first one to get it, [[Hobber]], insists on having glyphs for "Bridge Four" added to the tattoo as well, as a statement of gratitude towards Bridge Four. The rest of the former slaves copies him. As a gesture of solidarity, even those who never had a slave brand proceeds to have the same tattoo as well, although [[Moash]] opts to have the tattoo placed on his upper arm instead of his forehead.


During Kaladin's turn, somehow the ink kept on melting away the moment he used Stormlight. This is why Kaladin, whose own slave brand has not been healed even after using [[Stormlight]] for so long, does not have the "Freedom" and "Bridge Four" tattoos.{{book ref|sa2|2}}
Somehow the ink keeps on melting away from Kaladin's forehead when it is his turn to be tattooed. This is why Kaladin, whose own slave brand has not been healed even after using [[Stormlight]] for so long, does not have the tattoos.{{book ref|sa2|2}}


== Quotes ==
== Quotes ==

Revision as of 17:59, 6 July 2018

Bridge Four
Bridge Four Badge.svg
by Isaac Stewart
World of Origin Roshar
This page or section contains spoilers for Oathbringer!
This information has the ability to potentially ruin elements of the plot for the reader. Proceed with caution if you have not read this book.
This page or section needs to be updated with new information for Oathbringer!
Be aware that in its current state, it may not include all additional content yet.

Bridge Four is the name of a group headed by Kaladin Stormblessed, an Alethi Knight Radiant of the Order of Windrunners. The group was originally one of the bridge crews of the Sadeas warcamp in the Shattered Plains, hence the name, but its function has evolved several times, becoming both a military unit within a battalion of the Kholin army and Dalinar Kholin's honor guard, then later becoming a group of squires and Knights Radiant of the Order of Windrunners. Despite such drastic changes, the members still refer to themselves by their original bridge crew name.

Their insignia, designed by Kaladin, is made up of the glyph vev (meaning the number four) suspended above the glyph gesheh (meaning bridge), stylized as a bridge spanning a chasm.[1][citation needed]

History

Notorious for its bad luck, Bridge Four of Torol Sadeas' bridge crews seldom kept a bridgeleader for more than a few days[2] and almost always took the highest casualties on bridge runs.[3]

A transfer to Bridge Four was often used as a punishment for bridgemen,[4] and the existence of a group worse off than themselves was a mental control used by Sadeas' men on the rest of the bridge crews. As a result of this, the bridgemen in Bridge Four knew that nothing worse could be done to them, and put no effort into anything. They didn't tell each other their names or anything else about themselves.

Upon arrival at the bridge yard in Sadeas' warcamp Kaladin managed to earn the immediate enmity of Gaz, the bridge sergeant in charge of the bridge crews, who then placed him in Bridge Four.

Changes under Kaladin

Kaladin (still unaware of his latent powers) managed to survive the bridge runs even after several weeks, and eventually decided to protect other members of Bridge Four and become their bridgeleader.[4] Using both his medical and military knowledge, he quickly turned the crew around. His efforts in building morale and instilling discipline led to better organization.[5] He found ways to treat wounded crew members, saving many lives.[6] Soon enough Bridge Four was having the fewest casualties among the bridge crews.[7]

Escape Attempt and Freedom

Despite huge gains, the treatment of lighteyed officers in the warcamp towards Bridge Four did not improve, and in fact even worsened. Kaladin starting thinking of escape, not just for himself, but for his bridge crew.[8]

After careful preparation, just when they found an opportunity to set their escape plan into motion, Kaladin and Bridge Four found themselves being the only ones able to rescue Highprince Dalinar Kholin and his army from a trap set by Torol Sadeas during the Battle of the Tower. Sacrificing their chance to escape, Kaladin chose to save the highprince.[9][10]

For this, Dalinar bought the freedom of every single bridgeman in Sadeas' warcamp[11]. In addition, the members of Bridge Four became Dalinar's new honor guard, and Kaladin was appointed captain in charge of both the honor guard and a new battalion consisting of former bridgemen.[12]

Battalion Officers

As captain, Kaladin assigned several Bridge Four members to become officers of the new battalion:

  • Rock - lieutenant and quartermaster, in charge of food for the battalion
  • Lopen - second lieutenant to Rock
  • Teft - lieutenant in charge of training
  • Sigzil - lieutenant and clerk
  • Skar - lieutenant
  • Moash - lieutenant

Skar and Moash were both tasked to focus on Bridge Four's bodyguard duties.[13]

Dalinar's Honor Guard

As Highprince Dalinar's personal bodyguards, Bridge Four guarded both the Highprince and his family. They considered Dalinar as their top priority, as Kaladin believed that the highprince was their only guarantee of freedom. He made it a policy to have a team, led by a Bridge Four lieutenant if not Kaladin himself, watching the highprince at all times, while the rest guarded his sons or carried out other responsibilities as members of Kaladin's battalion.

Initially they were given Cobalt Guard uniforms, but they rejected the idea of being part of the Cobalt Guard. A Bridge Four insignia was later made to replace the Cobalt Guard insignia that they had cut off from their uniforms.[13]

Radiants

Members of Bridge Four started becoming Kaladin's squires shortly after he spoke the Third Ideal of the Windrunners.[14] This gave them access to Stormlight and the Lashings. Because of this Dalinar considered them too important for guard duty, so that was given to other bridge crews instead.[15]

Bridge Four focused more on training their abilities, recruiting potential squires, and performing more crucial assignments. Their abilities disappeared when Kaladin was too far away, so Dalinar gave them the Windrunner Honorblade to use for training in such cases.[16]

At some point, Teft and Lopen bonded Honorspren to become Knights Radiant themselves.[17] Others Bridge Four members may have already done the same.

Teft, who reached the Third Ideal as well, received squires of his own from another bridge crew, namely Bridge Thirteen.[18]

Tattoos

Bridge Four Tattoos

All Bridge Four members except Kaladin have glyphs for "Freedom" and "Bridge Four" tattooed on their person. The "Freedom" glyph is usually a mark of a freed slave.

In Alethi society, slaves are branded on their forehead to make their status apparent to anyone who sees them. A freed slave is given a writ of freedom, but he could also cover his slave brand with a tattoo indicating details of his freedom to make misunderstandings less likely.

Shortly after moving to Dalinar's warcamp, Kaladin hires a tattooist to apply a Freedom tattoo on Bridge Four members who were former slaves. The first one to get it, Hobber, insists on having glyphs for "Bridge Four" added to the tattoo as well, as a statement of gratitude towards Bridge Four. The rest of the former slaves copies him. As a gesture of solidarity, even those who never had a slave brand proceeds to have the same tattoo as well, although Moash opts to have the tattoo placed on his upper arm instead of his forehead.

Somehow the ink keeps on melting away from Kaladin's forehead when it is his turn to be tattooed. This is why Kaladin, whose own slave brand has not been healed even after using Stormlight for so long, does not have the tattoos.[13]

Quotes

“ It appeared that he'd been wrong. There had been something more they could do to him. One final torment the world had reserved just for Kaladin. And it was called Bridge Four. ”

— Kaladin's thoughts after his first Bridge Run[2]

“ Kaladin had not been assigned to Bridge Four by chance. Out of all the bridge crews, Bridge Four had the highest casualty rate. That was particularly notable, considering that average bridge crews often lost one-third to one-half of their number on a single run. ”

— [3]

“ As they hefted their bridge, a spontaneous round of cheering rose up from the other crews. "That's new," ... "Guess they finally realized what we are," Kaladin said. "And what's that?" ... "We're their champions. Bridge forward!" ”

— Kaladin to Teft on the marching off for the Battle of the Tower[19]

Notable Members

For a full list of members, see Category:Bridge Four.
Bridgeleader
Squadleaders
Members

Notes

  1. ↑ Isaac told us
    — 17th Shard forums - 2014-04-13#
  2. ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 6#
  3. ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 9#
  4. ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 11#
  5. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 27#
  6. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 17#
  7. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 30#
  8. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 43#
  9. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 67#
  10. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 68#
  11. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 69#
  12. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 73#
  13. ↑ a b c Words of Radiance chapter 2#
  14. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 87#
  15. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 4#
  16. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 64#
  17. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 121#
  18. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 122#
  19. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 64#
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