Difference between revisions of "Bridge crew"

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== Under Highprince Sadeas ==
 
=== Origins ===
The unique geography of the Shattered Plains required the armies to cross many chasms to reach the battlefields. Highprince [[Torol Sadeas]] employed a large number of bridgemen to transport his army's temporary bridges. The bridgemen were also used as cannon fodder for the [[Parshendi]] bowmen.{{book ref|sa1|32}}
=== Organization ===
[[Gaz]] was the bridge sergeant, reporting directly to Brightlord [[Lamaril]].{{book ref|sa1|17}} After Lamaril is executed, Brightlord [[Matal]] takes nominal command of the unit, although his wife Brightness [[Hashal]] is the one who is actually commanding the unit.{{book ref|sa1|43}} Within each bridge crew, the men appointed their own bridge leader, but they lacked an overall command structure or allegiance to anything except their own self-preservation.
 
=== Functions ===
{{for|War_of_Reckoning#The_Use_of_Bridges_Between_Plateaus|bridge crews' tactical use}}
During hunts for gemhearts, bridgemen will carry the bridge and place it to the next plateau. While the army is crossing the bridge, they have time to rest, but they will need to run and get ahead of the army once everyone passed. During such runs, positions in the front is preferred because of fresh air and better sight. Bridgemen will take turns for positions in a fair manner. However, if the next plateau is occupied by Parshendi forces, bridge crews will face heavy fire and almost always suffer heavy casualties because they act as easy targets to attract fire away from the main forces. Positions at the rear, which is better shielded against arrows, is preferred in this case, although the survival rate is very poor for every position. People who refuse to follow the rules will be forced to run in the front. Bridge leaders have power over the position arrangements.
 
In normal times, the bridge crews act as man power and do various unwanted duties in the war camp. Among them is the chasm duty, which requires people to scavenge for weapons, armor or spheres from the chasms.
 
== Under Highprince Kholin ==