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Accordingly, the fifth beat is usually reserved for situations in which ramming or shearing is imminent. - (Avengers of Gor, Chapter 54, Sentence #16)

The first beat is the least taxing for the oarsmen whereas the fifth beat is the most taxing. The fifth beat cannot be satisfactorily maintained over more than twenty or so Ehn. Muscles ache, men tire, and rhythm, so essential for oared vessels, is impaired or lost. Accordingly, the fifth beat is usually reserved for situations in which ramming or shearing is imminent. A good keleustes, like good helmsmen, is invaluable, particularly in battle. Some ships use a mechanical device, rather like a metronome, to guide the keleustes in his work, in governing his striking on the metal drum, but most captains of knife ships do not avail themselves of this aid, regarding it as of little worth. Too often it is, in its thoughtless way, unrelated to the reality of the moment, sometimes dangerously so. - (Avengers of Gor)