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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. - (Avengers of Gor, Chapter 54, Sentence #18)

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. They prefer a living keleustes who can see the benches and heed the action of the oars and, consequently, adjust the beat, subtly, as necessary, to optimize the performance of the vessel, subject to actual conditions. An Ahn later our lookout reported that the pursuers had gained. - (Avengers of Gor)