Line, Stack, and Row Formations

The Line Formation

This formation is most often used for exhibitions or the Spring Games. While it is impressive to witness, it's usefulness is limited as it gives little coverage for Threadfall, and is very rigid in its standards. However, it is a very good training formation in getting the weyrlings to guide the proper distance away from their fellows, while the Wingleader and Wingseconds are able to let the weyrlings follow by example, as well as get them used to draconic communication. Other than that, this formation is mostly for demonstration purposes or occasionally when a wing flies into a Hold, such as during Search.

lineform.jpg

The Three Line Stack Formation

This formation is very similar to the line formation. However, instead of the Wingleader leading one long line of riders, his Wingseconds are in charge of a line of riders as well. The Wingleader's line is in the middle, while the Wingseconds flank either side, making a ||| cluster. After the leaders, the dragons rank from bronze to green, leaving the bigger dragons to take the larger clumps of Thread first. This formation's major drawback was its rigid nature and tight grouping. However it is useful depending on the situation, its coverage factor is unparalleled and allows a bit more maneuverability. The formation goes as follows:

stackform.jpg

The Row Formation

For this formation the V has been flattened out to make a row. With the Wingleader in the middle and his Wingseconds flanking, the rest of the dragons, bronze innermost and greens on the edges, fly a dragon-length from each other, making a horizontal line. This formation can be spread as needed, making it one of the better used formations when there are few dragons that need to cover a great deal of space. For frontal attacks that last a short amount of time, this formation is the ideal to use. Its disadvantage is that not all dragons have the same fire-breathing capacity and that can leave all dragons, big and small, taking on the same about of Thread. While this is not a hindrance on bronze and brown dragons, greens and blues are left at a disadvantage since there are no larger dragons in front breaking up the larger clusters, relief shifts are therefore necessary to ease the strain. The formation goes as follows:

rowform.jpg
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