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There are numerous different fighting styles available to the Exalted. Some prefer to fight with a two-handed weapon, or with a weapon and a shield. Others prefer to keep one hand free for other use, only relying on a single weapon. However, Dual-Wielding -- utilizing a weapon in either hand -- is also a particularly common combat style in Creation. It is quite difficult to do, however, and generally the provence of Heroic Mortals or the Exalted.
The Rules for Dual-Wielding
Effectively wielding more than one weapon is quite difficult, and when done untrained is usually more hassle than it is worked. Those without any applicable specialities in dual-wielding suffer a -2 dice penality when using their off-handed weapon, in addition to using the normal rules for multiple actions. The character uses the lower of the two weapons Rate for the purposes of determining how many actions he can take in a turn. You can, however, use the higher of the two Speed ratings.
Dual-Wielding (3 pt Physical Merit)
Prerequisites: Dexterity 3, Melee 3, and Dual-Wielding speciality (x2)
A character with special training in using more than one weapon at a time is particularly impressive in his abilities in this fighting style. If the characters off-hand weapon is smaller than his primary weapon, the character reduces the multiple action penality for any attacks or parries he makes by 1. In addition, the characcter increases his effective rate while Dual-Wielding by his Dual-Wielding speciality. Lastly, a character with two weapons and this merit may split his action prior to his initiative. Any offensive actions must wait until his turn, but he may use defenses as necessary.
Dual-Slaying Style (Revised)
Cost: 3 motes Duration: Instant Type: Supplemental Minimum Melee: 3 Minimum Essence: 2 Prerequisite Charms: Excellent Strike
The character lightens his blades and quickens his reflexes with essence, allowing him to fight peerlessly with weapons in both hands. The character offsets any multiple action penalities by his Essence rating, to a minimum of zero. This bonus only applies to attacks and parries, and half of the characters actions must be with his off-hand weapon. The effects of this charm linger for the entire turn.
Two Swords Technique (Revised)
Cost: None Duration: Permanent Type: Special Minimum Melee: 4 Minimum Essence: 2 Prerequisite Charms: Dual-Slaying Style
A character with this charm is a peerless master of dual-wielding techniques, able to move with a grace and a swiftness more impressive than even the greatest mortal master of the art. The character is considered to be fully ambidexterous, and suffers no penalities for fighting with his off-hand or using two weapons. When calculating his effective Rate, use the higher of the two weapons and add the characters Melee rating. In addition, when armed with two weapons he can declare multiple actions prior to his initiative. Any offensive actions must wait until his turn, but he may use defenses as necessary. Lastly, the character gains one phantom speciality in "Dual Wielding". This bonus speciality does not count toward the characters total maximum Melee specialities, and fully stacks with all other bonuses.
The benefits of this charm are not compatible with the Dual-Wielding merit.
Sun-and-Moon Method
Minimum Melee: 5 Minimum Essence: 3 Prerequisite Charms: Two Swords Technique
More to come soon!
Steel Devil Style (see castebook night, page 71)
Prerequisite Charms: Sun-and-Moon Method, Ready in Eight Directions Stance
The character cannot make more counterattacks than his Essence rating, as per the "errata" from the Exalted Players Guide.
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