BurgerSlave/DancingSwordMeditation

Rate-Increasing Charms

With the release of Exalted Power Combat in the Exalted Player's Guide, melee weapons now have a Rate rating. This forms the maximum number of actions that may be taken in a round with a particular weapon, both offensive and defensive, without the use of extra action Charms. Thus, a sword with Rate 4 allows one to split his dice pool four ways to gain attack and parry actions.

This opens up a realm of possibility for Rate-enhancing Charms. This cascade is for Solars (with Abyssal equivalents), but versions for Terrestrial and Sidereal Exalted might exist as well. As these are techincally Supplemental-type Charms, it is possible to Combo them with Extra Action-type Charms for further effectiveness.

Dancing Sword Meditation
Cost: 1 mote per +1 Rate
Type: Supplemental
Duration: One turn
Minimum Melee: 1
Minimum Essence: 1
Prerequisite Charms: None

Through the use of this Charm, the Exalt begins to channel Essence through his blade, lightening it and making it move with greater economy of motion. He may buy extra Rate for his melee weapon, paying one mote per increase. He may not spend more motes on this Charm than his Essence.

The Abyssal version of this Charm is called Ethereal Sword Style, referring to the added lightness of the weapon.

Lightning Blade Prana
Cost: 3 motes
Type: Supplemental
Duration: One turn
Minimum Melee: 3
Minimum Essence: 1
Prerequisite Charms: Dancing Sword Meditation

The character now learns to infuse his sword-arm as well as his blade with Essence, making the two part of a harmonious whole. Add the character's Essence to his weapon's Rate for the remainder of the turn.

The Abyssal version of this Charm is called Steel Wind Serenade, referring to the whistling of the wind across the Exalt's weapon.

Blade Storm Style
Cost: 5 motes, 1 Willpower
Type: Supplemental
Duration: One scene
Minimum Melee: 5
Minimum Essence: 2
Prerequisite Charms: Lightning Blade Prana, Peony Blossom Attack (or Unfurling Iron Lotus for Abyssals)

At the pinnacle of this Charm progression, the Exalt has learned how to unlock the full potential of his blade. This is the swiftest a weapon may strike without resorting to magic that actually surpasses the character's own limitation of skill and innate ability. For the duration of the scene, the character does not suffer from Rate limitation, and may fully split his dice pool for the purposes of attack and parry actions with his weapon. Furthermore, reduce the initial dice penalty by his Essence. His weapon burns with incandescent golden Essence, and weapons not of the Five Magical Materials will usually not survive use with this Charm.

The Abyssal version of this Charm is Coffin-Nail Driving Technique, referring to the hammering of nails into one's coffin--easily done with this Charm.

Commentary?

Mm. This seems a bit excessively heavy to me.
First, the Duration of Dancing Sword Meditation should be Instant, simply for combo purpose. Although it does generate an effect which persists for the rest of the turn, it will make life easier.
Second, the Blade Storm Style is just excessive. Either it or DSM is always an inherently superior option; there's no reason to use both once you have both. I'd say strike it- or at least give the BSS some useful duration (like 6m for +Essence to Rate for the next Melee Turns or somesuch)
Lastly, Blade Storm Style. Cool idea. :) I'd strike the PBA pre-req, though. DS