TheScreenJokeyDualWeaponsRule

It's an alternative rule for wielding two weapons.

1. Decide the stats of each individual weapon. In some cases, this is easy. Butterfly Knives could just be considered paired short swords. Each "knife" has the stats of the normal short sword when used independently. In other cases, the ST should make up appropriate stats for the weapons.
2. If the two weapons are the "same," as in the case of butterfly knives, or say, paired maces, simply take the stats of the individual weapon, and add 2-4 bonus dots to the stats. Also, the Strength minimum to wield paired weapons is usually raised by one, and Dexterity and Melee minimums of 3 are included (you have to be at least slightly above average to dual-wield effectively).
3. If the two weapons are "different," like a straight sword and a dagger (knife), then simply use the BEST statistic in each category (Spd, Acc, Dam, Def), and apply them to the pair. The Strength minimum is usually that of the "heavier" weapon +1, and the Dex and Melee minimums should still be at LEAST 3 (or higher, at ST discretion).
4. A player can always choose to use his two weapons separately in accordance with the normal rules. Obviously each weapon reverts to his "single wielding" stats. Paired weapons wielded by someone without the appropriate skill (Dex, Str, and Melee minimums) are simply used as two, single weapons according to the rules as printed.

• Examples:

Butterfly Knives

Butterfly Knives were exceedingly popular in the First Age and the design was simple and effective enough to survive to the present. The Butterfly Knives count as short swords individually. As a pair, they have the stats: Spd +0; Acc +1; Dam +3L; Def +2; Res 2; Min: S2, D3, M3

Sickle and Hammer

A favored weapon of some hardy northern folk – the pair is symbolic of the farmer and the smith, the cornerstones of society. The Hammer obviously counts as a hammer. The Sickle has the stats: Spd +3; Acc +0; Dam +2L; Def +0; Res 1; Min: S1 (quicker, but less effective than a short sword) . The pair has the stats: Spd +3; Acc +1; Dam +4L; Def +1; Res 2; Min: S3, D3, M3

Jylis Sticks

While bows are generally considered the weapon of choice for Wood Aspects, these simple, lightweight hardwood clubs are a favored melee choice. Each has the stats of a club individually. Together they are: Spd +0; Acc +1; Dam +2B; Def +1; Res 1; Min: S1, D3, M3

Dual-wielded weapons don't REQUIRE a speciality. But the only specialty that benefits such fighting is the specialty Dual-Wielding. A specialty in “short swords” will not apply when wielding two of them UNLESS you choose use the old two-weapon rules printed in Exalted. In order to gain Specialty dice when use my two-weapon rules, you must have a Specialty IN Dual-Wielding.