Attacks with Two Weapons

Dexterity	Penalty to Weapon
	Primary	Secondary
12 or less	ineligible
13-15	-2	-4
16	-1	-3
17	-1	-2
18	0	-2
19	0	-1

Attacking with two weapons is an available strategy for characters with a dexterity greater than 12. The combatant must be able to use both weapons one handedly; the secondary weapon may not weigh more than 3½ lbs. The penalty that is incurred by using two weapons is indicated on the chart shown.

EDITING; NOT COMPLETED YET

Attacking with two weapons will also adjust the number of attacks of a combatant who receives more attacks due to their level or by magical means, particularly in the number of action points (AP) spent. Remember, if a combatant employs two weapons in their attack, then a 2 AP cost must be accepted for each attack that is made. However, if the combatant is a fighter of 4th level or above, and thus potentially receives 2 attacks in a given round, then each of these attacks has only a 1 AP cost, as the attacks are considered to be lightning quick.

As an example, Ephraim is a fighter who receives 3 attacks every 2 rounds, who in turn is using a sword and a dagger when attacking. Every other round, when receiving one attack, Ephraim fights normally, using each weapon once with a cost of 4 total AP. When receiving two attacks due to his level, Ephraim uses each weapon twice - but this weapon use still uses 4 total AP.

The alternative might be to make rules wherein Ephraim's attacks are spaced between the two rounds, striking in the first round with one primary weapon and two secondary weapons, in which case the two secondary attacks would require 1 AP each to make; then striking in the second round with two primary weapons and one secondary weapon, with the AP costs reversed. This could, however, become very complicated in a large combat and may therefore not be a desirable rule to make.

Note that using a fist can be considered a second 'weapon.'

See Attacking in Combat