I downloaded the demo of the new Exalted 2nd Edition after my friend was telling me exactly how it works. All I can say is...HOLY CRAP! These rules are amazing. The system is so streamlined it hurts. Combat now runs on a "tick" system. When your action comes up, you take your action. No change there. What action you do take, however, dictates how many ticks you have to wait before you can act again. Also, what action you take has an effect on you Defense Value. That's right, now the game, using your skills and weapon modifiers, gives you a constant defense number representing how hard it is to hit you. This number is affected by what actions you take and refreshes on your next action. Charms are now very easy to understand and still give the desired effect. For example: An old charm called One Weapon, Two Blows used to let you take two actions and get modifiers to your attack. Now, that same charm adds to your accuracy (to hit roll) and rate (the weapon's stat for how many attacks it can be used in one turn). The first time I read it all through, I thought it was decently complicated, but once I read it a couple of times, I realized it is not. This will make the game ten times more enjoyable and allow for even more high-flying action! Can't wait. And...I'm sorry I ever doubted you White Wolf.
P.S. - This is where the demo can be downloaded. Make sure and click on the Return to the Tomb of 5 Corners link. I found it best to "right-click" and select "save-as".
