All beings can wield up to two weapons effectively at a time.
A weapon in the left. A weapon in the right.
Having a hand without a weapon is an empty hand. Common for martial artists.
Having an empty hand is good. For fine manipulation. Unless you need a shield.
Also remember—
anything can be a weapon in the proper hands.
Empty Hands uses Physique, Violence, or Labor.
Light Melee Weapons (knives, longknives, swords, axes, sundang, kerises, and so on) uses Violence.
Light Ranged Weapons (throwing weapons, darts, sling, short bows, crossbow, handguns) uses Coordination.
Heavy Melee Weapons (sledgehammers, greatswords, heavy pikes, halberds, and the like) uses Violence or Labor. Needs both hands. -2 Speed while wielded.
Heavy Ranged Weapons (long guns or rifles, longbows, compound bows, arbalests, handcannons, actual cannons, shotguns) uses Coordination. 8 hex range. Needs both hands.
A skilled blacksmith or artisan can spend a Rest to apply a mantra to a Weapon, provided they have the proper materials, tools, instruments, and time. You cannot apply more than one Mantra to a Weapon in this way.
Ardent. The weapon resonates with the strength of one’s heart. The weapon is forged for speakers, firebrands, performers, singers, dancers. The weapon can use Performance or Bleeding Heart to attack.
Catalyst. Wielding this weapon allows you to cast Magick without performing hand signs and uttering incantations, channeling the magick through the weapon.
Doublehand. Weapon can be wielded with both hands. Only for Light weapons. If wielded with both hands, gain +1 Attack Die.
Esoteric. The weapon is forged to be for wisefolk, cunningfolk, wielding tactics more than physical force. The weapon can use Compendium or Grimoire to attack instead.
Gun. Can be used with Machinery or Meditation. Inflicts 2 Fatigue instead of just 1, if brought to minimum. Must ****reloaded after being fired. Needs bullets for ammunition. If attached to a melee weapon, the weapon can fire bullets up to range 3.