[PK]

It's been said repeatedly that "provides access to cinematic abilities" is not something that makes up X points of either WM or TBAM. If either does not provide access to cinematic abilities in your game, then they don't. It doesn't change the cost.

The ability to get half-penalties for Rapid Strike and multiple parries, both unarmed and with melee weapons, is worth 30 points. Buying into that 30 point advantage is (by default) considered to open up cinematic skills and abilities as well, but that's because TBAM is acting as a prerequisite.

It's not like you're paying Y points for the abilities I just mentioned, plus X points for access to cinematic skills, where X+Y=30. No, it's that in most settings it makes sense to limit chambara-type skills to "the best of the best," and TBAM and WM are logical ways to determine that.

If the GM wanted to give everyone access to cinematic skills, and wanted to know a fair value for this, the answer would be "0 points." Even Martial Arts only charges a 1-point UB to have such a skill in a world where the average person can't normally learn it -- and that's not because the skill needs balancing; it's an artificial way to set up a divide between those who can and those who can't learn it.

Consider Exorcism. Anyone using it is at a -4 penalty unless they know Blessed, True Faith, or Power Investiture. So let's say Abe takes Blessed [10] -- now he can use Exorcism freely. Bob takes True Faith [15] with the same effect. Carl takes Blessed and True Faith for [25] -- should he have gotten a discount? If, "Allows user to use Exorcism fully," were part of the point cost, the answer would be yes... but it isn't. Blessed is worth 10 points for its divination abilities, and nothing more. True Faith is worth 15 points for its protective abilities, and nothing more. The Exorcism penalty is removed because taking either one labels the user as "a holy man."

And that's how TBAM/WM work. Taking either one labels you as "a martial arts mater," opening up chambara skills. But that's not what you're paying for -- you're paying for the inherent benefits of each advantage.