So, for Exalts, the rules are as in the two books linked in the original thread. If you want to take Shih martial arts tricks, here's the breakdown.
Sidereals may start with up to three dots in whatever Bridges they wish to have: fate, it seems, provideth well, but these don't count as caste charms even if you can purchase them at a discounted experience cost. The Dragonblooded have gotten a good hold on the Qiao. While they teach at least some of the basics that the Shih do, they will often branch out into other realms of study. At least one dot must be in one of the three Bridges that all Shih learn. Because they still don't count as caste charms, to start with a full three dots, a terrestrial must spend BP. All other Exalts need to learn the three basic Qiao with non-caste charm dots, and can normally only start with those.
Countermagic Ancient Magics exist. They give the benefits of non-basic countermagic, and an essence based additional power.
You can also create one of the nightfolk to play as, but you should probably just do that for a friend in the darkness, so to speak.
Sidereals may start with up to three dots in whatever Bridges they wish to have: fate, it seems, provideth well, but these don't count as caste charms even if you can purchase them at a discounted experience cost. The Dragonblooded have gotten a good hold on the Qiao. While they teach at least some of the basics that the Shih do, they will often branch out into other realms of study. At least one dot must be in one of the three Bridges that all Shih learn. Because they still don't count as caste charms, to start with a full three dots, a terrestrial must spend BP. All other Exalts need to learn the three basic Qiao with non-caste charm dots, and can normally only start with those.
Countermagic Ancient Magics exist. They give the benefits of non-basic countermagic, and an essence based additional power.
You can also create one of the nightfolk to play as, but you should probably just do that for a friend in the darkness, so to speak.