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Old 09-26-2013, 10:20 AM   #1
DangerousThing
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Default [Martial Arts] Power Blow speedup technique?

Hi,

(Yes, I know that Power Blow is defined in the Basic Set, but it seems more used in Martial Arts.)

One of my player's character has the Power Blow skill and wondered if it was possible to learn a technique to remove or reduce the penalty for speeding up the skill use.

RAW states the penalty for using the skill at various times:
  • -10 if used instantly
  • -5 if used after 1 turn of concentration
  • ...
  • Finally no penalty for 32 turns of concentration

Many martial arts skills work this way.

Is it possible to create a technique to reduce the penalty?

If I were to do it, I'd do something like Targeted attack where it would be possible to remove half the penalty at most. However, I'm wondering if this has come up before.

Is there a reason not to have this technique, or should it be made so?
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Old 09-26-2013, 10:36 AM   #2
D10
 
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Default Re: [Martial Arts] Power Blow speedup technique?

Wouldnt it just be more intuitive to invest a large ammount of points in Power Blow ?
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Old 09-26-2013, 10:58 AM   #3
Kromm
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Default Re: [Martial Arts] Power Blow speedup technique?

The main reason to improve Power Blow is so that it will work more quickly. Yes, there's also a magic number where it allows more ST, but Power Blow is raised first and foremost to allow one to work faster. As the primary application of the skill, I would not allow a technique to speed this up.

If you want a faster, cheaper combat ST bonus that works much the same way, then buy something like this: Striking ST (Chi, -10%; Costs Fatigue, 1 FP, -5%; Requires Will Roll, -5%; Takes Extra Time 1, -10%) [3.5/level].
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Old 09-26-2013, 11:05 AM   #4
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Default Re: [Martial Arts] Power Blow speedup technique?

Quote:
Originally Posted by D10 View Post
Wouldnt it just be more intuitive to invest a large ammount of points in Power Blow ?
She has it at 24 already and can't raise it until she gets some CP.

She is just learning GURPS and asked me the question and I didn't know.
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Old 09-26-2013, 11:09 AM   #5
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Default Re: [Martial Arts] Power Blow speedup technique?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kromm View Post
The main reason to improve Power Blow is so that it will work more quickly. Yes, there's also a magic number where it allows more ST, but Power Blow is raised first and foremost to allow one to work faster. As the primary application of the skill, I would not allow a technique to speed this up.

If you want a faster, cheaper combat ST bonus that works much the same way, then buy something like this: Striking ST (Chi, -10%; Costs Fatigue, 1 FP, -5%; Requires Will Roll, -5%; Takes Extra Time 1, -10%) [3.5/level].
Thanks Kromm, that's what I needed to know.

And your way is interesting.
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Old 09-26-2013, 11:10 AM   #6
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Default Re: [Martial Arts] Power Blow speedup technique?

I see ... Well now you know =)

Also, I personally feel like aside from breaking inanimate objects and making amazing feats of strenght, powerblow really isnt usefull until it can be used instantly and often.

I would make sure she knows her tactics and mannouvers like Disarming, hit locations, combinations, before she sinks her points in powerblow.

IMO
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Old 09-26-2013, 11:28 AM   #7
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Default Re: [Martial Arts] Power Blow speedup technique?

One thing my players like is my house rule allowing All-Out Concentrate and All-Out Ready, sacrificing all defenses for +4 to the eventual task. Power Blow is at -5 after a turn. It can be worth spending that turn doing AOC to get +4 and make it -1, which is useful even at low skill. Personally, I find that more flavorful and truer to the source material . . . somebody who's squinting her eyes shut and making wax on, wax off motions with her hands should be defenseless while "charging up" the ability. But all of that is house rules and opinions only.
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Old 09-26-2013, 12:22 PM   #8
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Default Re: [Martial Arts] Power Blow speedup technique?

The non-house rule version of All-Out-Concentrate in GURPS Psionic Powers (p. 11) only gives a +1.

+4 sounds better.
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Old 09-26-2013, 12:35 PM   #9
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Default Re: [Martial Arts] Power Blow speedup technique?

Quote:
Originally Posted by D10 View Post
I personally feel... powerblow really isnt usefull until it can be used instantly and often.
Especially considering the source material, I imagine Power Blow is supposed to be a dramatic finisher or special-case attack, not something you do on every attack which you do every round. The fighter gains an advantage, and uses it to put his opponent away for good; or he realizes after a few exchanges that he'll lose without trying something more desperate, so reaches deep within for that extra effort.

If you just want powerful, routine attacks, just buy Striking ST. Instant and often.
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Old 09-26-2013, 12:44 PM   #10
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Default Re: [Martial Arts] Power Blow speedup technique?

If you have the right Chi talent it will also help with the roll 8)

I use Power blow often not at the instant -10 but at the 1 second -5. But that mostly for brinks that take their big wind up attack.
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