Power Blow Usage Question

[Son of a Submariner]

Hello, all. I'm very new to GURPS, and actually new to tabletop RPGs in general. I was introduced to DFRPG, and I've rolled a martial artist. I've searched around for specifics on Power Blow, and found much debate about it, but no answers to my specific questions, so I hope you can help.

Basically, how do you use it in combat? When combat starts, I'd like to use it, and wait a few turns as the penalty decreases. I can't seem to find any info on what I'm allowed to do while waiting. Can I move, dodge, parry? Can I attack, but "save" the Power Blow for when I really want it, i.e. kick a few minions first, then Power Blow has charged a few turns and use it on a bigger foe? Thanks for your help.

[MIB.6361]

Look up Concentrate in Exploits p31.

During those turns you're doing a Concentrate Maneuver.

[Son of a Submariner]

Thank you, Jessie.

Sincerely,
No one you know in real life who may be new to GURPS, tabletop RPGs in general, recently introduced to DFRPG and rolled a martial artist. :)

[MIB.6361]

Always happy to help complete strangers that I meet randomly online that were introduced to DFRPG by someone that isn't me.

[Kromm]

You have two options: (1) use Power Blow with no prep but at -10, which only works for crazy-powerful characters, or (2) take N Concentrate maneuvers, attack on the turn immediately after those (you cannot "hold" the prep), and then roll at a reduced penalty. For instance, if I decide I can deal with -4, I'll take Concentrate for two turns followed immediately by, say, Attack. While taking Concentrate maneuvers, I'm allowed to step (which typically means "move one hex") each turn. I absolutely can make active defenses such as Dodge or Parry rolls, but if I do, each defense requires a Will roll at -3, with failure meaning I lose the benefits of concentration up to that point.

[sir_pudding]

Note that martial artist is tricksy and may be not the best choice for first character ever.