How do Actions like Concentration, Bio-Computing, and the like work?
The sole purpose of these powers is to allow your character to allocate more stones than normally allowed to a particular Action, at the cost of making a second separate Action. Any stones allocated to Actions like Concentration are added to the effect of another related Action. See example 1
Some, like Concentration, can be used as stand alone actions, when used in combination with certain modifiers. The effect of the action is only limited to what the modifier can do. See example 2.
Example 1 staring Generic Heroman (Concentration AN 2, Ranged Combat AN 2, Neat Gun +2) and Poopy Doodoohead (Black Ops AN 5, Toughness 2) :
Our favorite hero, Generic Heroman, is atop a building as he spots the evil Poopy Doodoohead amidst a group of bystanders. He is trying to blend in the crowd, while still remaining aware enough to fight off any sudden attackers(Allocate 5 stones to Black-Ops, and shift 3 to defense for a total defense of 5). Our hero, not wanting to hit any innocents, takes aim(allocates 2 stones to Ranged Combat), spends a moment to control his breathing(allocates 2 stones to Concentration), and fires(total attack 6). Thanks to his super concentration prowess Generic Heroman hits Poopy square, while not endangering the public.Example 2 staring Generic Heroman (Concentration AN 2, Intelligence 2, Radar Senses 3) and Poopy Doodoohead (Social Skills 4)
Generic Heroman, after defeating the vile Poopy Doodoohead, takes the villain to his hideout for questioning. He decides that it would be best to listen to Poopy's vitals to make sure he is not lied to (allocates 2 stones to Concentration, and adds 2 Intelligence bonus and 3 from Radar Senses for a total of 7 stones of effort). Poopy in true form attempts to lie(allocates 4 stones to Social Skills). "I was only looking to buy cookies," states Doodoohead. To which our hero, "Silly villain, there are no cookies in a bank. You will have to do better than that."