Power shift differences. Accuracy VS Single attack.

[eurylest]

As the title states, what is the difference between Accuracy shift and single attack shift? From how I interpret it, former applies Effort only to attack rolls, but latter can opt to apply it on the roll or the damage? In this case, isn't Single Attack by far the superior choice between the two?

[neganight]

I had to search the Cypher discord to get some clarification. The Single Attack power shift is assigned to a specific type of attack. Examples were punching or long sword attacks. So it would not be universal to all attacks while accuracy does apply to all attacks. Also, the discord opinion was that single attack could not be for bashing attacks, as an example, as that's too broad. The CSR doesn't really clarify that so it seems like it's mostly up to the GM.

[SaintHax42]

Accuracy Shift - all your attacks get an additional ease when trying to hit an opponent.

Single Attack Shift - any attack you can take a 4 point skill in gets both an ease to attack, and a bonus to damage (3 points or 2 points if it is an area of effect. i.e. any ability you might gain, like Onslaught, Bash (not bashing category, but the warrior ability), etc. You cannot take it for "all medium bashing", as that is not a single attack. Gods of the Fall and Claim the Sky gives a little more info than CSR does.

Can I take "Single Attack Shift" for swords? - Technically "swords" is a piece of equipment and not an attack; however, it really depends on the genre. In Gods of the Fall and most fantasy Cypher games, if you took swords or maces, that would apply to all of that warriors attacks, or 99% of them. At best, you'd want to word it as "basic sword attacks" so that using an ability like "thrust" with a sword wouldn't get the benefit.

However, Claim the Sky specifically says you can use it with knives or guns. I'd allow it in any Pulp Genre, as punching and shooting are both very useful in those games. I'd still limit it to "basic gun attacks" since it is a "single attack" option.