Aftermath - Ability ID 106

In-Game Description

"If faints by a contact move, attacker takes 25% of max HP."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (IMPORTANT: exactly 280-300 chars counted WITH spaces)

When this Pokémon faints from a contact move, it deals explosive retaliation damage to the attacker equal to 25% of their maximum HP. This posthumous strike bypasses Substitute but won't activate from indirect damage. Magic Guard protects attackers from this damage. A final parting gift.

Character count: 288

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

Aftermath is a reactive ability that triggers when specific conditions are met:

Activation Conditions:

1. The Pokémon with Aftermath must faint (HP reaches 0)
2. The fainting blow must be from a contact move
3. The attacker must still be on the field

Damage Calculation:

• Deals exactly 25% of the attacker's maximum HP as damage
• Minimum damage is 1 HP (if calculation results in 0)
• This damage is considered "passive damage" and ignores type effectiveness

Interactions:

• Bypasses Substitute: The damage hits the attacker directly, ignoring any Substitute
• Magic Guard: Pokémon with Magic Guard are immune to Aftermath damage
• Multi-hit moves: Only triggers once, even if a multi-hit contact move causes the faint
• Non-contact moves: No effect (special attacks, status moves, etc.)
• Indirect damage: No effect (poison, burn, sandstorm, etc.)

Technical Implementation:

The ability uses the onDefender hook and checks:

• If the defender (ability holder) is no longer alive
• If the move that caused the faint was a contact move
• If standard on-hit effects should apply to the attacker
• If the attacker has Magic Guard protection

The damage is calculated as attacker.maxHP / 4 and applied through a special battle script that handles the HP reduction and potential fainting of the attacker.

Strategic Uses:

• Deterrent against physical attackers
• Revenge killing tool for sacrificial plays
• Synergizes with Focus Sash strategies
• Effective against frail physical sweepers
• Can secure KOs even after fainting

Common Pokémon with Aftermath:

This ability appears on various Pokémon as both a regular ability and innate ability, often found on explosive or volatile-themed Pokémon that fit the "going out with a bang" concept.