Storm Drain - Ability ID 114

In-Game Description

"Redirects Water moves. Absorbs them, ups highest Atk."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Storm Drain redirects all single-target Water-type moves to this Pokémon, absorbing them completely for no damage. When a Water move is absorbed, the Pokémon's highest attacking stat (Attack or Special Attack including stat stages) is raised by one stage. Multi-target moves are unaffected.

Character count: 297

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

Storm Drain is a defensive ability with offensive benefits that provides complete immunity to Water-type moves while boosting the user's offensive capabilities.

Core Mechanics:

• Redirects all single-target Water-type moves aimed at the user's partner to this Pokémon
• Completely absorbs redirected Water moves, taking no damage
• Upon absorbing a Water move, raises the Pokémon's highest attacking stat by one stage
• The ability determines which stat to boost by comparing current Attack vs Special Attack, including stat stage modifiers
• Multi-target Water moves (like Surf in doubles) are not redirected but still absorbed if they hit this Pokémon

Technical Implementation Details:

• Uses redirectType = TYPE_WATER to handle move redirection
• The onAbsorb handler checks for Water-type moves and returns ABSORB_RESULT_STAT
• Uses GetHighestAttackingStatId(battler, TRUE) to determine whether to boost Attack or Special Attack
• The TRUE parameter means it considers stat stages when determining the highest attacking stat
• Classified as a "breakable" ability, meaning it can be suppressed by Mold Breaker and similar effects

Strategic Applications:

• Excellent in double battles where it can protect partners from Water attacks
• Provides a safe switch-in against predicted Water moves
• Can turn defensive plays into offensive momentum through stat boosts
• Pairs well with Pokémon weak to Water in doubles
• The adaptive stat boost ensures both physical and special attackers benefit optimally

Interaction Notes:

• Water-type status moves are also redirected and absorbed
• Hidden Power Water and other moves that become Water-type are affected
• The ability activates even if the user is already immune to Water (e.g., through typing)
• Stat boosts can accumulate if multiple Water moves are absorbed