Imposter - Ability ID 150

In-Game Description

"Transforms into the foe on entry."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Imposter transforms the Pokémon into the opponent upon switching in. Copies their appearance, stats, types, abilities, moves, and stat changes. Each copied move has 5 PP. Cannot transform if the target has Substitute, is already transformed, has Illusion active, or is semi-invulnerable.

Character count: 297

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Imposter activates automatically when the Pokémon enters battle (switch-in or battle start). It copies the target's complete battle data using the same transformation mechanics as the move Transform.

Target Selection Priority

1. Primary Target: Direct opponent (opposite battler)
2. Fallback Target: Opponent's partner if primary target is fainted (doubles)
3. No Valid Target: Ability fails if no alive opponents exist

Transformation Process

The ability performs a complete transformation that copies:

• Species: Visual appearance changes to match target
• Stats: All battle stats (Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, Speed)
• Types: Primary, secondary, and tertiary types
• Abilities: All four abilities (1 changeable + 3 innates in Elite Redux)
• Movesets: All four moves from the target
• Stat Stages: Current stat modifications (+1 Attack, -2 Speed, etc.)

PP Management

Each copied move receives PP according to these rules:

if (move's base PP < 5)
    copied_move_pp = move's base PP
else
    copied_move_pp = 5

Activation Restrictions

Imposter CANNOT transform if the target:

• Has STATUS2_TRANSFORMED (already transformed via Transform move or another Imposter)
• Has STATUS2_SUBSTITUTE (behind a Substitute)
• Has active Illusion ability effect
• Has STATUS3_SEMI_INVULNERABLE (using moves like Fly, Dig, Dive)

Battle Message

Upon successful transformation: "{Pokémon} transformed into {Target} using Imposter!"

Interaction with Elite Redux Multi-Ability System

In Elite Redux's 4-ability system, Imposter copies:

• Changeable Ability: The target's currently active changeable ability
• Fixed Innate Abilities: All three of the target's innate abilities
• This makes Imposter extremely powerful as it gains access to four abilities simultaneously

Strategic Applications

1. Scouting: Reveals opponent's exact stats, moves, and abilities
2. Stat Stealing: Inherits any stat boosts the target accumulated
3. Type Advantage: Can gain favorable typing matchups
4. Movepool Access: Gains access to the target's entire moveset
5. Ability Stacking: In Elite Redux, gains up to 4 abilities from the target

Technical Implementation

• Entry Point: abilities.cc line ~1715 in Imposter ability definition
• Battle Script: BattleScript_ImposterActivates handles animation and message
• Transform Command: Uses transformdataexecution battle script command
• Status Flag: Sets STATUS2_TRANSFORMED to prevent re-transformation

Common Users in Elite Redux

• Ditto: Primary Imposter user with supporting innate abilities
• Mew: Alternative Imposter user with enhanced versatility
• Other species: Various Pokémon may have Imposter as an ability option

Counters and Limitations

1. Substitute: Blocks transformation entirely
2. Illusion: Prevents targeting the real Pokémon
3. Semi-invulnerable states: Flying, underground, or underwater Pokémon cannot be copied
4. Pre-transformation: Already transformed Pokémon cannot be targeted
5. Low PP: Copied moves only have 5 PP maximum

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1 - Basic Transformation:

• Ditto with Imposter switches in against Garchomp
• Ditto becomes Garchomp with all its stats, moves, and abilities
• Each copied move has 5 PP

Scenario 2 - Stat Boost Inheritance:

• Target Dragonite has +2 Attack from Dragon Dance
• Imposter copies Dragonite including the +2 Attack boost
• Transformed Pokémon starts with boosted stats

Scenario 3 - Blocked by Substitute:

• Target Pokémon is behind Substitute
• Imposter fails to activate
• Original Pokémon remains unchanged

Damage Calculations

Imposter doesn't directly affect damage calculations but provides access to the target's full combat potential, including their base stats, STAB bonuses, and ability effects.