Stance Change - Ability ID 176

In-Game Description

"Turns into Blade or Shield form depending on move used."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (280-300 chars max)

Automatically changes Aegislash's form based on moves used. Shield form switches to Blade when using damaging moves. Blade switches to Shield with King's Shield. Redux forms swap between physical/special based on move type. Unsuppressable. Form changes occur before attacks execute.

Character count: 282

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

STANCE CHANGE is Aegislash's signature ability that automatically changes its form based on the moves it uses, altering its stats dramatically.

Activation Mechanics:

• Trigger: Before any attack is executed (onBeforeAttack hook)
• Unsuppressable: Cannot be suppressed by Mold Breaker or similar abilities
• Visual: Uses BattleScript_AttackerFormChange to show transformation
• Timing: Form change completes before the triggering move executes

Form Changes:

1. Standard Aegislash Forms:

   • Shield Form → Blade Form: When using any damaging move (power > 0)
   • Blade Form → Shield Form: When using King's Shield
   • Shield Form: High defenses (150/150), low offenses (50/50)
   • Blade Form: High offenses (150/150), low defenses (50/50)

2. Redux Forms (Elite Redux Exclusive):

   • Blade Redux → Shield Redux: When using physical moves (non-arrow based)
   • Shield Redux → Blade Redux: When using special moves or arrow-based moves
   • Mega Forms: Follow same pattern as regular Redux forms
   • Redux forms have different stat distributions than standard forms

Special Mechanics:

• Arrow Moves: Always treated as special moves for Redux form determination
• State Updates: Properly updates ability state indices when changing forms (UpdateAbilityStateIndicesForNewSpecies)
• No Change: Returns FALSE if no valid form change is possible
• Randomizer: Cannot be randomly assigned to other Pokémon

Technical Implementation:

// From abilities.cc line 1899
constexpr Ability StanceChange = {
    .onBeforeAttack = +[](ON_BEFORE_ATTACK) -> int {
        u16 newSpecies = SPECIES_NONE;
        // Complex form change logic based on:
        // - Current species
        // - Move being used (King's Shield vs damaging)
        // - For Redux: Physical vs Special/Arrow moves
        if (newSpecies != SPECIES_NONE) {
            UpdateAbilityStateIndicesForNewSpecies(battler, newSpecies);
            SET_BATTLER_TYPE(battler, gSpeciesInfo[newSpecies].types[0]);
            SET_BATTLER_TYPE2(battler, gSpeciesInfo[newSpecies].types[1]);
            // ... stat recalculation ...
            BattleScriptPushCursorAndCallback(BattleScript_AttackerFormChange);
            return TRUE;
        }
        return FALSE;
    },
};

AI Behavior:

• AI gives +3 score to King's Shield when Aegislash is in Blade form
• Encourages switching back to defensive form before taking hits
• Considers form changes when evaluating move damage

Competitive Notes:

• Mind games: Opponents must predict whether you'll attack or use King's Shield
• Redux forms add complexity with physical/special split consideration
• Form changes cannot be prevented, making Aegislash uniquely consistent
• Speed tier changes dramatically between forms
• Must balance offensive pressure with defensive positioning

Pokémon with Stance Change:

• Aegislash (all standard forms)
• Aegislash Redux (all forms)
• Aegislash Mega and Redux Mega forms