Shields Down - Ability ID 197

In-Game Description

"At 1/2 of max HP or below, transforms into Core form."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Shields Down transforms Minior from Meteor Form to Core Form when HP drops to 50% or below. In Meteor Form, grants immunity to all status conditions. When using Shell Smash, immediately transforms to Core Form regardless of current HP. Cannot revert back to Meteor Form once transformed during battle.

Character count: 289

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Shields Down is Minior's signature ability that manages its unique dual-form system:

1. Form Transformation: Automatically transforms from Meteor Form to Core Form when HP falls to 50% or below
2. Status Immunity: While in Meteor Form, grants complete immunity to all status conditions (poison, burn, paralysis, sleep, freeze)
3. Shell Smash Trigger: Using Shell Smash immediately forces transformation to Core Form regardless of current HP
4. One-Way Transformation: Cannot revert back to Meteor Form during battle once transformed

Technical Implementation

The ability uses the HP transformation system with these parameters:

// HP fraction of 2 means transforms at 1/2 (50%) HP
{ABILITY_SHIELDS_DOWN, SPECIES_MINIOR, SPECIES_MINIOR_CORE_RED, 2}

Key code components:

• Status Immunity: Checks if battler is in Meteor Form and blocks all status conditions
• HP-Based Check: Monitors HP every turn and triggers transformation at 50% HP threshold
• Shell Smash Override: Uses EFFECT_SHELL_SMASH detection to force immediate transformation
• Ability State: Uses ability state tracking to prevent reverting to Meteor Form

Affected Pokémon

• Minior (all color variants):
  • Meteor Orange → Core Orange
  • Meteor Yellow → Core Yellow
  • Meteor Green → Core Green
  • Meteor Blue → Core Blue
  • Meteor Indigo → Core Indigo
  • Meteor Violet → Core Violet
  • Red (default) → Core Red

Strategic Implications

Meteor Form Advantages:

• Complete status immunity
• Higher defensive stats
• Protection from indirect damage sources

Core Form Advantages:

• Higher Speed and offensive stats
• Access to full moveset effectiveness
• Better sweeping potential

Shell Smash Strategy:

• Can voluntarily trigger transformation with Shell Smash
• Combines stat boosts with form change
• Allows strategic timing of transformation

Interactions with Other Mechanics

• Unsuppressable: Cannot be suppressed by abilities like Gastro Acid
• Transform Protection: Cannot be copied by Transform or Imposter
• Weather Independence: Unlike Forecast, not affected by weather changes
• Entry/End Turn: Shares transformation checking with Forecast ability

Counters

• Indirect Damage: Use entry hazards or weather to chip HP in Meteor Form
• Multi-Hit Moves: Can break through and trigger transformation mid-attack
• Status After Transform: Can inflict status once in Core Form
• Priority Moves: Effective against fast Core Form

Version History

• Elite Redux implementation includes all Minior color variants
• Maintains official Pokémon mechanics with enhanced form variety
• Integrated with the game's HP transformation system