Innards Out - Ability ID 215

In-Game Description

"If KO'd, deals as much damage as what the fatal attack dealt."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Innards Out activates when the Pokémon is knocked out by an opponent's direct attack. It inflicts the exact same amount of damage the fatal attack dealt back to the attacker. Works with physical and special moves but not indirect damage. Cannot affect attackers protected by Magic Guard.

Character count: 287

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Innards Out is a passive ability that triggers when the Pokémon with this ability is KO'd by a direct attack from an opponent. When activated, it deals damage equal to the exact amount of damage the fatal attack inflicted.

Activation Conditions

• The Pokémon must be knocked out (HP reduced to 0) by a direct attack
• The attack must come from an opponent (not self-inflicted or ally damage)
• The ability user must not be alive after the attack (CHECK_NOT(IsBattlerAlive(battler)))
• The attacking Pokémon must not be protected by Magic Guard (CHECK_NOT(IsMagicGuardProtected(attacker)))

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability InnardsOut = {
    .onDefender = +[](ON_DEFENDER) -> int {
        CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(attacker))
        CHECK_NOT(IsBattlerAlive(battler))
        CHECK_NOT(IsMagicGuardProtected(attacker))

        gBattleMoveDamage = gTurnStructs[battler].dmg;
        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_AftermathDmg);
        return TRUE;
    },
};

Key Implementation Details

• Damage Calculation: gBattleMoveDamage = gTurnStructs[battler].dmg - Uses the stored damage value from the fatal attack
• Battle Script: Uses BattleScript_AftermathDmg (same as Aftermath ability)
• Trigger Check: ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(attacker) ensures proper activation conditions
• Magic Guard Protection: Attackers with Magic Guard are immune to the retaliation damage

Affected Move Types

• Works with: All direct damage-dealing moves (physical, special, contact, non-contact)
• Does NOT work with:
  • Indirect damage (poison, burn, weather, entry hazards)
  • Self-inflicted damage
  • Ally attacks in doubles/triples
  • Moves that don't directly deal damage

Interactions with Other Abilities/Mechanics

• Magic Guard: Completely negates Innards Out damage to the attacker
• Focus Sash/Sturdy: If the attacker survives the Innards Out damage due to these abilities, they remain at 1 HP
• Substitute: Innards Out can break the attacker's substitute if the damage is sufficient
• Multi-hit moves: Only the final hit's damage is stored and reflected (if it causes the KO)

Strategic Implications

• Revenge KO: Excellent for securing mutual KOs against powerful attackers
• Pivot potential: Can discourage opponents from using their strongest attackers to finish off the Innards Out user
• Late-game threat: Particularly dangerous when the opponent has low-HP sweepers
• Sash breaking: Can break Focus Sash/Sturdy on the attacker if they're at full HP

Example Damage Calculations

• Scenario 1: Innards Out user has 50 HP remaining, takes 80 damage → Dies, deals 80 damage back
• Scenario 2: Innards Out user has 200 HP remaining, takes 250 damage → Dies, deals 250 damage back
• Scenario 3: Multi-hit move deals 30+30+40 damage (final hit KOs) → Deals 40 damage back (only final hit)

Common Users

In Elite Redux, Innards Out is typically found on:

• Defensive Pokémon that can take hits and guarantee damage on KO
• Pokémon with high HP stats to maximize potential retaliation damage
• Support Pokémon that can threaten revenge KOs

Competitive Usage Notes

• Doubles/Triples: Can punish spread moves by retaliating against the user
• Priority protection: No protection against priority moves targeting the Innards Out user
• Setup counter: Discourages opponents from using setup sweepers to finish off the user
• Mind games: Forces opponents to consider the health of their attacker before going for the KO

Counters

• Magic Guard: Complete immunity to the retaliation damage
• Indirect damage: Using poison, burn, weather, or entry hazards to finish off the Innards Out user
• Substitute: Can absorb the Innards Out damage (though substitute will likely break)
• High HP attackers: Can survive the retaliation damage more easily

Synergies

• Focus Sash/Sturdy: Allows the user to survive an otherwise fatal hit and potentially trigger Innards Out on a follow-up
• Rocky Helmet: Stacks contact damage with Innards Out for maximum punishment
• Life Orb users: Opponents taking Life Orb recoil + Innards Out damage face severe punishment
• Entry hazards: Weakening the opponent beforehand makes Innards Out more likely to secure the KO

Version History

• Generation VII: Original introduction in Sun/Moon
• Elite Redux: Implemented with the same mechanics as the official games
• Battle Engine: Uses the existing Aftermath damage script for consistency