Coil Up - Ability ID 302

In-Game Description

"On entry, gives +1 priority once to the first biting move used."

Extended In-Game Description

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

On entry, gains 'coiled' status giving +1 priority to first biting move used. Message shows Pokemon coiled up ready to bite. Priority boost consumed after using any Strong Jaw-boosted move. Perfect for revenge killing or breaking through faster foes with priority Crunch/Fangs moves.

Character count: 283

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

COIL UP is a unique entry ability that provides a one-time priority boost to biting moves.

Activation Mechanics:

• Trigger: Immediately upon entering battle (onEntry hook)
• Status Applied: STATUS4_COILED flag
• Message: "{Pokémon} coiled up and is ready to bite!"
• Duration: Until first biting move is used

Effect Details:

1. Priority Boost:

   • +1 priority to the first biting move used
   • Biting moves identified by FLAG_STRONG_JAW_BOOST
   • Only affects the FIRST biting move after gaining status

2. Affected Moves:

   • Bite, Crunch, Fire Fang, Thunder Fang, Ice Fang
   • Poison Fang, Psychic Fangs, Fishious Rend
   • Jaw Lock, Hyper Fang, Super Fang
   • Any move with Strong Jaw boost flag

3. Status Consumption:

   • Coiled status removed after using one biting move
   • Non-biting moves preserve the status
   • Status persists through switches if unused

Technical Implementation:

constexpr Ability CoilUp = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int {
        if (!DoesBattlerHaveStatus(battler, STATUS4_COILED)) {
            gStatuses4[battler] |= STATUS4_COILED;
            PrepareStringBattle(STRINGID_COILEDUP, battler);
            return 1;
        }
        return 0;
    },
};

Priority Calculation (battle_main.c):

if ((gStatuses4[battlerId] & STATUS4_COILED) && 
    (gBattleMoves[move].flags & FLAG_STRONG_JAW_BOOST)) {
    priority++;
}

Interaction with Other Mechanics:

• Coil Move: The setup move Coil can grant coiled status if user has Coil Up or Sidewinder
• Sidewinder Ability: Related ability that doesn't consume coiled status after use
• Mold Breaker: Cannot suppress Coil Up (not breakable)
• Gastro Acid: Cannot remove the ability but existing coiled status remains

Pokemon with Coil Up:

As Innate Ability:

• Ekans line (Ekans/Arbok) - Snake Pokemon fitting the theme
• Other serpentine Pokemon in Elite Redux

Competitive Applications:

1. Revenge Killing:

   • Priority Crunch for Dark STAB
   • Priority elemental fangs for coverage
   • Outspeed and KO faster threats

2. Breaking Speed Tiers:

   • Overcomes Choice Scarf users
   • Beats priority moves with higher speed
   • Surprises opponents expecting to move first

3. Synergies:

   • Strong Jaw: Stack for 1.5x damage on priority bite
   • Choice Band: Maximum damage on priority physical bite
   • Life Orb: Flexible item for boosted priority

Strategic Considerations:

• Must choose timing carefully - only one use per switch-in
• Opponent can scout with Protect/Detect
• Switching resets the ability for another use
• Best on Pokemon with good biting move coverage

AI Behavior:

• AI values ability with AI_SCORE_COILED_UP
• Considers coiled status when choosing moves
• May switch in specifically to use priority bite

Version Notes:

• Elite Redux exclusive ability
• Uses STATUS4 flag system for tracking
• Integrates with Strong Jaw flag for move detection