Air Blower (Ability #320)

Overview

Air Blower is a team support ability that automatically establishes favorable speed control upon entering battle. By casting a 3-turn Tailwind effect, it provides immediate strategic advantage to the entire team.

Short Description

"Casts a 3-turn Tailwind on entry."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (IMPORTANT: exactly 280-300 chars counted WITH spaces)"Air Blower automatically sets up a 3-turn Tailwind upon entering battle, doubling the Speed of all Pokemon on the user's side. Cannot stack if Tailwind is already active. Synergizes with Wind Rider teammates by triggering their Attack boost upon activation. Perfect for speed control teams."

Mechanical Details

Core Functionality

• Trigger: Activates automatically when the Pokemon enters battle
• Duration: Creates a 3-turn Tailwind effect
• Speed Boost: Doubles the Speed stat of all Pokemon on the user's side
• Stacking: Cannot activate if Tailwind is already in effect

Implementation Details

• Constant: ABILITY_AIR_BLOWER (ID: 320)
• Timer: Uses TAILWIND_DURATION_SHORT (3 turns)
• Side Effect: Sets SIDE_STATUS_TAILWIND flag
• Battle Script: BattleScript_AirBlowerActivated

Speed Calculation Integration

The Tailwind effect integrates into the core speed calculation system:

if (gSideStatuses[GET_BATTLER_SIDE(battlerId)] & SIDE_STATUS_TAILWIND)
    speed *= 2;

Synergies and Interactions

Wind Rider Synergy

• Ability Interaction: Wind Rider Pokemon on the same side receive an Attack boost when Tailwind activates
• Strategic Value: Enables dual setup (Speed + Attack) for team sweeping potential
• Implementation: DisableSwitchInAbility(battler, ABILITY_WIND_RIDER) prevents activation conflicts

Wind Power Synergy

• Similar Effect: Wind Power also benefits from Tailwind activation
• Team Composition: Enables multiple Wind-based ability users to benefit simultaneously

Strategic Applications

Speed Control Teams

• Entry Hazard Support: Ensures faster Stealth Rock/Spikes setup
• Revenge Killing: Enables slower Pokemon to outspeed threats
• Sweeper Support: Provides speed boost for offensive Pokemon

Double Battles

• Immediate Impact: Both team members benefit from turn 1 speed doubling
• Synergy Potential: Enables Wind Rider partner to gain Attack boost simultaneously
• Field Control: Establishes early battle momentum

Limitations and Counterplay

Activation Restrictions

• No Stacking: Cannot activate if Tailwind is already present on the field
• One-Time Use: Only activates on initial entry, not on subsequent switches
• Turn Dependency: Effect diminishes over 3 turns with standard turn progression

Counterplay Options

• Switch-Based: Forcing switches can waste Tailwind turns
• Priority Moves: High-priority moves can still threaten despite speed advantage
• Trick Room: Speed reversal negates the benefit entirely

Pokemon Distribution

Air Blower appears on numerous Pokemon throughout the Elite Redux roster, including:

• Flying-type Pokemon (thematic fit)
• Speed-oriented Pokemon requiring setup support
• Team support Pokemon designed for enabling strategies
• Some Pokemon as innate abilities for balanced team composition

Competitive Viability

Strengths

• Immediate Impact: No setup turns required
• Team Benefit: Supports entire team strategy
• Synergy Potential: Enables multi-ability combinations
• Momentum Building: Creates favorable positioning from turn 1

Weaknesses

• Limited Duration: Only 3 turns of effect
• Situational Value: Less useful when already ahead in speed
• Switch Vulnerability: Switching out wastes remaining turns

Technical Implementation

Code Structure

constexpr Ability AirBlower = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int {
        CHECK_NOT(gSideStatuses[GetBattlerSide(battler)] & SIDE_STATUS_TAILWIND) 
        int side = GetBattlerSide(battler);
        gSideTimers[side].started.tailwind = TRUE;
        gSideStatuses[side] |= SIDE_STATUS_TAILWIND;
        gSideTimers[side].tailwindBattlerId = battler;
        gSideTimers[side].tailwindTimer = TAILWIND_DURATION_SHORT;

        DisableSwitchInAbility(battler, ABILITY_WIND_RIDER);
        DisableSwitchInAbility(BATTLE_PARTNER(battler), ABILITY_WIND_RIDER);

        BattleScriptPushCursorAndCallback(BattleScript_AirBlowerActivated);
        return TRUE;
    },
};

Battle Message

The ability displays "AIRBLOWERACTIVATED" string when triggered, followed by the standard Tailwind setup message.

Design Philosophy

Air Blower represents Elite Redux's approach to immediate team support abilities. Rather than requiring setup turns or specific conditions, it provides instant strategic value while maintaining clear limitations to prevent overpowered scenarios. The synergy with Wind-based abilities creates interesting team building opportunities without being mandatory for effectiveness.