Spectral Shroud - Ability ID 386

In-Game Description

"Spectralize + 30% chance to badly poison the foe."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Converts Normal-type moves to Ghost-type, gaining STAB and enhanced power boost. All Ghost-type moves (including converted ones) have 30% chance to badly poison targets after dealing damage. Combines offensive type conversion with dangerous poison status pressure that escalates over time.

Character count: 290

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Spectral Shroud combines two distinct effects implemented in abilities.cc (lines 3987-3999):

constexpr Ability SpectralShroud = {
    .onAttacker = +[](ON_ATTACKER) -> int {
        CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(target))
        CHECK(CanBePoisoned(battler, target, MOVE_NONE))
        CHECK(gBattleStruct->ateBoost[battler])
        CHECK(moveType == TYPE_GHOST)
        CHECK(Random() % 100 < 30)

        return AbilityStatusEffect(MOVE_EFFECT_TOXIC);
    },
    .onOffensiveMultiplier = Spectralize.onOffensiveMultiplier,
    .onMoveType = Spectralize.onMoveType,
};

The ability inherits from Spectralize (lines 3983-3985), which uses the ATE_ABILITY macro:

constexpr Ability Spectralize = {
    ATE_ABILITY(TYPE_GHOST),
};

Type Conversion Effect (Spectralize Component)

• Normal-to-Ghost Conversion: All Normal-type moves become Ghost-type
• STAB Bonus: Converted moves gain 1.5x damage multiplier when used by Ghost-types (standard STAB)
• ATE Boost: Converted moves likely receive additional 1.1x power boost (based on other ATE abilities)
• Cumulative Effect: Total ~1.65x power for Ghost-types using converted Normal moves (1.5 × 1.1)

Poison Effect

• Trigger Condition: Only activates on Ghost-type moves (including converted Normal moves)
• Activation Rate: 30% chance after dealing damage
• Status Applied: Badly Poison (increasing damage each turn: 1/16, 2/16, 3/16, etc.)
• Requirements:
  • Move must hit and deal damage
  • Target must be poisonable
  • Target must not be immune to poison

Battle Effects

Move Conversions with Poison Chance:

• Return/Frustration: Normal → Ghost, potential badly poison
• Body Slam: Normal → Ghost with paralysis chance + potential badly poison
• Double-Edge: Normal → Ghost with recoil + potential badly poison
• Hyper Beam: Normal → Ghost + potential badly poison
• Quick Attack: Normal → Ghost priority + potential badly poison

Natural Ghost Moves with Poison:

• Shadow Ball: 30% chance to badly poison
• Shadow Claw: 30% chance to badly poison
• Hex: 30% chance to badly poison (increased damage vs already poisoned targets)
• Phantom Force: 30% chance to badly poison

Pokémon with Spectral Shroud

As a Changeable Ability:

1. Spiritomb (Redux Form) - Psychic/Poison
   • Type: Psychic/Poison (gains STAB from converted Ghost moves)
   • Other Abilities: Toxic Surge, Headstrong
   • Innates: Scare, Poison Puppeteer, Cosmic Daze
   • Stats: 77/60/108/117/120/35 (bulky special attacker)

As an Innate Ability:

1. Mega Crobat - Poison/Flying
   • Has Spectral Shroud as innate along with Ominous Shroud and Nosferatu
   • Other Abilities: Amplifier, Low Visibility, Tinted Lens
   • Stats: 85/140/70/120/70/160 (fast mixed attacker)

Strategic Implications

Offensive Potential

• Type Coverage: Normal moves become Ghost-type, hitting Fighting and Psychic for super effective damage
• STAB Abuse: Ghost-types gain significant power boost on converted Normal moves
• Status Pressure: 30% badly poison chance creates constant threat
• Mixed Viability: Works with both physical and special Normal moves

Status Strategy

• Poison Stacking: Badly poison compounds with other poison sources
• Hex Synergy: Ghost moves that inflict poison set up Hex for massive damage
• Chip Damage: Badly poison provides escalating residual damage
• Stall Breaking: Forces switches due to poison pressure

Common Users

Spiritomb (Redux Form)

• Role: Bulky special attacker with poison support
• Key Moves: Shadow Ball, Psychic, Nasty Plot, Pain Split
• Strategy: Use bulk to set up Nasty Plot, then sweep with powered-up Ghost moves
• Poison Synergy: Badly poison punishes switches and supports stall

Mega Crobat

• Role: Fast mixed attacker with status utility
• Key Moves: U-turn, Brave Bird, Shadow Ball, Toxic
• Strategy: Hit-and-run tactics with poison chip damage
• Speed Advantage: Outspeeds most threats to land poison consistently

Competitive Usage Notes

• Tier Rating: High - Combines offense with status utility
• Team Role: Mixed attacker/status spreader
• Synergy: Excellent with Hex users and poison cores
• Versatility: Adapts to both offensive and defensive team styles

Counters

• Poison Immunity: Steel and Poison types immune to badly poison
• Magic Bounce: Reflects status moves (but not the on-hit effect)
• Substitute: Blocks the poison effect
• Heal Bell/Aromatherapy: Removes badly poison from team
• Natural Cure: Auto-heals poison on switch

Anti-Counters

• Steel Coverage: Use Fire or Fighting moves against Steel types
• Poison Breaking: Fighting and Ground moves hit Poison types super effectively
• Sub Breaking: Multi-hit moves or strong attacks break Substitute
• Priority: Fast poison application before healing moves

Synergies

• Hex Users: Teammates that can capitalize on poisoned targets
• Poison Spikes: Entry hazards compound poison pressure
• Toxic: Direct poison moves ensure status even if ability fails
• Venoshock: Increased damage against poisoned targets
• Black Sludge: Poison-types gain healing from held item

Notable Combinations

• Spectral Shroud + Hex: Convert Normal moves to Ghost, poison with them, then use Hex for 130 BP
• Spectral Shroud + Venoshock: Poison with Ghost moves, then hit with 130 BP Venoshock
• Spectral Shroud + Substitute: Use Sub to safely fish for poison procs
• Spectral Shroud + Choice Items: Powerful Ghost moves with poison utility

Version History

Spectral Shroud is an Elite Redux original ability that combines the established Spectralize effect with a unique poison application mechanic. It represents the pinnacle of offensive status abilities, providing immediate damage enhancement while building long-term pressure through badly poison.

Implementation Details

• File Location: src/abilities.cc lines 3987-3999
• Dependencies: Uses Spectralize implementation and ATE_ABILITY macro
• Random Check: Uses Random() % 100 < 30 for poison activation
• Status Function: Calls AbilityStatusEffect(MOVE_EFFECT_TOXIC) for badly poison
• Type Check: Only triggers on Ghost-type moves (including converted ones)