Queen's Mourning - Ability ID 410

In-Game Description

"Lowering any stats on its side raises SpAtk and SpDef."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Queen's Mourning activates when any stat is lowered on the Pokémon's side of the field, not just the Pokémon with this ability. When triggered, it raises both Special Attack and Special Defense by one stage each. Works with partner Pokémon in doubles, making it excellent for support.

Character count: 284

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Queen's Mourning is a reactive ability that triggers when any stat decrease occurs on the user's side of the field. Unlike abilities that only react to the user's own stat changes, Queen's Mourning monitors the entire team side for stat reductions.

Activation Conditions

• Trigger requirement: Any stat decrease on the user's side of the field
  • Includes the Pokémon with Queen's Mourning
  • Includes the partner Pokémon in doubles/multi battles
  • Does NOT include the opposing side's stat changes
• Exclusion: Does NOT trigger if the stat decrease comes from the partner Pokémon or the user itself
• Timing: Activates immediately after the stat decrease message
• Stat boosts: Raises Special Attack and Special Defense by +1 stage each

Technical Implementation

// Queen's Mourning triggers when DEFENDERSSTATFELL occurs
if ((stringId == STRINGID_DEFENDERSSTATFELL) && 
    (abilityBattler = IsAbilityOnSide(gBattlerTarget, ABILITY_QUEENS_MOURNING)) &&
    gTurnStructs[gBattlerTarget].changedStatsBattlerId != BATTLE_PARTNER(gBattlerTarget) &&
    gTurnStructs[gBattlerTarget].changedStatsBattlerId != gBattlerTarget) {
    
    // Set up ability popup and stat changes
    gBattleScripting.abilityPopupOverwrite = ABILITY_QUEENS_MOURNING;
    BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_QueensMourningActivated);
}

// Battle script raises Special Attack and Special Defense
BattleScript_QueensMourningActivated::
    jumpifstat BS_ABILITY_BATTLER, CMP_LESS_THAN, STAT_SPATK, MAX_STAT_STAGE, BattleScript_QueensMourning_AttackUpDoAnim
    jumpifstat BS_ABILITY_BATTLER, CMP_EQUAL, STAT_SPDEF, MAX_STAT_STAGE, BattleScript_QueensMourning_End
    // Raises Special Attack by +1 stage
    setstatchanger STAT_SPATK, 1, FALSE
    statbuffchange MOVE_EFFECT_AFFECTS_USER, BattleScript_QueensMourning_DefenseUpDoAnim
    // Raises Special Defense by +1 stage  
    setstatchanger STAT_SPDEF, 1, FALSE
    statbuffchange MOVE_EFFECT_AFFECTS_USER, BattleScript_QueensMourning_End

Important Interactions

• IsAbilityOnSide: Uses the special function that checks both the user and partner for the ability
• Self-exclusion: Won't trigger if the stat decrease comes from the user or partner
• Opponent targeting: Only triggers when opponents lower stats on your side
• Stat cap: Won't raise stats that are already at maximum (+6)
• Ability popup: Shows the ability name when triggered
• Animation timing: Plays stat increase animations for both stats

Doubles/Multi Battle Behavior

Queen's Mourning excels in doubles due to its side-based activation:

• Partner protection: Triggers when partner's stats are lowered
• Team support: Provides special bulk to the team
• Intimidate counter: Activates against Intimidate users
• Stat spread: Boosts both offensive and defensive special stats

Strategic Implications

• Anti-debuff: Punishes opponents for using stat-lowering moves
• Special tank: Builds special bulk and power simultaneously
• Team synergy: Excellent on teams that may face stat reduction
• Intimidate counter: Strong against physical Intimidate users
• Opponent psychology: Deters opponents from using debuff moves

Activation Examples

Triggers on:

• Opponent uses Charm on your partner → Queen's Mourning activates
• Opponent uses Screech on the user → Queen's Mourning activates
• Opponent's Intimidate lowers your Attack → Queen's Mourning activates
• Opponent uses Acid Spray on either ally → Queen's Mourning activates

Does NOT trigger on:

• Your own Overheat lowering your Special Attack
• Partner uses Superpower and lowers own stats
• Opponent's stats are lowered by your moves
• Burns/items lowering your own stats

Common Users

• Special attackers who want both offense and defense
• Doubles support Pokémon
• Tanks that can capitalize on stat boosts
• Pokémon with naturally high Special Attack/Defense

Competitive Usage Notes

• Doubles focused: Much stronger in doubles than singles
• Intimidate meta: Excellent in metas with common Intimidate
• Stat boost stacking: Can accumulate multiple boosts per battle
• Unpredictable timing: Opponents may not expect the trigger
• Deters debuffs: Makes opponents think twice about stat reduction

Counters

• Avoid stat moves: Don't use stat-lowering moves against the team
• Physical attacks: Focus on raw damage rather than stat manipulation
• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker, Neutralizing Gas
• Stat reset: Haze, Clear Smog to remove accumulated boosts
• Taunt: Prevent setup that could follow the stat boosts

Synergies

• Calm Mind/Nasty Plot: Stack with natural stat boosts
• Assault Vest: Provides additional special bulk
• Choice Specs: Immediate power boost with SpAtk increases
• Stored Power: Benefits from accumulated stat boosts
• Weakness Policy: Can potentially stack with other reactive abilities

Version History

• Elite Redux exclusive ability
• Designed to counter stat-lowering strategies
• Promotes more aggressive, damage-focused gameplay
• Particularly effective in the doubles-heavy Elite Redux meta

Design Philosophy

Queen's Mourning represents a defensive response to stat manipulation, turning the opponent's debuff strategy into a boost for the user. The ability encourages direct damage over stat manipulation, creating more dynamic battle scenarios while providing teams with anti-debuff insurance.