Lingering Aroma - Ability ID 451

In-Game Description

"If hit, makes the attacker's ability Lingering Aroma."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Lingering Aroma changes the attacker's ability to Lingering Aroma when hit by a contact move. Functions identically to Mummy, spreading on contact. Overrides most abilities except unsuppressable ones like Multitype. Blocked by Ability Shield item. Creates ability chain reactions when spread.

Character count: 292

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Lingering Aroma is an ability-spreading effect that changes the attacker's ability to Lingering Aroma when hit by contact moves. It uses the exact same implementation as Mummy (Mummy.onDefender), making it functionally identical to that ability but with a different thematic presentation.

Activation Conditions

• Contact requirement: Only triggers when hit by moves that make contact
• Timing: Activates immediately when the contact move hits
• Target: Affects the attacking Pokémon, not the defending one
• Hit requirement: Must successfully hit to trigger (not blocked by substitutes)

Technical Implementation

// Lingering Aroma uses Mummy's implementation
constexpr Ability LingeringAroma = {
    .onDefender = Mummy.onDefender,
};

// The actual mechanic from Mummy:
.onDefender = +[](ON_DEFENDER) -> int {
    CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(attacker))
    CHECK_NOT(HasAbilityIgnoringSuppression(attacker, ability))
    CHECK(IsMoveMakingContact(move, attacker))
    CHECK_NOT(IsPersistentOrUnsuppressableAbility(GetBattlerAbility(attacker)))
    CHECK_NOT(DoesBattlerHaveAbilityShield(attacker))

    UpdateAbilityStateIndicesForNewAbility(attacker, ability);
    ReplaceAbility(attacker, ability);
    BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_MummyActivates);
    return TRUE;
},

Ability Spreading Mechanics

• Overrides: Replaces the attacker's current ability with Lingering Aroma
• Chain reaction: If the newly affected Pokémon gets hit by contact, they can spread it further
• Permanent: The ability change lasts for the entire battle
• No immunities: Unlike status moves, there are no type-based immunities

Abilities That Cannot Be Overridden

Lingering Aroma cannot override certain "persistent or unsuppressable" abilities:

• Multitype (Arceus)
• RKS System (Silvally)
• Disguise (Mimikyu)
• Ice Face (Eiscue)
• Battle Bond (Greninja)
• Power Construct (Zygarde)
• Schooling (Wishiwashi)
• Shields Down (Minior)
• Comatose (Komala)
• Other form-changing or core identity abilities

Protective Measures

• Ability Shield: Completely blocks Lingering Aroma from taking effect
• Long Reach: Prevents activation by making moves not make contact
• Magic Guard: Still gets affected (doesn't prevent ability change)
• Non-contact moves: Safe to use against Lingering Aroma users

Strategic Implications

• Ability denial: Removes opponent's key abilities permanently
• Team disruption: Can cripple ability-dependent strategies
• Chain spreading: Can affect entire teams through contact moves
• Defensive tool: Punishes physical attackers who make contact
• Setup counter: Removes setup abilities like Speed Boost or Moody

Contact Moves That Trigger

All moves with the contact flag, including:

• Physical attacks: Most physical moves make contact
• Multi-hit moves: Each hit can potentially trigger
• Priority moves: Mach Punch, Aqua Jet, etc.
• Status moves: Thunder Wave, Spore (if they make contact)

Non-Contact Moves (Safe)

• Projectile moves: Water Gun, Flamethrower, etc.
• Special attacks: Most special moves don't make contact
• Long-range moves: Surf, Earthquake, Rock Slide
• Status moves: Most status moves are non-contact

Counterplay

• Ability Shield: Hard counter that prevents the effect
• Non-contact moves: Use ranged attacks exclusively
• Ability replacement: Use moves like Skill Swap to replace it
• Team positioning: Keep important ability users away from contact
• Speed control: Outspeed and KO before they can spread

Synergies

• Spiky Shield/King's Shield: Punish contact moves further
• Rough Skin/Iron Barbs: Stack contact damage
• Static/Flame Body: Multiple contact-based effects
• Guts/Quick Feet: Can benefit from opponent's hesitation to make contact

Common Users

• Pokémon that want to disrupt opponent's strategies
• Defensive walls that expect physical contact
• Support Pokémon that can afford to lose their original ability
• Anti-setup specialists

Competitive Usage Notes

• Meta disruptor: Can completely change team dynamics mid-battle
• Mindgames: Forces opponents to play around contact moves
• Late game tool: More impactful when abilities have been established
• Risk/reward: User loses their own ability to gain this effect

Differences from Mummy

While mechanically identical, Lingering Aroma has a different thematic presentation:

• Visual effects: Different animation/message when activating
• Lore: Aromatherapy theme vs. Egyptian mummy theme
• Distribution: May be on different Pokémon species
• Name recognition: Players may not immediately recognize the mechanic

Version History

• New ability in Elite Redux
• Uses proven Mummy mechanics for reliability
• Part of the expanded ability roster
• Provides thematic alternative to Mummy