Moon Spirit - Ability ID 478

In-Game Description

"Fairy & Dark gains STAB. Moonlight recovers 75% HP."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Moon Spirit grants STAB to all Fairy and Dark-type moves regardless of typing, providing 1.5x damage multiplier. When using Moonlight, recovery increases to 75% max HP instead of normal 50% or weather-modified amounts. Creates powerful dual-type offensive synergy with enhanced healing.

Character count: 286

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Moon Spirit is a unique dual-function ability that provides both offensive and defensive benefits. It grants Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) to Fairy and Dark-type moves regardless of the Pokémon's actual typing, and enhances Moonlight recovery.

STAB Function

• Affected move types: Fairy and Dark moves only
• Damage multiplier: 1.5x (standard STAB bonus)
• Type independence: Works regardless of Pokémon's actual typing
• Stacking: Does not stack with natural STAB (if Pokémon is already Fairy/Dark type)

Moonlight Enhancement

• Base recovery: 75% of max HP (3/4 of max HP)
• Weather override: Ignores all weather effects on Moonlight
• Priority: Takes precedence over weather-based recovery modifications

Technical Implementation

// STAB for Fairy and Dark moves
constexpr Ability MoonSpirit = {
    .onStab = +[](ON_STAB) -> int { 
        return moveType == TYPE_FAIRY || moveType == TYPE_DARK; 
    },
};

// Moonlight recovery enhancement
if (gCurrentMove == MOVE_MOONLIGHT && BATTLER_HAS_ABILITY(gBattlerAttacker, ABILITY_MOON_SPIRIT)) {
    gBattleMoveDamage = gBattleMons[gBattlerAttacker].maxHP * 3 / 4;  // 75% recovery
}

Weather Interaction Details

Normal Moonlight recovery is weather-dependent:

• Sunny weather: 2/3 HP (66.7%)
• Neutral weather: 1/2 HP (50%)
• Rain/Sandstorm/Hail/Fog: 1/4 HP (25%)

With Moon Spirit:

• All weather conditions: 3/4 HP (75%)
• Consistent recovery: Weather independence provides reliability

Offensive Applications

Moon Spirit allows any Pokémon to use Fairy and Dark moves with STAB effectiveness:

• Fairy moves: Moonblast, Dazzling Gleam, Play Rough, Moonbeam
• Dark moves: Dark Pulse, Foul Play, Crunch, Sucker Punch
• Coverage potential: Grants neutral Pokémon access to two strong offensive types
• Surprise factor: Unexpected STAB moves from non-Fairy/Dark Pokémon

Defensive Applications

Enhanced Moonlight provides superior recovery:

• Weather immunity: No reduction in harsh weather
• Consistent healing: Always 75% recovery regardless of conditions
• Bulky sets: Enables defensive playstyles with reliable recovery
• Status absorption: Can afford to take status conditions with strong healing

Strategic Implications

• Dual-type coverage: Effective against Psychic, Fighting, Ghost, and other types
• Weather independence: Doesn't rely on weather for maximum effectiveness
• Versatile: Suits both offensive and defensive strategies
• Typing flexibility: Makes non-Fairy/Dark Pokémon viable with these move types

Synergistic Moves

Fairy moves that benefit:

• Moonblast (95 BP → 142 BP with STAB)
• Play Rough (90 BP → 135 BP with STAB)
• Dazzling Gleam (80 BP → 120 BP with STAB)

Dark moves that benefit:

• Dark Pulse (80 BP → 120 BP with STAB)
• Foul Play (95 BP → 142 BP with STAB)
• Crunch (80 BP → 120 BP with STAB)

Common User Profiles

• Psychic-types: Gain Dark STAB for coverage against other Psychics
• Normal-types: Access to two powerful offensive types
• Bulky attackers: Can use Moonlight + offensive moves effectively
• Mixed attackers: Physical Dark moves + Special Fairy moves

Competitive Applications

• Wallbreaking: Unexpected STAB moves can break through typical counters
• Pivot role: Strong attacks + reliable healing enable switching
• Late-game cleaning: Moonlight sustain with STAB coverage
• Anti-meta: Counters common defensive cores with dual typing

Limitations

• Move dependency: Requires learning Fairy/Dark moves to benefit from STAB
• Moonlight requirement: Recovery benefit only applies to one specific move
• Type distribution: Limited to Pokémon that can learn relevant moves
• Ability competition: May compete with other strong abilities

Interaction Notes

• Natural typing: If Pokémon is already Fairy or Dark type, STAB doesn't stack
• Hidden Power: Does not affect Hidden Power regardless of type
• Multi-hit moves: Each hit receives the STAB bonus
• Critical hits: STAB applies before critical hit calculation

Team Building Considerations

• Move tutoring: Requires access to Fairy/Dark moves through breeding/tutors
• Recovery stacking: Can combine with other healing moves for sustainability
• Type coverage: Complements existing movepool with new offensive options
• Weather teams: Less dependent on weather than typical Moonlight users

Version History

• Elite Redux exclusive ability (ID 478)
• Part of the extended ability system push to 500+ abilities
• Designed to create unique dual-type offensive potential
• Provides weather-independent recovery option

Comparison to Similar Abilities

• Mystic Power: Grants universal STAB but lacks healing component
• Natural STAB: Only applies to Pokémon's actual types
• Big Root: Enhances all recovery moves but by smaller amount
• Weather abilities: Affect Moonlight but don't provide offensive benefits