Aftershock - Ability ID 491

In-Game Description

"Follows up damaging moves with Magnitude."

Extended In-Game Description

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

After using any damaging move, the Pokémon automatically follows up with Magnitude at 65 power. This Ground-type tremor hits all adjacent Pokémon, including allies in double battles. The follow-up attack can only occur if the original move successfully targets an opponent.

Character count: 285

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Aftershock automatically triggers a secondary Magnitude attack after any successful damaging move, creating seismic follow-up damage that affects all adjacent Pokémon on the battlefield.

Activation Conditions

• Trigger: After using any damaging move with power > 0
• Success requirement: Original move must not result in MOVE_RESULT_NO_EFFECT
• Target validation: Must successfully target an opponent
• Power: Fixed at 65 base power for Magnitude
• Type: Ground-type attack with all Ground-type interactions

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability Aftershock = {
    .onAttacker = +[](ON_ATTACKER) -> int {
        CHECK(gBattleMoves[move].power) // Must be damaging move
        u8 target = AdjustFollowupMoveTarget(battler, FOLLOWUP_STANDARD);
        return UseAttackerFollowUpMove(battler, target, MOVE_MAGNITUDE, 65);
    },
};

Magnitude Move Properties

• Base power: 65 (fixed for this ability)
• Type: Ground
• Category: Physical
• Target: All adjacent Pokémon (FOES_AND_ALLY)
• Accuracy: 100%
• Effects: Standard Ground-type interactions

Strategic Applications

• Area damage: Hits multiple targets for additional damage output
• Ground coverage: Provides Ground-type attacks regardless of user's type
• Combo potential: Works with any damaging move for consistent follow-up
• Pressure tool: Forces opponents to consider seismic follow-ups
• Multi-target utility: Excellent in double battles for field control

Double Battle Considerations

• Ally damage: Can harm partner Pokémon, requiring careful positioning
• Flying immunity: Flying-types and Levitate users avoid the follow-up
• Wide spread: Affects all adjacent positions simultaneously
• Positioning strategy: Requires tactical awareness of battlefield layout

Move Synergies

Excellent triggers:

• High-power moves: Follow devastating attacks with seismic damage
• Multi-hit moves: Each successful hit can potentially trigger Aftershock
• Status moves with damage: Moves like Knock Off gain seismic follow-up

Considerations:

• Contact moves: Original move makes contact, follow-up doesn't
• Priority moves: Fast attacks followed by immediate Ground damage
• Special attacks: Special moves followed by physical Ground attack

Type Interactions

• Super effective against: Fire, Electric, Poison, Rock, Steel
• Not very effective against: Bug, Grass
• No effect on: Flying-types and Levitate users
• STAB potential: Ground-types get STAB on the follow-up attack

Limitations

• Flying immunity: Flying-types completely avoid the follow-up
• Ally damage: Can harm partners in double battles
• One follow-up: Only triggers once per successful attack
• Ground typing: Limited by Ground-type coverage and immunities
• Fixed power: Always 65 base power regardless of original move

Counters

• Flying-types: Immune to the Magnitude follow-up
• Levitate: Ability grants immunity to Ground moves
• Protect variants: Can protect against the follow-up attack
• Air Balloon: Item provides temporary Ground immunity
• Telepathy: Ally ability prevents friendly fire damage

Competitive Usage

• Physical attackers: Excellent on physical sweepers for extra damage
• Mixed coverage: Provides Ground attacks for non-Ground types
• Field control: Controls battlefield positioning in doubles
• Anti-switch: Discourages switching with follow-up pressure
• Breaking focus: Sash/Sturdy breaking potential with dual hits

Team Building Considerations

• Flying allies: Partner with Flying-types to avoid friendly fire
• Magnet Rise: Temporary immunity for Ground-weak allies
• Air Balloon: Protect important allies from seismic damage
• Earthquake synergy: Stack with Earthquake for massive Ground damage

Version History

• Elite Redux custom ability for seismic battle mechanics
• Designed to create unique follow-up attack patterns
• Fixed power ensures balanced damage output
• Part of expanded ability system for enhanced combat dynamics