Doombringer - Ability ID 495

In-Game Description

"Uses Doom Desire on switch-in."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Upon entering battle, automatically uses Doom Desire against an opponent. This Steel-type delayed attack has 140 base power and strikes the target exactly two turns later, bypassing substitutes and other protections. The attack cannot miss once initiated and ignores accuracy checks.

Character count: 299

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Doombringer automatically initiates a devastating delayed attack when entering battle, creating inevitable future damage that cannot be easily avoided or blocked.

Activation Conditions

• Trigger: Activates immediately upon switching into battle
• Target: Automatically targets the first available opposing Pokémon
• Move used: Doom Desire (Steel-type, 140 base power)
• Delay: Attack lands exactly 2 turns after activation
• Guarantee: Cannot miss once the countdown begins

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability Doombringer = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int { 
        return UseEntryMove(battler, ability, MOVE_DOOM_DESIRE, 0); 
    },
};

Doom Desire Move Properties

• Type: Steel
• Category: Special
• Base Power: 140
• Accuracy: 100% (but irrelevant after activation)
• Effect: EFFECT_FUTURE_SIGHT (delayed attack)
• Target: Selected opponent
• PP: 5 (not relevant for ability usage)

Future Sight Mechanics

• Turn 1: Doom Desire is activated, target is marked
• Turn 2: Countdown continues, no damage
• Turn 3: Doom Desire hits the originally targeted position
• Persistence: Attack lands even if user faints or switches out
• Inevitability: Cannot be stopped once countdown starts

Strategic Applications

• Entry pressure: Immediate threat upon switching in
• Delayed punishment: Forces opponent into difficult positions
• Switch-in safety: Threatens revenge even if user is KO'd
• Field control: Creates ongoing battlefield pressure
• Steel coverage: Provides Steel-type attacks for non-Steel users

Defensive Interactions

Cannot be blocked by:

• Protect/Detect (delayed attacks bypass protection)
• Substitute (Future Sight effect ignores substitutes)
• Switching out (attack follows the battlefield position)
• Type immunity (Steel-type interactions still apply)

Can be avoided by:

• Switching the targeted Pokémon out (if done before attack lands)
• Wonder Guard (if Steel isn't super-effective)
• Magic Guard (prevents Future Sight damage)

Timing Considerations

• Switch-in Turn: Doom Desire activates
• Opponent Turn 1: Can react/switch with 2 turns of warning
• User Turn 2: Can follow up or switch out safely
• Opponent Turn 2: Last chance to avoid by switching
• Turn 3: Doom Desire hits regardless of user status

Double Battle Applications

• Position targeting: Targets specific battlefield position
• Ally protection: Attack can hit even if user is KO'd
• Field pressure: Forces opponent positioning decisions
• Steel coverage: Provides team Steel-type damage

Competitive Usage

• Entry hazard: Creates immediate battlefield pressure
• Revenge tool: Guarantees damage even if user faints
• Steel utility: Non-Steel types gain powerful Steel attack
• Prediction tool: Forces opponent into suboptimal plays
• Late-game finisher: High power delayed damage

Synergies

Team support:

• Entry hazards: Stack damage with Stealth Rock/Spikes
• Pivot moves: U-turn/Volt Switch after setting up doom
• Taunt users: Prevent defensive moves before doom hits
• Trappers: Prevent switching to avoid the delayed attack

Item synergies:

• Choice items: Can lock into setup then switch
• Leftovers: Sustain while doom countdown proceeds
• Focus Sash: Survive to ensure doom activation

Counters

• Fast KO: Eliminate user before they can switch
• Strategic switching: Move targeted Pokémon to safety
• Magic Guard: Prevents Future Sight damage entirely
• Wonder Guard: If Steel isn't super-effective
• Pressure: Quickly eliminate to prevent follow-up

Limitations

• One activation: Only triggers once per switch-in
• Delayed damage: No immediate impact
• Switch dependency: Opponent can avoid by switching
• Predictable: Opponent knows doom is coming
• Position-based: Targets battlefield position, not specific Pokémon

Version History

• Elite Redux custom ability for delayed battlefield control
• Based on Jirachi's signature move Doom Desire
• Designed to create inevitable pressure and strategic depth
• Part of expanded entry ability system