Suppress - Ability ID 498

In-Game Description

"Uses Torment 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 the battlefield, automatically uses Torment on the opponent, preventing them from using the same move consecutively. This Dark-type status move forces the enemy to alternate between different attacks, disrupting repetitive strategies.

Character count: 286

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Suppress automatically inflicts the Torment status condition upon entry, forcing opponents to constantly change their move selection and preventing repetitive attack patterns.

Activation Conditions

• Trigger: Activates immediately when switching into battle
• Target: Automatically targets an opposing Pokémon
• Move used: Torment (Dark-type status move)
• Effect: Inflicts torment status condition
• Guarantee: Cannot miss when used by this ability

Technical Implementation

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

Torment Status Condition

• Effect: Prevents using the same move twice in a row
• Duration: Permanent until cured or target switches out
• Restriction: Must alternate between different moves
• Type: Dark-type status move (affected by type interactions)
• Category: Status move (no damage dealt)

Move Selection Impact

Before Torment:

• Turn 1: Thunderbolt
• Turn 2: Thunderbolt (allowed)
• Turn 3: Thunderbolt (allowed)

After Torment:

• Turn 1: Thunderbolt
• Turn 2: Cannot use Thunderbolt (must use different move)
• Turn 3: Can use Thunderbolt again
• Turn 4: Cannot use Thunderbolt (must alternate)

Strategic Applications

• Repetition disruption: Stops powerful move spamming
• Choice item counters: Forces Choice users into suboptimal moves
• Setup disruption: Prevents repeated stat boosting
• Prediction tool: Forces opponent into readable patterns
• Offensive pressure: Reduces opponent's move flexibility

Target Interactions

Excellent against:

• Choice item users (Specs, Band, Scarf)
• Single-move spammers (Earthquake, Boomburst)
• Setup sweepers (repeated Calm Mind, Swords Dance)
• STAB abusers (Pokémon relying on one powerful move)

Less effective against:

• Mixed attackers (multiple viable moves)
• Support Pokémon (various utility moves)
• Status spreaders (multiple different status moves)
• Diverse movesets (many attack options)

Curing Methods

• Switching out: Removes torment status naturally
• Aromatherapy/Heal Bell: Team-wide status cure
• Mental Herb: Instant torment cure (if applicable)
• Natural Cure: Removes on switch-out
• Refresh: Self-cure move

Double Battle Applications

• Single target: Only affects one opposing Pokémon
• Partner protection: Doesn't affect ally Pokémon
• Strategic targeting: Choose which opponent to torment
• Field control: Reduces one opponent's offensive options

Competitive Usage

• Anti-meta: Counters common repetitive strategies
• Disruption: Forces opponents into suboptimal plays
• Entry utility: Provides immediate battlefield impact
• Support role: Helps team by limiting opponent options
• Prediction game: Creates mind games around move selection

Choice Item Interactions

Choice Band/Specs/Scarf users:

• Locked into one move normally
• Torment forces them to Struggle after first use
• Must switch or use Struggle (40 BP, recoil damage)
• Creates significant disadvantage for Choice users

Synergies

Team support:

• Entry hazards: Stack damage while limiting moves
• Status spreaders: Combine with other disruptive effects
• Prediction users: Easier to predict forced move changes
• Trappers: Prevent switching to escape torment

Item synergies:

• Rocky Helmet: Punish forced contact moves
• Leftovers: Sustain while opponent struggles with limits
• Choice items: Ironically good for user after tormenting opponent

Counters

• Switching: Simple escape from torment status
• Diverse movesets: Multiple viable moves reduce impact
• Status immunity: Some abilities prevent status conditions
• Mental Herb: Instant cure for torment
• Team cures: Aromatherapy/Heal Bell support

Limitations

• Single target: Only affects one opponent at a time
• Switch escape: Easy to remove by switching
• Movepool dependent: Less effective against diverse attackers
• No damage: Doesn't deal direct damage
• One activation: Only triggers once per switch-in

Dark-Type Interactions

• Type immunity: Normal-types immune to Dark moves
• Effectiveness: Not affected by type chart (status move)
• STAB: User gets STAB if Dark-type (though no damage)
• Ability interactions: Affected by Dark-type ability interactions

Prediction Applications

• Forced alternation: Opponent must constantly change moves
• Pattern recognition: Easier to predict opponent's next move
• Move baiting: Force opponent into disadvantageous moves
• Setup opportunities: Predict non-threatening moves for setup

Version History

• Elite Redux custom ability for move restriction control
• Based on the existing Torment move mechanics
• Designed to counter repetitive strategies
• Part of expanded disruption ability system