Flame Body - Ability ID 49

In-Game Description

"30% chance to burn on contact. Also works on offense."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (280-300 chars max)

Flame Body has a 30% chance to inflict burn status on any Pokémon that makes contact with attacks, whether attacking or defending. The burned Pokémon takes 1/16 max HP damage each turn and has Attack reduced by 50%. Also doubles egg hatching speed when in party. Fire-types cannot be burned.

Character count: 289

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

FLAME BODY is a contact-triggered status ability that can inflict burn on both offensive and defensive interactions.

Activation Mechanics:

• Trigger: Any contact move made by or against the Flame Body user
• Activation Rate: 30% chance (Random() % 100 < 30)
• Target: The opposing Pokémon that initiated contact
• Script: Uses AbilityStatusEffectSafe(MOVE_EFFECT_BURN) with standard burn animation

Contact Requirements:

1. Move Must Make Contact:

   • Checked via IsMoveMakingContact(move, gBattlerAttacker)
   • Blocked by Long Reach ability or Protective Pads item
   • Special case: Shell Side Arm counts as contact when damage category swaps

2. Hit Confirmation:

   • Uses ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(opponent) which requires:
     • Move hit successfully (DidMoveHit())
     • Target is still alive (IsBattlerAlive())

3. Burn Eligibility:

   • Checked via CanBeBurned(opponent):
     • No existing status condition
     • Not Fire-type (immune to burn)
     • Not protected by status immunity effects

Burn Status Effects:

• Damage: 1/16 of max HP per turn at end of turn
• Attack Reduction: Physical attack reduced by 50%
• Duration: Permanent until cured or switched out
• Interactions: Can be cured by Natural Cure, Heal Bell, Aromatherapy, etc.

Bidirectional Functionality:

Unlike most contact abilities, Flame Body works in both directions:

ON_EITHER(FlameBody) {
    // Uses ON_EITHER_ABILITY macro for both onAttacker and onDefender
}

As Attacker: When Flame Body user attacks with contact moves As Defender: When opponent attacks Flame Body user with contact moves

Field Effect - Egg Hatching:

In the overworld, Flame Body doubles egg hatching speed:

// In egg_hatch.c - GetEggStepsToSubtract()
if (ability == ABILITY_MAGMA_ARMOR || ability == ABILITY_FLAME_BODY || ability == ABILITY_SUPER_HOT_GOO)
    return 2; // Double egg steps

Ability Combinations:

Super Hot Goo (Custom Elite Redux ability):

• Combines Flame Body with Gooey
• Retains full Flame Body functionality
• Adds Speed reduction on contact

Technical Implementation:

ON_EITHER(FlameBody) {
    CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(opponent))
    CHECK(CanBeBurned(opponent))
    CHECK(IsMoveMakingContact(move, gBattlerAttacker))
    CHECK(Random() % 100 < 30)

    AbilityStatusEffectSafe(MOVE_EFFECT_BURN, battler, opponent);
    return TRUE;
}

constexpr Ability FlameBody = {
    ON_EITHER_ABILITY(FlameBody),
};

Competitive Applications:

• Physical Wall Support: Deters physical attackers with burn threat
• Breeding Utility: Essential for efficient egg hatching
• Contact Punish: Works on both offense and defense unlike Static/Poison Point
• Status Spreading: Can burn on your own attacks, spreading chip damage

Counters and Limitations:

• Fire-types: Completely immune to burn status
• Non-contact moves: No activation (Earthquake, Psychic, etc.)
• Long Reach: Prevents contact entirely
• Protective Pads: Blocks contact effects
• Guts/Marvel Scale: Turn burn into advantage
• Magic Guard: Prevents burn damage (but not Attack reduction)

Strategic Considerations:

• More threatening on defensive Pokémon due to guaranteed contact from attacks
• Offensive use requires careful move selection (contact moves only)
• Excellent deterrent against physical setup sweepers
• Pairs well with Will-O-Wisp for consistent burn spreading
• Especially valuable in formats with limited status moves

Version History:

• Gen 3: Contact-based burn chance introduced
• Elite Redux: Retains 30% activation rate, works bidirectionally