Fortitude - Ability ID 519

In-Game Description

"Boosts SpDef +1 when hit. Maxes SpDef on crit."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Fortitude raises Special Defense by 1 stage when hit by any move. If the attack is a critical hit, Special Defense is maxed out to +6 stages instead. The boost applies before damage calculation, making each hit progressively weaker against special attacks.

Character count: 290

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Fortitude is a defensive ability that turns every hit into a potential Special Defense boost. The ability provides escalating defensive utility that can completely shut down special attackers over time.

Activation Conditions

• Trigger: Any move that hits the Pokémon
• Damage requirement: Move must deal damage (status moves don't trigger)
• Critical hit bonus: Critical hits instantly max out Special Defense
• Multi-hit moves: Each hit triggers the ability separately
• Contact requirement: None - works with all damaging moves

Technical Implementation

// Fortitude triggers on defender when hit
.onDefender = +[](ON_DEFENDER) -> int {
    CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(battler))
    CHECK(CanRaiseStat(battler, STAT_SPDEF))

    if (gIsCriticalHit) {
        SetStatChanger(STAT_SPDEF, 12);  // Max out to +6
        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_TargetsStatWasMaxedOut);
    } else {
        SetStatChanger(STAT_SPDEF, 1);   // Normal +1 boost
        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_TargetAbilityStatRaiseOnMoveEnd);
    }
    return TRUE;
},

Stat Boost Details

• Normal hit: +1 Special Defense stage
• Critical hit: +6 Special Defense stages (maximum)
• Stat cap: Cannot exceed +6 stages total
• Timing: Boost applies after being hit, before end of turn

Important Interactions

• Multi-hit moves: Each hit of moves like Bullet Seed triggers separately
• Substitute: Does not trigger when behind Substitute
• Magic Guard: Still triggers even if damage is negated
• Critical hits: Super Luck and Sniper synergize well with this ability
• Stat reset: Haze, Clear Smog, and switching out reset the boosts

Strategic Implications

• Wall potential: Can become an impenetrable special wall
• Momentum shift: Forces opponents to use physical moves
• Stall tactics: Excellent for defensive builds
• Critical vulnerability: Ironically, critical hits help the defender
• Setup sweeper: Can use accumulated boosts for special attacks

Common Users

Based on the code analysis, Fortitude appears on:

• Defensive Pokémon that appreciate stat boosts
• Pokémon with good Special Defense stat distribution
• Bulky support Pokémon that can utilize the defensive scaling
• Pokémon that can take advantage of the critical hit interaction

Competitive Usage Notes

• Defensive core: Excellent on defensive teams
• Special tank: Can completely wall special attackers
• Baton Pass: Boosts can be passed to teammates
• Rest synergy: Can stall indefinitely with proper support
• Critical interaction: Opponents may avoid critical hit items

Counters

• Physical attacks: Ability only affects Special Defense
• Stat reset moves: Haze, Clear Smog negate accumulated boosts
• Taunt: Prevents recovery moves and setup
• Substitute: Prevents ability from triggering
• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker bypasses the ability

Synergies

• Leftovers/Black Sludge: Passive recovery while accumulating boosts
• Rest: Full recovery while maintaining defensive boosts
• Calm Mind: Stacks with Special Defense boosts for offensive presence
• Stored Power: Damage scales with accumulated stat boosts
• Baton Pass: Transfer boosts to offensive teammates

Unique Aspects

• Progressive scaling: Becomes stronger with each hit taken
• Critical hit reversal: Turns opponent's luck against them
• Defensive snowball: Each hit makes subsequent hits weaker
• Multi-hit punishment: Makes multi-hit moves counterproductive
• Flexible timing: Works against any damaging move

Version History

• Custom Elite Redux ability (ID 519)
• Part of the expanded ability system
• Designed to create unique defensive strategies
• Encourages mixed offensive/defensive team building