Crowned Sword - Ability ID 527

In-Game Description

"Intrepid Sword + Anger Point."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Crowned Sword combines Intrepid Sword and Anger Point effects. Raises Attack by 1 stage upon switching in. When hit by any attack, raises Attack by 1 stage, or maximizes Attack if hit by a critical hit. Transforms defensive play into offensive pressure.

Character count: 293

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Crowned Sword is a hybrid ability that combines two distinct attack-boosting effects: an entry boost (Intrepid Sword) and a reactive boost system (Anger Point). This creates a powerful offensive ability that gains momentum both proactively and reactively.

Component Abilities

Intrepid Sword Component

• Entry effect: Automatically raises Attack by 1 stage when switching in
• Timing: Activates immediately upon entering battle
• Conditions: No special conditions required
• Message: Displays standard stat raise message

Anger Point Component

• Trigger: Activates when the Pokémon takes damage from any attack
• Normal hits: Raises Attack by 1 stage
• Critical hits: Maximizes Attack stat (+12 stages, equivalent to +6 effective stages)
• Timing: Activates after damage calculation but before end of turn

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability CrownedSword = {
    .onEntry = IntrepidSword.onEntry,     // +1 Attack on switch-in
    .onDefender = AngerPoint.onDefender,  // +1 Attack when hit, +12 on crit
};

// IntrepidSword component
.onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int {
    CHECK(CanRaiseStat(battler, STAT_ATK))
    SetStatChanger(STAT_ATK, 1);
    BattleScriptPushCursorAndCallback(BattleScript_BattlerAbilityStatRaiseOnSwitchIn);
    return TRUE;
}

// AngerPoint component  
.onDefender = +[](ON_DEFENDER) -> int {
    CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(battler))
    CHECK(CanRaiseStat(battler, STAT_ATK))
    
    if (gIsCriticalHit) {
        SetStatChanger(STAT_ATK, 12);  // Max out Attack
        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_TargetsStatWasMaxedOut);
    } else {
        SetStatChanger(STAT_ATK, 1);   // +1 stage
        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_TargetAbilityStatRaiseOnMoveEnd);
    }
    return TRUE;
}

Activation Conditions

• Entry boost: Triggers automatically on switch-in, switch-out doesn't require damage
• Hit response: Requires taking damage from an opponent's attack
• Stat check: Must be able to raise Attack stat (not at +6 for normal hits)
• Critical hit exception: Can exceed +6 Attack limit when hit by critical hits

Important Interactions

• Substitute: Anger Point component doesn't activate if protected by Substitute
• Focus Sash/Sturdy: Still triggers even if damage is reduced to 1 HP
• Multi-hit moves: Each hit can potentially trigger the Anger Point effect
• Ability suppression: Neither component works if ability is suppressed
• Stat resets: Entry boost reapplies if switched out and back in

Strategic Implications

• Immediate pressure: Enters with +1 Attack, threatening from turn 1
• Snowball potential: Each hit makes the Pokémon more dangerous
• Critical hit punishment: Opponents risk giving massive Attack boosts
• Switch advantage: Gain momentum on every switch-in
• Defensive pivot: Can absorb hits while gaining offensive power

Current Users

• Zacian-Crowned-Sword: The signature Pokémon with this ability
  • Base 170 Attack becomes 255 (effectively 340) with +1
  • Paired with innate abilities: Steelworker, Battle Armor, Keen Edge
  • Fairy/Steel typing with excellent coverage

Competitive Usage Notes

• Entry hazard synergy: Can switch in multiple times for repeated boosts
• Intimidate counter: Neutralizes some Intimidate disadvantage
• Risk/reward: Taking hits becomes beneficial rather than purely negative
• Critical hit fishing: Opponents may avoid high-crit moves against this ability
• Revenge killing: Dangerous to attempt due to Attack boost on contact

Counters

• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker, Neutralizing Gas, Gastro Acid
• Stat reset: Haze, Clear Smog, switching out
• Substitute: Blocks the Anger Point component (but not entry boost)
• Non-damaging moves: Status moves don't trigger the reactive boost
• Special attacks: Can avoid giving Attack boosts while dealing damage
• Priority moves: Can potentially KO before boosts become threatening

Synergies

• Battle Armor/Shell Armor: Prevents critical hits that would max Attack
• Keen Edge: Increased critical hit ratio pairs with potential max Attack
• Choice items: Immediate power boost makes Choice Band/Scarf more effective
• Steelworker: Zacian's innate ability boosts Steel-type moves further
• Speed control: Paralysis, Trick Room can help utilize Attack boosts

Comparison to Component Abilities

• vs Intrepid Sword: Adds reactive boosting to the entry boost
• vs Anger Point: Adds guaranteed entry boost to the reactive system
• Combined effect: Creates consistent offensive pressure regardless of opponent's strategy
• Unique advantage: Only ability that guarantees Attack boost on entry AND reactive boosts

Version History

• Elite Redux exclusive ability
• Signature ability of Zacian-Crowned-Sword form
• Represents the fusion of defensive adaptation (Anger Point) with offensive presence (Intrepid Sword)
• Part of the legendary signature ability design philosophy in Elite Redux