Crowned Shield - Ability ID 528

In-Game Description

"Dauntless Shield + Stamina."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Crowned Shield combines Dauntless Shield and Stamina effects. Boosts Defense by one stage when switching in. When taking damage, raises Defense by one stage or maxes Defense if hit by a critical hit. Provides exceptional defensive presence through stacking Defense boosts.

Character count: 299

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Crowned Shield is an Elite Redux exclusive ability that combines two powerful defensive abilities: Dauntless Shield (entry effect) and Stamina (on-hit effect). This creates a Pokémon with exceptional defensive scaling potential.

Component Abilities

Dauntless Shield Component (onEntry)

• Effect: Raises Defense by 1 stage upon switching in
• Activation: Triggers immediately when the Pokémon enters battle
• Condition: Must be able to raise Defense stat (not at +6)

Stamina Component (onDefender)

• Effect: Raises Defense when taking damage from moves
• Normal hits: +1 Defense stage
• Critical hits: Maxes out Defense (+12 stages to reach +6)
• Condition: Must be able to raise Defense stat

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability CrownedShield = {
    .onEntry = DauntlessShield.onEntry,     // +1 Defense on switch-in
    .onDefender = Stamina.onDefender,       // +1 Defense on hit (+12 on crit)
};

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

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

Activation Sequence

1. Switch-in: Immediately gains +1 Defense from Dauntless Shield
2. Taking damage: Each hit grants +1 Defense (or maxes Defense on crit)
3. Stacking: Can accumulate Defense boosts rapidly through combat

Important Interactions

• Critical hits: Instantly maxes Defense at +6 stages
• Multi-hit moves: Each hit triggers Stamina component separately
• Stat cap: Cannot raise Defense beyond +6 (maxed out)
• Ability suppression: Both components disabled by Mold Breaker effects
• Entry effects: Only triggers once per switch-in
• Substitutes: Stamina doesn't trigger when substitute takes damage

AI Behavior

The AI correctly evaluates both components:

• Switch-in scoring: AI_SCORE_STAT(battlerAtk, STAT_DEF, 1)
• Damage scoring: AI_SCORE_STAT(battlerDef, STAT_DEF, 1) + AI_SCORE_ADJUST(moveState->critChance, AI_SCORE_STAT(battlerDef, STAT_DEF, 12))

Strategic Implications

• Defensive powerhouse: Can become incredibly bulky very quickly
• Crit vulnerability: Paradoxically benefits from being critically hit
• Pivot potential: Entry boost makes it excellent for switching
• Wallbreaker counter: Absorbs physical attacks to become stronger
• Longevity: Extended battles favor massive Defense accumulation

Exclusive User

• Zamazenta-Crowned Shield: The only Pokémon with this ability
• Legendary status: Befitting of a powerful legendary Pokémon
• Form-specific: Only available on the Crowned Shield form

Competitive Usage Notes

• Physical wall: Becomes nearly impregnable against physical attacks
• Setup counter: Punishes physical setup sweepers
• Momentum shift: Can turn defensive into offensive opportunities
• Crit fishing: Opponents may avoid high-crit moves against it
• Special vulnerability: Doesn't help against special attacks

Counters

• Special attacks: Completely bypasses Defense boosts
• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker, Neutralizing Gas, Core Enforcer
• Stat reset: Haze, Clear Smog, Spectral Thief
• Unaware: Ignores all stat boosts when calculating damage
• Psych Up/Heart Swap: Can steal the accumulated boosts
• Trick Room: May exploit the likely slow nature of the user

Synergies

• Body Press: Damage scales with Defense boosts
• Iron Defense: Further Defense stacking
• Rest: Longevity to take advantage of boosts
• Substitute: Protects accumulated boosts
• Leftovers/Rocky Helmet: Passive recovery and contact damage
• Assault Vest: Special bulk to complement physical bulk

Version History

• Elite Redux exclusive ability
• Combines two existing Gen 8 abilities (Dauntless Shield + Stamina)
• Represents the defensive counterpart to Crowned Sword
• Thematically appropriate for Zamazenta's legendary status

Design Philosophy

Crowned Shield exemplifies Elite Redux's approach to legendary abilities:

• Combines multiple effects for unique power
• Creates distinct playstyles and strategies
• Rewards defensive play while maintaining counterplay options
• Balances power with specialized application