Parroting - Ability ID 545

In-Game Description

"Copies sound moves used by others. Immune to sound."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Parroting grants immunity to all sound-based moves like Soundproof, while also copying sound moves used by opponents. When an enemy uses a sound move, the Pokémon immediately retaliates with the same move. Combines offensive mimicry with defensive sound immunity.

Character count: 294

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Parroting combines two distinct abilities:

1. Sound Immunity - Complete immunity to all sound-based moves
2. Sound Move Copying - Automatically copies and uses sound moves used by opponents

Activation Conditions

• Sound Immunity: Triggers when targeted by any move with the FLAG_SOUND flag
• Sound Move Copying: Triggers when any battler uses a sound move during battle

Implementation Details

constexpr Ability Parroting = {
    .onImmune = Soundproof.onImmune,
    .onCopyMove = +[](ON_COPY_MOVE) -> int {
        CHECK(IsSoundMove(attacker, move))
        return UseOutOfTurnAttack(battler, target, ability, move, 0);
    },
    .breakable = TRUE,
    .isSoundproof = TRUE,
};

Sound Move Detection

Sound moves are identified by the IsSoundMove function:

int IsSoundMove(int battler, MoveEnum move) {
    if (gBattleMoves[move].flags & FLAG_SOUND) return TRUE;
    if (gBattleMoves[move].type == TYPE_NORMAL && BattlerHasAbility(battler, ABILITY_REVERBATE, FALSE)) return TRUE;
    return FALSE;
}

Complete List of Affected Sound Moves

• Growl - Attack-lowering roar
• Roar - Forced switching move
• Sing - Sleep-inducing lullaby
• Supersonic - Confusion-causing sound
• Screech - Defense-lowering screech
• Perish Song - Fainting countdown
• Heal Bell - Status cure sound
• Uproar - Multi-turn rampage move
• Hyper Voice - High-power Normal attack
• Round - Doubled power if ally uses same move
• Echoed Voice - Power increases with repeated use
• Boomburst - Extremely powerful sound attack
• And many more moves with FLAG_SOUND

Timing and Execution

• Immediate Response: Copied moves are executed using UseOutOfTurnAttack, triggering immediately after the original move
• No Turn Consumption: The copied move doesn't use the Pokémon's turn
• Original Power: Copied moves maintain their original power and effects
• Same Target: The copied move targets the same Pokémon that used the original sound move

Restrictions and Limitations

• Status Conditions: Cannot copy moves if the Pokémon is asleep or frozen
• Dancer Prevention: Cannot trigger if the Pokémon already used a Dancer-type move this turn
• Breakable: This ability can be suppressed by moves like Gastro Acid or abilities like Neutralizing Gas
• Alive Requirement: Must be alive to copy moves (except for specific abilities like Victory Bomb)

Interactions with Other Abilities

• Soundproof Synergy: Shares the same immunity function as Soundproof
• Liquid Voice: Can copy Normal-type moves converted to Water-type by Liquid Voice
• Punk Rock: Can copy boosted sound moves from Punk Rock users
• Reverbate: Can copy Normal-type moves that become sound moves via Reverbate

Strategic Implications

• Defensive Wall: Immune to popular sound moves like Boomburst and Hyper Voice
• Offensive Counter: Turns enemy sound moves into immediate counterattacks
• Team Support: Can copy beneficial sound moves like Heal Bell for team support
• Versatile Coverage: Gains access to diverse move types through copying

Example Scenarios

1. Enemy uses Boomburst: Parroting Pokémon is immune and immediately retaliates with Boomburst
2. Ally uses Heal Bell: Parroting Pokémon copies Heal Bell, providing additional team healing
3. Multi-target Round: Can copy Round for potential power doubling effects

Common Users

Parroting is typically found on:

• Sound-based Pokémon that need immunity to their own type of moves
• Support Pokémon that can benefit from copying beneficial sound moves
• Defensive Pokémon that want to counter sound-based attackers

Competitive Usage Notes

• Sound Meta Counter: Excellent against teams relying on sound moves
• Unpredictable: Forces opponents to reconsider using sound moves
• Support Potential: Can copy beneficial sound moves for team advantage
• Niche Pick: Situational but powerful in sound-heavy metagames

Counters

• Non-sound Moves: Use physical or special moves without sound flags
• Gastro Acid: Suppresses the ability entirely
• Neutralizing Gas: Prevents ability activation
• Priority Moves: Fast moves that don't rely on sound

Synergies

• Soundproof Partners: Team with other sound-immune Pokémon
• Sound Move Users: Allies that can provide beneficial sound moves to copy
• Status Support: Pairs well with Pokémon that can heal or support

Version History

• Elite Redux: Custom ability combining Soundproof immunity with Dancer-like copying mechanics
• Unique Implementation: Uses the onCopyMove callback system for immediate retaliation