Commander - Ability ID 563

In-Game Description

"Hops inside an allied Dondozo. Boosts its ally but can't act."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Commander allows Tatsugiri to enter an allied Dondozo and become untargetable. When activated, the Dondozo receives +2 to all stats and Tatsugiri becomes semi-invulnerable. If Dondozo faints, Tatsugiri reappears and can act normally again.

Character count: 287

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Commander is a unique symbiotic ability that creates a powerful duo mechanic between Tatsugiri and Dondozo.

Core Mechanics

• Species Requirement: Only works when Tatsugiri (Commander user) is paired with Dondozo ally
• Activation: Automatically triggers on switch-in if both Pokemon are present and alive
• State System: Uses COMMANDER_ACTIVE/COMMANDER_NOT_ACTIVE states to track activation

Battle Effects

1. Tatsugiri Effects:

   • Becomes semi-invulnerable (STATUS3_SEMI_INVULNERABLE)
   • Cannot be targeted by moves (ACCURACY_ALWAYS_MISSES)
   • Made invisible on battlefield
   • Cannot act while inside Dondozo

2. Dondozo Effects:

   • Receives +2 boost to all stats (Attack, Defense, Sp.Atk, Sp.Def, Speed)
   • Gains STATUS4_COMMANDED status
   • Can act normally while carrying Tatsugiri

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability Commander = {
    .onBattlerFaints = +[](ON_BATTLER_FAINTS) -> int {
        CHECK(GetAbilityState(battler, ability))
        SetAbilityState(battler, ability, COMMANDER_NOT_ACTIVE);
        gStatuses3[battler] &= ~STATUS3_SEMI_INVULNERABLE;
        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_CommanderEnds);
        return TRUE;
    },
    .onAccuracy = +[](ON_ACCURACY) -> AccuracyPriority {
        CHECK(GetAbilityState(target, ability))
        return ACCURACY_ALWAYS_MISSES;
    },
    .onBattlerFaintsFor = APPLY_ON_ALLY,
    .onAccuracyFor = APPLY_ON_TARGET,
    .unsuppressable = TRUE,
    .randomizerBanned = TRUE,
};

Activation Conditions

• Tatsugiri must have Commander ability
• Ally must be Dondozo (base species check)
• Both Pokemon must be alive
• Triggers automatically on Tatsugiri switch-in

Deactivation

• When Dondozo (the ally) faints, Commander ends
• Tatsugiri becomes visible and targetable again
• Semi-invulnerable status is removed
• Tatsugiri can act normally again

Targeting Mechanics

• Moves that would target Commander-active Tatsugiri automatically redirect
• Multi-target moves skip the Commander-active Pokemon
• Ally-targeting moves cannot target Commander-active Tatsugiri

Competitive Applications

• Stat Boost Strategy: Free +2 to all stats makes Dondozo extremely threatening
• Protection: Tatsugiri becomes immune to all direct attacks
• Team Support: Allows Tatsugiri to provide utility without taking damage
• Risk/Reward: If Dondozo faints, Tatsugiri is exposed and may be revenge-killed

Strategic Usage

• Setup Potential: Use Commander activation to set up a powerful Dondozo sweep
• Pivot Play: Switch Tatsugiri in to activate Commander at key moments
• Team Composition: Build around protecting Dondozo while it's boosted
• Counterplay: Target Dondozo with status moves or strong attacks to force Commander to end

Important Notes

• Ability is unsuppressable (cannot be disabled by Gastro Acid, etc.)
• Banned from randomizer due to species-specific requirement
• Only works in Double Battles where both species can be on field simultaneously
• Tatsugiri forms (Curly, Stretchy, Droopy) all work with Commander