Ill Will - Ability ID 570

In-Game Description

"Deletes the PP of the move that faints this Pokemon."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Ill Will completely drains the PP of contact moves that defeat this Pokémon. When fainting to direct physical contact, the attacking move loses all remaining PP permanently. This vengeful ability punishes physical attackers for delivering the final blow.

Character count: 295

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

• Activation Trigger: Only when the Pokémon with Ill Will is knocked out (HP reaches 0)
• Move Requirement: The finishing move must make contact with the defender
• PP Effect: Sets the attacking move's PP to 0 (complete deletion, not reduction)
• Timing: Activates immediately after the Pokémon faints from the contact move

Activation Conditions

// From abilities.cc - IllWill implementation
CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(attacker))     // Standard hit effect check
CHECK(move != MOVE_STRUGGLE)                // Struggle is exempt
CHECK(IsMoveMakingContact(move, attacker))  // Must be a contact move
CHECK(gBattleMons[attacker].pp[gChosenMovePos])  // Move must have PP remaining
CHECK_NOT(IsBattlerAlive(battler))          // Defender must be defeated

Technical Implementation

• PP Deletion: gBattleMons[attacker].pp[gChosenMovePos] = 0;
• Battle Message: "{ATTACKER}'s {MOVE} lost all of its PP to Ill Will!"
• Data Update: Automatically syncs PP change to the battle data
• No Bypass: Cannot be prevented by Sheer Force, Magic Guard, or similar abilities

Comparison with Similar Abilities

Ability	PP Effect	Trigger	Contact Required
Ill Will	Deletes all PP	When fainting	Yes
Spiteful	Reduces 2-5 PP	When hit	Yes
Cursed Body	Disables move	When hit (30% chance)	Yes

Moves That Bypass Ill Will

• Struggle: Explicitly exempt from PP deletion
• Non-contact moves: Projectiles, special attacks, etc.
• Indirect damage: Poison, burn, entry hazards, weather

Strategic Implications

• Revenge Ability: Punishes physical attackers for delivering the killing blow
• PP Stalling: Forces opponents to use non-contact moves for the finish
• Resource Management: Creates significant pressure on limited-PP moves
• Sweeper Counter: Particularly effective against physical setup sweepers

Common Users

Based on the species data, Ill Will appears on various Pokémon including:

• Ghost-types (thematically appropriate for vengeful spirits)
• Dark-types (fits the malicious nature)
• Pokémon with low defenses but high offensive potential

Competitive Usage Notes

• Suicide Leads: Particularly effective on Pokémon designed to trade favorably
• Revenge Killer Deterrent: Makes opponents think twice about using contact moves
• Team Support: Protects teammates by punishing physical attackers
• Anti-Meta: Counters physical-heavy metagames

Counters

• Special Attackers: Completely avoid the ability's effect
• Non-contact Physical Moves: Earthquake, Rock Slide, etc.
• Indirect Damage: Poison, burn, entry hazards
• Priority Users: Can finish with non-contact priority moves

Synergies

• Rocky Helmet: Stacks contact punishment with PP deletion
• Iron Barbs/Rough Skin: Additional contact damage before PP deletion
• Destiny Bond: Ensures mutual KO while still triggering PP deletion
• Focus Sash/Sturdy: Provides setup for revenge scenarios

Version History

• Elite Redux: Introduced as a unique revenge ability
• Implementation: Uses the onDefender hook to trigger on fainting
• Battle Integration: Fully integrated with battle message system