Tablets Of Ruin - Ability ID 578

In-Game Description

"Lowers the Attack of other Pokemon by 25%."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Tablets of Ruin creates an ancient curse that weakens the physical strength of all opposing Pokemon on the field. This passive ability reduces the Attack stat of every other Pokemon by 25% as long as the Tablets bearer remains active. Multiple Ruin abilities do not stack together.

Character count: 281

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics:

• Passive field effect that applies to all Pokemon except the user
• Reduces Attack stat of affected Pokemon by 25% (multiplies by 0.75)
• Activates immediately when the Pokemon with Tablets of Ruin enters battle
• Remains active as long as the user is on the field

Activation Conditions:

• Always active when the Pokemon is on the battlefield
• Does not require any specific action or turn to activate
• Applies to both opposing Pokemon and ally Pokemon in double battles

Technical Implementation:

constexpr Ability TabletsOfRuin = {
    .onStat = +[](ON_STAT) { RuinEffect(STAT_ATK, battler, statId, stat, flags); },
    .onStatFor = APPLY_ON_OTHER,
    .ruinStat = STAT_ATK,
};

static void RuinEffect(int ruinStat, int battler, int statId, u32 *stat, NonStackingState *flags) {
    if (statId != ruinStat) return;
    if (*flags & NON_STACKING_RUIN) return;
    ON_ABILITY(battler, FALSE, gAbilities[ability].ruinStat == statId, return) *stat *= .75;
    *flags = static_cast<NonStackingState>(static_cast<int>(*flags) | static_cast<int>(NON_STACKING_RUIN));
}

Numerical Values:

• Attack reduction: Exactly 25% (0.75 multiplier)
• Applies to base Attack stat calculations during damage formulas
• Affects both physical moves and moves that use Attack for damage calculation

Interactions with Other Abilities/Mechanics:

• Non-Stacking Rule: Multiple Ruin abilities (Tablets of Ruin, Sword of Ruin, Vessel of Ruin, Beads of Ruin) do not stack their effects on the same stat
• Ability Suppression: Neutralized by abilities like Neutralizing Gas while active
• Stat Modifications: Applied before stat stage modifications (not affected by Attack boosts/drops)
• Mold Breaker Effects: Cannot be bypassed by Mold Breaker or similar abilities
• Switch Effects: Immediately applies when switched in, immediately stops when switched out

Strategic Implications:

• Primarily defensive utility, weakening opposing physical attackers
• Excellent for supporting physically frail teammates
• Creates immediate battlefield control upon entry
• Forces opponents to rely more on special attacks or status moves
• Particularly effective against physical setup sweepers

Example Damage Calculations:

Normal Attack calculation: Base Attack × Stage Multiplier × Other Modifiers
With Tablets of Ruin: (Base Attack × 0.75) × Stage Multiplier × Other Modifiers

Example: 
- Opposing Pokemon with 150 base Attack
- Without Tablets of Ruin: 150 Attack used in damage formula
- With Tablets of Ruin: 112.5 effective Attack used in damage formula

Common Users:

• Wo-Chien (National Dex #1001): Dark/Grass legendary Pokemon
• Primary signature ability of this Treasure of Ruin Pokemon
• Often paired with other innate abilities in Elite Redux's multi-ability system

Competitive Usage Notes:

• Best used on defensive or support-oriented Pokemon
• Synergizes well with teammates that can capitalize on weakened physical attackers
• Creates immediate value without requiring setup
• Particularly strong in formats with common physical threats
• Can shift team building toward special attackers

Counters:

• Special attackers are completely unaffected
• Abilities that boost Attack (like Huge Power) still apply after the reduction
• Pokemon with Neutralizing Gas can temporarily suppress the effect
• Priority moves and status moves bypass the Attack reduction entirely

Synergies:

• Intimidate: Stacks with Intimidate for even greater Attack reduction
• Physical walls: Enhances the survivability of defensive Pokemon
• Special attackers: Creates opportunities for special sweepers to shine
• Status moves: Encourages more strategic, non-damage focused gameplay

Version History:

• Introduced as part of the Treasures of Ruin mechanic from Generation 9
• Implemented in Elite Redux as part of the signature ability set for legendary Pokemon
• Functions identically to official Pokemon games with passive field effect mechanics