Vessel Of Ruin - Ability ID 580

In-Game Description

"Lowers the Special 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)

Vessel of Ruin creates a passive aura that reduces all other Pokemon's Special Attack by 25%. This affects every Pokemon on the battlefield except the user, including allies in doubles. The reduction stacks with other stat modifications and persists while active.

Character count: 294

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Vessel of Ruin is a passive aura ability that applies a permanent 25% reduction to the Special Attack stat of all Pokemon on the battlefield except the user. The ability is part of the "Ruinous Pokemon" ability family, which includes:

• Tablets of Ruin: Reduces Attack by 25%
• Sword of Ruin: Reduces Defense by 25%
• Vessel of Ruin: Reduces Special Attack by 25%
• Beads of Ruin: Reduces Special Defense by 25%

Technical Implementation

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

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));
}

Activation Conditions

• Automatic: The ability is always active when the Pokemon is on the battlefield
• No setup required: No move usage or special conditions needed
• Immediate effect: Takes effect the moment the Pokemon enters battle

Numerical Values

• Special Attack Reduction: 25% (multiplies by 0.75)
• Affects: All other Pokemon on the field (enemies and allies)
• Does not affect: The user of the ability

Affected Moves

All moves that use the Special Attack stat for damage calculation are affected:

• Special attacking moves (Flamethrower, Psychic, Surf, etc.)
• Mixed damage calculation moves that use Special Attack
• Fixed damage moves are NOT affected (Seismic Toss, Night Shade, etc.)

Interactions with Other Abilities/Mechanics

• Stacking: Multiple Ruin abilities DO NOT stack - only one Ruin effect per stat applies
• Stat modifications: Works multiplicatively with other stat changes (boosts, items, etc.)
• Mold Breaker effects: Cannot be bypassed by Mold Breaker or similar abilities
• Neutralizing Gas: The effect is temporarily suppressed when Neutralizing Gas is active
• Magic Bounce/Guard: Cannot be reflected or blocked as it's a passive aura, not a targeted effect

Strategic Implications

• Defensive utility: Significantly reduces opponent's special attack power
• Doubles strategy: Must consider impact on ally Pokemon
• Team synergy: Works well with physically defensive Pokemon
• Permanent effect: Cannot be removed by moves like Haze or Clear Smog

Example Damage Calculations

Base Special Attack: 100
With Vessel of Ruin: 100 × 0.75 = 75 Special Attack

Example with Flamethrower (90 BP):
Normal damage: (100 SpA / opposing defense) × 90 BP = base damage
With Vessel of Ruin: (75 SpA / opposing defense) × 90 BP = 75% of base damage

Common Users

Based on the codebase analysis, Vessel of Ruin is primarily found on legendary/mythical Pokemon, particularly those themed around ancient ruins and destruction. In Elite Redux, it appears as an innate ability on certain legendary Pokemon.

Competitive Usage Notes

• Entry hazard synergy: Pairs well with entry hazards to create defensive pressure
• Stall teams: Excellent for defensive/stall team compositions
• Doubles considerations: Can hinder ally special attackers - plan team accordingly
• Speed control: Often paired with speed control moves to maximize defensive utility

Counters

• Physical attackers: Unaffected by the Special Attack reduction
• Status moves: Not affected by stat reductions
• Neutralizing Gas: Temporarily disables the ability
• Switching: Removing the Vessel of Ruin user stops the effect

Synergies

• Physical walls: Complements Pokemon with high physical defense
• Entry hazards: Stealth Rock, Spikes, Toxic Spikes for additional pressure
• Status moves: Thunder Wave, Will-O-Wisp to further cripple opponents
• Recovery moves: Roost, Recover to maintain longevity

Version History

Vessel of Ruin is one of the signature abilities of the Treasures of Ruin legendary Pokemon introduced in Generation IX. In Elite Redux, it maintains its core functionality while being integrated into the game's expanded ability system and multi-ability framework.