Malicious

Ability ID: 598 Type: Regular Ability

In-Game Description: "Lowers the foe's highest Attack and Defense stat."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (280-300 chars max)

On switch-in, lowers all opposing Pokémon's highest offensive stat (Attack or Special Attack) and highest defensive stat (Defense or Special Defense) by 1 stage each. More versatile than Intimidate, intelligently adapting to each opponent's current stat distribution including boosts.

Character count: 284

Detailed Mechanical Explanation (Discord/Reference)

The MALICIOUS ability triggers on entry (when the Pokémon switches into battle) using the UseIntimidateClone function system. It lowers two specific stats of all opposing Pokémon:

1. Highest Attacking Stat (either Attack or Special Attack, whichever is higher)
2. Highest Defending Stat (either Defense or Special Defense, whichever is higher)

The ability uses sophisticated stat calculation functions:

• For Offensive Stats: GetHighestAttackingStatId() compares only Attack vs Special Attack
• For Defensive Stats: GetHighestDefendingStatId() compares only Defense vs Special Defense
• Stat Boosts Included: The calculation includes current stat stage modifications due to the STAT_USE_STAT_BOOSTS_IN_CALC flag

Trigger Conditions

• On Entry: Activates when the Pokémon switches into battle
• Affects: All opposing Pokémon (both in double battles)
• No Immunity: Standard Intimidate immunities don't apply since this targets different stats

Numerical Effects

• Stat Reduction: 1 stage reduction for each targeted stat
• Number of Stats: Exactly 2 stats per opponent
• Target Selection: Dynamic based on opponent's current highest offensive and defensive stats

Interactions

• Stat Stage Modifications: Takes into account current buffs/debuffs when determining "highest" stats
• Double Battles: Affects both opposing Pokémon simultaneously
• Standard Intimidate: Can stack with regular Intimidate effects
• Clear Body/White Smoke: These abilities would prevent the stat reduction

Special Cases

• Example 1: Against a Pokémon with 120 Attack and 80 Special Attack, it would lower Attack (highest offensive stat)
• Example 2: Against a Pokémon with +2 Special Attack boost, the boosted Special Attack might become the "highest" and be targeted instead
• Tied Stats: Implementation uses consistent tie-breaking logic in the stat comparison functions

Notes

• More versatile than standard Intimidate by adapting to each opponent's stat distribution
• Provides powerful entry control by weakening opponents' strongest capabilities
• Strategic value increases against mixed attackers and defensive walls
• Cannot be suppressed by abilities that block Intimidate specifically