Roused Fangs - Ability ID 708

In-Game Description

"Biting moves use SpAtk and deal 30% more damage."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Roused Fangs makes biting moves use Special Attack instead of Attack and boosts their damage by 30%. Works with Bite, Crunch, Fire Fang, Ice Fang, Thunder Fang, Poison Fang, and similar moves. Transforms physical biters into special attackers with enhanced power.

Character count: 294

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Roused Fangs is a unique offensive ability that fundamentally changes how biting moves function for the Pokémon. It serves dual purposes: converting the attacking stat used and providing a damage boost.

Ability Effects

1. Stat Conversion: All biting moves use Special Attack instead of Attack for damage calculation
2. Damage Boost: All biting moves deal 30% more damage (1.3x multiplier)
3. Move Classification: Affects all moves with the FLAG_STRONG_JAW_BOOST flag

Affected Moves

Biting moves that benefit from Roused Fangs include:

• Bite: Dark-type physical move becomes special
• Crunch: Dark-type physical move becomes special
• Fire Fang: Fire-type physical move becomes special
• Ice Fang: Ice-type physical move becomes special
• Thunder Fang: Electric-type physical move becomes special
• Poison Fang: Poison-type physical move becomes special
• Psychic Fangs: Psychic-type physical move becomes special
• Hyper Fang: Normal-type physical move becomes special
• And other moves with the Strong Jaw boost flag

Technical Implementation

// Roused Fangs combines two effects:
constexpr Ability RousedFangs = {
    .onOffensiveMultiplier = StrongJaw.onOffensiveMultiplier,  // 1.3x damage
    .onChooseOffensiveStat = MindCrush.onChooseOffensiveStat,  // Use SpAtk
};

// StrongJaw multiplier
if (gBattleMoves[move].flags & FLAG_STRONG_JAW_BOOST) MUL(1.3);

// MindCrush stat conversion  
if (gBattleMoves[move].flags & FLAG_STRONG_JAW_BOOST) *atkStatToUse = STAT_SPATK;

Strategic Implications

• Build Flexibility: Allows physical Pokémon to run special attacking sets
• STAB Synergy: Dark-types gain special STAB options with Bite/Crunch
• Coverage Enhancement: Elemental fangs become special coverage moves
• Stat Optimization: Invest in Special Attack instead of Attack
• Item Synergy: Benefits from special attack boosting items and abilities

Competitive Advantages

• Unexpected Damage: Physical walls may not expect special attacks
• Dual Threat Potential: Can run mixed sets with both physical and special moves
• Enhanced Coverage: Elemental fangs provide special type coverage
• Intimidate Immunity: Special attacks aren't affected by Intimidate
• Burns Don't Matter: Special attacks unaffected by burn status

Important Interactions

• Contact vs Non-Contact: Move contact classification remains unchanged
• Critical Hits: Still calculated normally with 30% damage boost
• Weather Effects: Special Attack can be boosted by Modest nature, etc.
• Abilities Stack: Works with other damage-boosting abilities
• Priority Unchanged: Move priority remains the same

Team Building Considerations

• Special Attack EVs: Max Special Attack instead of Attack
• Nature Selection: Modest/Quiet nature for Special Attack boost
• Item Choices:
  • Choice Specs for massive special power
  • Life Orb for flexible special boost
  • Assault Vest for special bulk while maintaining offense
• Move Coverage: Combine elemental fangs for broad special coverage

Pokémon Synergy

Ideal for Pokémon that:

• Have access to multiple biting moves
• Possess decent Special Attack stats
• Want to surprise physical walls
• Need special coverage options
• Can benefit from mixed attacking sets

Counters and Checks

• Special Walls: High Special Defense Pokémon resist the boosted damage
• Ability Suppression: Mold Breaker, Neutralizing Gas disable the ability
• Status Effects: Sleep, paralysis still affect the user normally
• Type Resistances: Resistant types still take reduced damage despite the boost
• Priority Moves: Faster Pokémon can still outspeed and KO

Synergies

• Choice Specs: Massive power boost to special attacks
• Nasty Plot/Calm Mind: Special Attack boosts enhance damage further
• Drought/Sun: Boosts Fire Fang damage in sun
• Rain: No direct synergy but doesn't hurt special attacks
• Terrain Effects: Psychic Terrain boosts Psychic Fangs further

Version History

• Introduced in Elite Redux as ability ID 708
• Originally named "Megabite" in protobuf but properly called "Roused Fangs"
• Part of the expanded ability system with unique stat conversion mechanics
• Combines Strong Jaw's damage boost with Mind Crush's stat conversion

Usage Tips

1. EV Spread: Invest in Special Attack, not Attack
2. Move Selection: Prioritize biting moves for maximum benefit
3. Surprise Factor: Use against teams expecting physical attacks
4. Coverage Options: Elemental fangs provide excellent special type coverage
5. Item Synergy: Special Attack boosting items maximize potential

Notable Users

Pokémon that commonly have Roused Fangs as an ability option in Elite Redux, typically those with:

• Natural access to multiple biting moves
• Decent Special Attack base stats
• Mixed offensive potential
• Dark typing for STAB synergy with Bite/Crunch