Deep Cuts - Ability ID 736

In-Game Description

"Slashing moves have a 50% chance to inflict bleeding."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Deep Cuts gives all slashing moves a 50% chance to inflict bleeding on hit. Bleeding causes 1/16 max HP damage each turn until healed. Only affects moves with the Keen Edge flag like Slash, Fury Cutter, and Razor Wind. Rock and Ghost types are immune to bleeding.

Character count: 295

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Deep Cuts is an offensive ability that adds a bleeding status effect to slashing moves. When the user lands a slashing attack, there's a 50% chance the target will begin bleeding.

Activation Conditions

• Move requirement: The move must have the FLAG_KEEN_EDGE_BOOST flag (slashing moves)
• Hit requirement: The move must successfully hit and deal damage
• Status requirement: Target must be able to receive bleeding status
• Probability: 50% chance per eligible move hit

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability DeepCuts = {
    .onAttacker = +[](ON_ATTACKER) -> int {
        CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(target))
        CHECK(CanBleed(target))
        CHECK(gBattleMoves[move].flags & FLAG_KEEN_EDGE_BOOST)
        CHECK(Random() % 2)

        return AbilityStatusEffect(MOVE_EFFECT_BLEED);
    },
};

Bleeding Status Effect

• Damage: 1/16 of max HP per turn (BLEED_DAMAGE(hp) = hp / 16)
• Duration: Until healed or switched out
• Timing: Damage occurs at end of turn
• Minimum damage: Always at least 1 HP if bleeding

Eligible Moves

Deep Cuts works with all moves that have the FLAG_KEEN_EDGE_BOOST flag, including:

• Slash: Basic slashing move
• Fury Cutter: Consecutive slashing attack
• Razor Wind: Two-turn slashing move
• Night Slash: Dark-type slashing move
• Psycho Cut: Psychic-type slashing move
• Air Slash: Flying-type slashing move
• Sacred Sword: Fighting-type blade move
• Leaf Blade: Grass-type cutting move
• And many others with the Keen Edge designation

Bleeding Immunity

Certain Pokémon types cannot be affected by bleeding:

• Rock types: Cannot bleed due to mineral composition
• Ghost types: Cannot bleed due to incorporeal nature
• Pokémon with status: Cannot receive bleeding if already statused
• Status immunity: Pokémon with abilities that prevent status

Important Interactions

• Status immunity: Doesn't work on Pokémon with status immunity abilities
• Magic Guard: Prevents bleeding damage but not the status itself
• Healing: Bleeding can be cured by items, moves, or switching out
• Stacking: Cannot stack with other major status conditions
• Multi-hit moves: Each hit has separate 50% chance to inflict bleeding

Strategic Applications

• Pressure damage: Forces opponents to heal or switch frequently
• Stallbreaking: Counters defensive strategies with gradual damage
• Finisher potential: Can secure KOs on weakened opponents
• Team support: Provides chip damage for team cleanup
• Status spreading: Forces opponents to use healing resources

Counters and Limitations

• Type immunity: Rock and Ghost types are completely immune
• Status immunity: Abilities like Limber, Water Veil prevent bleeding
• Healing items: Pecha Berry, Full Heal cure bleeding immediately
• Natural Cure: Ability removes bleeding when switching out
• Cleric support: Heal Bell and Aromatherapy cure bleeding
• Non-slashing moves: Ability only works with Keen Edge flagged moves

Synergies

• Keen Edge: Boosts damage of same moves that can cause bleeding
• Choice items: Locked slashing moves maximize bleeding chances
• Multi-hit moves: Increases bleeding application opportunities
• Pursuit: Can punish bleeding Pokémon trying to switch
• Entry hazards: Combines with Stealth Rock for maximum pressure

Competitive Usage

• Physical attackers: Best on Pokémon with strong slashing movesets
• Pressure builds: Excellent for wearing down bulky opponents
• Anti-stall: Counters defensive teams that rely on recovery
• Hit-and-run: Good for Pokémon that can switch after applying bleeding
• Revenge killing: Bleeding can finish off weakened sweepers

Team Building Considerations

• Move selection: Prioritize slashing moves in moveset
• Coverage: Ensure access to multiple slashing move types
• Speed tiers: Faster Pokémon apply bleeding more reliably
• Support: Pair with entry hazards and other chip damage
• Healing: Team should pressure opponents' healing resources

Version History

• Added in Elite Redux as part of expanded ability roster
• Unique status-inflicting ability for physical attackers
• Designed to provide alternative to standard status moves