Sand Bender - Ability ID 744

In-Game Description

"Sand Stream + Sand Force."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Sand Bender combines Sand Stream and Sand Force effects. Automatically summons an 8-turn sandstorm on entry, then boosts the Pokémon's highest attacking stat by 50% while in sandstorm weather. The user is immune to sandstorm damage. Perfect for offensive sand sweepers and setters.

Character count: 298

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Sand Bender is a powerful combination ability that merges the effects of two complementary sand-based abilities:

1. Sand Stream component: Automatically summons sandstorm weather upon entry
2. Sand Force component: Provides 1.5x boost to highest attacking stat during sandstorm
3. Sand immunity: User takes no damage from sandstorm weather

Activation Conditions

• Entry effect: Sandstorm is summoned immediately when the Pokémon switches in
• Stat boost: Active whenever sandstorm weather is present (regardless of source)
• Duration: Sandstorm lasts 8 turns in Elite Redux (extended from vanilla 5 turns)
• Stat selection: Boosts whichever attacking stat (Attack or Special Attack) is higher

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability SandBender = {
    .onEntry = SandStream.onEntry,      // Summons sandstorm on entry
    .onStat = SandForce.onStat,         // 1.5x boost to highest attacking stat
    .sandImmune = TRUE,                 // Immune to sandstorm damage
};

The ability directly inherits the Sand Stream entry effect and Sand Force stat boost, while adding sandstorm immunity.

Sand Stream Component Details

• Weather change: Sets weather to WEATHER_SANDSTORM
• Priority: Can override existing weather (except Primal weather)
• Duration: 8 turns in Elite Redux
• Announcement: Triggers "A sandstorm kicked up!" message
• Primal interaction: Blocked by Primal weather effects

Sand Force Component Details

• Stat boost: 1.5x multiplier to highest attacking stat
• Stat selection: Compares base Attack vs Special Attack stats
• Weather requirement: Any sandstorm weather (natural or ability-induced)
• Timing: Applied during stat calculation phase
• Stacking: Multiplicative with other stat modifiers

Weather Interactions

• Compatible weather: Only sandstorm weather activates Sand Force
• Weather override: Other weather abilities can replace the sandstorm
• Primal weather: Desolate Land/Primordial Sea block Sand Stream activation
• Cloud Nine/Air Lock: Suppresses both weather setting and stat boost
• Weather Rock: Heat Rock extends sandstorm to 13 turns when held

Strategic Implications

• Dual role: Functions as both weather setter and weather abuser
• Instant activation: No setup required - both effects work on switch-in
• Self-sufficient: Creates own optimal conditions
• Offensive focus: Emphasizes immediate damage output over utility
• Team synergy: Benefits sand team while providing sand support

Common Users

Sand Bender is typically found on:

• Ground-type offensive Pokémon
• Rock-type sweepers and wallbreakers
• Steel-type attackers immune to sandstorm
• Pokémon with high Attack or Special Attack stats
• Sand team cores that need both setting and sweeping capability

Competitive Applications

• Lead position: Excellent for setting weather from battle start
• Revenge killer: Switch in to set sand and immediately threaten
• Wallbreaker: 1.5x boost helps break through defensive cores
• Late-game cleaner: Sand boost enables end-game sweeps
• Pivot role: Can set sand then switch to dedicated sweeper

Synergies

• Sand Rush teammates: Speed boost complements Sand Bender's power
• Rock/Ground/Steel types: Team members immune to sand damage
• Smooth Rock: Extends sandstorm duration to 13 turns
• Life Orb/Choice items: Stacks with Sand Force boost for massive power
• Entry hazards: Sandstorm chip damage combos with hazard damage

Counters and Weaknesses

• Weather override: Drought/Drizzle/Snow Warning remove sandstorm
• Primal weather: Completely blocks Sand Stream activation
• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker/Neutralizing Gas disable both effects
• Cloud Nine/Air Lock: Negates weather-based stat boost
• Mixed attackers: Only boosts one attacking stat, not both
• Weather-immune targets: Some Pokémon resist sandstorm effects

Important Interactions

• Stat boost timing: Applied before damage calculation each turn
• Weather immunity: User never takes sandstorm damage
• Ability order: Sand Stream activates first, then Sand Force applies
• Switch mechanics: Both effects reset on switching out
• Form changes: Stat boost recalculates if stats change

Version History

• Elite Redux exclusive combination ability
• Combines two established Generation III-V abilities
• Benefits from Elite Redux's 8-turn weather duration
• Designed for offensive sand team archetypes
• Part of the expanded ability roster for competitive diversity

Comparison to Component Abilities

• vs Sand Stream: Adds immediate offensive pressure
• vs Sand Force: Adds weather setting reliability
• vs Sandstorm immunity: Provides both offense and protection
• Power level: Significantly stronger than either component alone
• Versatility: More self-sufficient than single-effect abilities