Tentalock (N) - Ability ID 818

In-Game Description

"Grappler + Serpent Bind."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Tentalock combines Grappler and Serpent Bind effects. Trapping moves last 6 turns and deal 1/6 max HP damage each turn. Additionally, when trapping opponents, there's a 50% chance to reduce their Speed by one stage each turn while trapped.

Character count: 289

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Tentalock (N) is a combination innate ability that merges the effects of two distinct trapping abilities:

Core Mechanics

Grappler Component:

• Extends the duration of trapping moves (Bind, Wrap, Clamp, etc.) to exactly 6 turns
• Increases trapping damage from the standard 1/8 max HP to 1/6 max HP per turn
• Stacks with Grip Claw item: 6 turns + 7 turns = 8 total turns when combined

Serpent Bind Component:

• Adds a 50% chance per turn to reduce the trapped opponent's Speed by one stage
• Speed reduction occurs during the end-of-turn phase while the target is trapped
• Speed drops are cumulative and can stack up to -6 stages over multiple turns

Technical Implementation

// From battle_script_commands.c - Grappler trapping duration
if (hasGrappler && hasGripClaw)
    gVolatileStructs[gEffectBattler].wrapTurns = 8;
else if (hasGrappler)
    gVolatileStructs[gEffectBattler].wrapTurns = 6;  // Tentalock uses this

// From battle_util.c - Enhanced trapping damage
if (BATTLER_HAS_ABILITY(gBattleStruct->wrappedBy[gActiveBattler], ABILITY_GRAPPLER))
    gBattleMoveDamage = gBattleMons[gActiveBattler].maxHP / 6;  // 1/6 instead of 1/8

Affected Moves

All trapping moves benefit from Tentalock:

• Bind
• Wrap
• Clamp
• Fire Spin
• Whirlpool
• Sand Tomb
• Magma Storm
• Infestation
• Thunder Cage
• Snap Trap

Damage Calculations

Standard Trapping: 1/8 max HP per turn (12.5%) With Tentalock: 1/6 max HP per turn (~16.67%) Duration: Guaranteed 6 turns (vs. 4-5 turns normally)

Example against 300 HP target:

• Standard: 37-38 damage × 4-5 turns = 148-190 total damage
• Tentalock: 50 damage × 6 turns = 300 total damage
• Plus potential Speed drops: -1 to -6 stages over 6 turns

Interactions and Synergies

Item Synergies:

• Grip Claw: Extends duration to 8 turns (6 + 7 = 8 maximum)
• Binding Band: Damage boost applies on top of Grappler's enhancement

Ability Interactions:

• Magic Guard: Protects targets from trapping damage but not Speed drops
• Clear Body/Full Metal Body: Prevents Speed stat reductions
• Shed Shell: Allows immediate escape, negating all effects

Move Synergies:

• Thunder Wave/Glare: Paralyze before trapping for double Speed reduction
• Sticky Web: Entry hazard + trapping creates severe Speed control
• Toxic Spikes: Poison damage stacks with trapping damage

Strategic Applications

Defensive Utility:

• Guaranteed 6-turn trap duration provides consistent damage output
• Speed reduction cripples fast sweepers and setup Pokemon
• Forces switches while dealing significant residual damage

Offensive Pressure:

• Enhanced damage (1/6 vs 1/8) makes trapping more threatening
• Speed drops enable slower teammates to outspeed trapped foes
• Creates setup opportunities for stat-boosting moves

Common Users

Tentagrewl (Water/Poison):

• Stats: 100/80/90/90/130/110
• Excellent defensive bulk with 100 HP and 130 Special Defense
• Access to Clamp, Bind, and Whirlpool for trapping options
• Water/Poison typing provides good defensive coverage
• High Speed (110) allows outspeeding before trapping

Competitive Usage

Tier: Specialized utility ability Usage Rate: Moderate in bulky offense and stall teams Effectiveness: High against setup sweepers and frail attackers

Strengths:

• Guaranteed extended trapping duration removes RNG
• Significant damage output over 6 turns
• Speed control disrupts opponent's game plan
• Combines well with entry hazards and status moves

Weaknesses:

• Relies on successfully landing trapping moves first
• Countered by Shed Shell and Ghost-types
• Setup time vulnerable to fast attackers
• Magic Guard reduces effectiveness significantly

Counters and Counterplay

Direct Counters:

• Shed Shell: Complete immunity to trapping effects
• Ghost-types: Can switch out freely (Gen 6+ mechanics)
• Magic Guard: Blocks trapping damage entirely
• Clear Body/Full Metal Body: Prevents Speed reductions

Indirect Counters:

• Taunt: Prevents setup moves while trapped
• U-turn/Volt Switch: Pivot moves can help trapped teammates
• Priority moves: Bypass Speed reductions when trapped
• Substitute: Blocks initial trapping attempt

Version History

• Elite Redux 1.0: Introduced as innate ability combination
• Current: Stable implementation with consistent 6-turn duration and 1/6 damage

Competitive Notes

Tentalock represents a significant upgrade over standard trapping abilities, making it valuable for teams that want to control the battlefield through sustained pressure and Speed manipulation. The guaranteed 6-turn duration eliminates the randomness typically associated with trapping moves, while the enhanced damage and Speed reduction create meaningful win conditions against setup-heavy teams.