World Serpent

Extended In-Game Description

Physical non-contact moves deal 20% more damage. Contact moves have a 50% chance to trap the target (Bind effect) for 4-5 turns, or 7 turns with Grip Claw. Trapped foes cannot miss with their moves against the user. Combines the binding coils of mythical serpents.

Mechanics

World Serpent is a combination ability that merges:

• Long Reach: Boosts physical non-contact moves by 20%
• Grip Pincer: Contact moves can trap targets with 50% chance

Long Reach Component

• Applies a 1.2x multiplier to physical moves that don't make contact
• Works with moves like Rock Throw, Earthquake, etc.
• Does not affect special moves or contact moves

Grip Pincer Component

• Only triggers on moves that make contact
• 50% chance to inflict Wrapped status (STATUS2_WRAPPED)
• Trap duration: 4-5 turns normally, 7 turns if holding Grip Claw
• Trapped targets cannot miss when attacking the trapper
• Cannot trap targets already wrapped/bound

Implementation Details

From src/abilities.cc:

constexpr Ability WorldSerpent = {
    .onAttacker = GripPincer.onAttacker,
    .onOffensiveMultiplier = LongReach.onOffensiveMultiplier,
    .onAccuracy = GripPincer.onAccuracy,
};

The ability inherits:

• Attack handler from Grip Pincer (for trapping effect)
• Offensive multiplier from Long Reach (for damage boost)
• Accuracy handler from Grip Pincer (for guaranteed hits on trapped foes)

Strategic Notes

This ability creates an interesting dual strategy:

1. Use physical non-contact moves for consistent 20% damage boost
2. Use contact moves when you want to trap opponents

The combination encourages tactical move selection based on the situation - trap when beneficial, or maintain distance for damage boost.