Aurora's Gale - Ability ID 872

In-Game Description

"Majestic Bird + Aurora Veil."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Aurora's Gale combines two powerful effects: boosts the Pokémon's Special Attack by 50% and automatically sets up Aurora Veil upon entry. Aurora Veil reduces incoming damage from all attacks by 50% in singles or 33% in doubles for 5 turns, providing both offensive power and defensive support.

Character count: 292

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Aurora's Gale is a compound ability that combines the effects of Majestic Bird and automatic Aurora Veil setup. This creates a unique offensive-defensive hybrid ability perfect for special attackers who need both power and survivability.

Component Effects

Majestic Bird Component

• Special Attack boost: Multiplies Special Attack by 1.5x (50% increase)
• Raw stat multiplication: Applied to the final calculated stat, not the base stat
• Permanent effect: Active as long as the ability isn't suppressed
• Stacks with other modifiers: Works with items, stat boosts, and other effects

Aurora Veil Component

• Automatic setup: Sets up Aurora Veil immediately upon switching in
• Damage reduction: Reduces damage from ALL attacks (physical and special)
  • 50% damage reduction in singles battles
  • 33% damage reduction in doubles battles
• Duration: Lasts 5 turns (8 turns with Light Clay)
• Team protection: Benefits all team members on the same side
• Bypass conditions: Cannot be bypassed by critical hits but can be bypassed by Infiltrator

Activation Conditions

• Entry trigger: Aurora Veil sets up automatically when the Pokémon enters battle
• Stat boost: Special Attack boost is permanent while ability is active
• No weather requirement: Unlike the move Aurora Veil, the ability doesn't require hail
• One-time setup: Aurora Veil only sets up once per entry, not repeatedly

Technical Implementation

// Aurora's Gale combines Majestic Bird + Aurora Veil setup
constexpr Ability AurorasGale = {
    .onStat = +[](ON_STAT) {
        // Majestic Bird component - 1.5x Special Attack
        if (statId == STAT_SPATK) *stat *= 1.5;
    },
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int {
        // Aurora Veil component - set up protective veil
        if (gSideStatuses[GetBattlerSide(battler)] & SIDE_STATUS_AURORA_VEIL)
            return 0; // Don't override existing Aurora Veil
        
        int side = GetBattlerSide(battler);
        gSideStatuses[side] |= SIDE_STATUS_AURORA_VEIL;
        gSideTimers[side].auroraVeilTimer = SCREEN_DURATION;
        // Trigger setup message
        return 1;
    }
};

Important Interactions

• Light Clay synergy: Extends Aurora Veil duration from 5 to 8 turns
• Screen stacking: Aurora Veil doesn't stack with Reflect or Light Screen
• Infiltrator bypass: Infiltrator abilities can bypass the Aurora Veil protection
• Mold Breaker effects: Ability suppression disables both components
• Critical hits: Don't bypass Aurora Veil protection (unlike Reflect/Light Screen individually)

Strategic Implications

• Immediate impact: Provides both offensive and defensive utility from turn 1
• Team support: Aurora Veil benefits the entire team side
• Special sweeper support: Perfect for special attackers who need setup time
• Entry hazard resistance: Aurora Veil helps mitigate entry hazard damage
• Momentum control: Forces opponents to make difficult switching decisions

Common Users

This is a signature ability, likely exclusive to specific Pokémon that embody both offensive prowess and protective instincts. Ideal for:

• Special attacking Pokémon with support tendencies
• Ice-type or Flying-type Pokémon with mystical themes
• Pokémon that serve as both sweepers and team supporters

Competitive Usage Notes

• Lead potential: Excellent for lead Pokémon that need immediate board control
• Late game sweeper: Special Attack boost enables powerful late-game sweeps
• Team composition: Works well in balanced teams needing both offense and defense
• Switch advantage: Creates favorable switching scenarios for teammates
• Priority protection: Aurora Veil helps survive priority moves

Counters

• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker, Neutralizing Gas disable both effects
• Infiltrator: Bypasses Aurora Veil component entirely
• Taunt: Prevents setup moves that might complement the ability
• Physical attackers: May still deal significant damage despite Aurora Veil
• Multi-hit moves: Can overwhelm despite damage reduction

Synergies

• Light Clay: Essential item for maximum Aurora Veil duration
• Special attacks: Maximizes the Special Attack boost component
• Setup moves: Aurora Veil provides safety for Calm Mind, Nasty Plot, etc.
• Team coordination: Works well with other screen setters and supporters
• Ice-type moves: Thematic synergy with Aurora Veil's icy protection

Version History

• Elite Redux exclusive ability
• Combines elements from Generation VII (Aurora Veil) with stat multiplication
• Part of the compound ability system in Elite Redux
• Designed for Pokémon that need both immediate offensive power and team support

Notes

• This ability represents the pinnacle of offensive-defensive hybrid design
• The lack of weather requirement makes it more reliable than the Aurora Veil move
• Both components activate simultaneously, making it extremely value-efficient
• May be exclusive to legendary or pseudo-legendary Pokémon due to its power level