Would Rest be too much to add? It makes sense for you to be capable to rest inside your shell but idk if it would be pretty strong considering all Withdraw users are at least bulky on one side but it makes perfect sense for you to be capable to rest inside your shell while under it's effect, otherwise I think it's a nice niche
Rest was considered, but for balance reasons, I omitted it. Besides, given the cooldown action, a rest after Withdraw + Rest would last four actions, meaning not only a net +48 HP, but also a Rest that is
very hard to break, which is pretty OP for a 5 EN move. Yes, Sleep Talk & Snore both exist, but still...
I don't see why we'd worry about Harden + Withdraw when Iron Defense + Withdraw has a better effect?
Other than grammar, (comma) I like IAR's idea.
You cannot please everyone with your writing... -.-'
IAR's proposal seems well constructed (I'm not a grammar nazi, so I'm not gonna nitpick on that). It matches in-anime possibilities, and provides a unique niche, though I think it's a little too over in terms of its intended power levels. Halving damage for a minimum 2 actions while using it in a combo with Harden or Iron Defense, plus recoil effects from the aforementioned 2 moves, is quite a buff for a low-EN-cost combo-tech (see Ember and co.).
I think maybe we could retain EN cost at 5 instead of raising it to compensate, and remove either the "halved damage until you come out of the shell" part, or "combo-tech with Harden and Iron Defense" part.
As EM said:
Another option is to make damage 2/3 (or even 3/4) of normal.
Anyhow I revised Withdraw & came up with this:
[BOX]
Withdraw: The Pokemon withdraws into its shell, which glows a bright crimson, increasing its defense one (1) stage, and reducing all damage taken by a third (DMG ÷ 1.5) until this Pokemon uses a move other than Chill, Harden, Iron Defense, Rapid Spin, Withdraw, or a combination involving two of the aforementioned moves. If combined with either Harden or Iron Defense, the Defense Boost is not only increased by a further stage, but the recoil effect of Harden/Iron Defense is both doubled (×2) and also applied during the cooldown action. This move locks its changed stat for the round within which it was used. Withdraw cannot be used if this Pokemon is under the effects of Shell Smash.
Attack Power: -- | Accuracy: -- | Energy Cost: 5 | Attack Type: Other | Effect Chance: -- | Contact: N/A | Typing: Water | Priority: 0 | CT: Passive[/BOX]
I nerfed the Damage dealt to 2/3 of normal, & added the line: "Withdraw cannot be used if this Pokemon is under the effects of Shell Smash." This is because you have already smashed your shell, so how are you going to retreat into your shell if it is in a billion pieces?