Move-of-the-Week Discussion #17: Torment

winstein

winstein

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In Pokémon, there are lots of different moves used by different Pokémon. However, there are certain moves we don't normally see being used, heard about, or used in a meaningful manner. On the other hand, there are moves we see that are famous or used often. In this type of discussion, we shall discuss the ins-and-outs of the move of the topic, and there will be some base questions that would help you start this off. Every Saturday, a different move will be the centre of discussion.


(Click picture to go to the Bulbapedia page)​

In-game Description (Move) said:
Type: Dark (Status)
Accuracy: --
PP: 15

The user torments and enrages the target, making it incapable of using the same move twice in a row.
Click to expand...

In Generation 3, Torment was introduced, and is one of the game's TMs even until now. This move, as the description suggests, prevents the target from using the same move twice in a row. However, the effect only works on the next turn after this move is used, so it won't prevent the target from executing the move if they used it the second time on the turn they are afflicted with this effect. If they cannot use any other move due to other restrictions such as being Choice-locked and only having one attack while being Taunted, then they will be forced to Struggle. It is sort of a counterpart to Taunt (which will be covered in the near future), as both moves deal with move prevention while also having the effect of enraging the target.

Here are the usual possible questions about this move:
  • How do certain Pokémon (who knows it) use this move?
  • What kind of purpose would this move have for them (in the Pokémon World)?
  • How could this move be used to aid a profession in the Pokémon World?
  • Realistically, would there be any advantage or disadvantage associated with using this move? If yes, what kind of advantage/disadvantage would the user have when they use it?
  • Could this move realistically be used by any Pokémon who doesn't learn it normally? If yes, please explain your choices.
  • How would this move be used in battling, realistically or video game-wise?

Other questions (You could ask other critical questions beyond the listed):
  • What characteristics do the current learners have to be about to Torment someone or something?
  • Unlike Taunt, Torment's effect lasts until the target switches out (even if it's Baton Passed). Why is it that, unlike Taunt, Torment's effect lasts longer?

Here are the current users of this move (Put in Spoiler tag since a lot of learners are listed):
  • Ekans & Arbok
  • Nidoqueen & Nidoking
  • Zubat, Golbat & Crobat
  • Meowth & Persian
  • Abra, Kadabra & Alakazam
  • Dodrio
  • Grimer & Muk
  • Cloyster
  • Gastly, Haunter & Gengar
  • Onix & Steelix
  • Drowzee & Hypno
  • Voltorb & Electrode
  • Koffing & Weezing
  • Mime Jr. & Mr. Mime
  • Jynx
  • Gyarados
  • Aerodactyl
  • Mewtwo
  • Mew
  • Sudowoodo
  • Umbreon
  • Murkrow & Honchkrow
  • Misdreavus & Mismagius
  • Gligar & Gliscor
  • Snubbull & Granbull
  • Sneasel & Weavile
  • Teddiursa & Ursaring
  • Skarmory
  • Houndour & Houndoom
  • Larvitar, Pupitar & Tyranitar
  • Poochyena & Mightyena
  • Nuzleaf & Shiftry
  • Ralts, Kirlia, Gardevoir & Gallade
  • Loudred & Exploud
  • Nosepass & Probopass
  • Sableye & Mawile
  • Carvanha & Sharpedo
  • Spoink & Grumpig
  • Shuppet & Banette
  • Duskull, Dusclops & Dusknoir
  • Chingling & Chimecho
  • Absol
  • Glalie & Froslass
  • Deoxys
  • Chimchar, Monferno & Infernape
  • Shieldon & Bastiodon
  • Floatzel
  • Glameow & Purugly
  • Chatot
  • Spiritomb
  • Skorupi & Drapion
  • Croagunk & Toxicroak
  • Electivire
  • Magmortar
  • Azelf
  • Heatran
  • Darkrai
  • Snivy, Servine & Serperior
  • Purrloin & Liepard
  • Pansage & Simisage
  • Pansear & Simisear
  • Panpour & Simipour
  • Munna & Musharna
  • Woobat & Swoobat
  • Audino
  • Sandile, Krokorok & Krookodile
  • Darumaka & Darmanitan
  • Scraggy & Scrafty
  • Archen & Archeops
  • Zorua & Zoroark
  • Gothita, Gothorita & Gothitelle
  • Druddigon
  • Pawniard & Bisharp
  • Vullaby & Mandibuzz
  • Deino, Zweilous & Hydreigon
  • Tornadus & Thundurus

Thanks for reading, and happy discussing!

~ The Pokémon World Forum Staff


Previous Move-of-the-Weeks:
 
Since it's the move Torment, I could imagine some sort of insult from the Pokémon that used it. It's a Dark-type move after all, and it would make sense given the name - perhaps something like "Using that one move won't get you anywhere!", making them enraged to try out their other moves.

Advantages...well, there are a few possible ones, like shutting down Choice users and perhaps even shutting down players reliant on the one move for their sets while taking down the one Pokémon.
As for how it works in the games...because it starts working only on the turn after it was used, I'm thinking it's to do with the fact that the technicality is that it can only be a different move once Torment is actually in effect, not considering the moves used before it. Otherwise it'd be pretty useful, IMO, if it cancelled the current move (which can't happen if the move was only used once anyway!) which would enable Tormenters to shut down a Pokémon that was about to attack you but all of a sudden has to stop because it was subjected to Torment, and they're forced to use another move (which might not be effective) unless they switch out.
 
Some bad effects would result in the opponent being forced to use different moves - and if one has Last Resort... then you're pwned.

I really hated torment because it forced me to use moves that I was saving PP for battling more stronger pokemons. Say, like, I had Ice Beam and Blizzard and two non-attacking moves. I'd be forced to use both even in situations where only an Ice Beam would suffice
 
"Look at you, just using one move. Is that all you matter for your trainer? Probably it is. I mean, seriously, you've just turned into a tool at this point! Ooooh boy, what is that I see? A Choice Scarf? Ahahaha, he really just wants you to get your job done quickly, right? You'll probably be useless for not KOing me. Wait, what do you mean a Status move? Oh god this is too good, not only does he just want you to just do your job quicky, he doesn't even rely on you, you only exist for his favorite to go after you do a little job. Really, what was the last time you got to KO something, on a Gym battle? You're like a Magikarp with Splash and Tackle."
Something like that.

Anyways, yeah, it REALLY should cancel the current move. Then it would be extremely useful. On the other hand, Torment never actually prevents from using a move: being locked gives Struggle, not the Pokémon not moving.
 
A Choice'd Pokemon being Tormented must really be a torment. D8; I can imagine the mind rape going on: the Choice Item forcing them to use just one move, and the Torment says you MUST change moves. It always made me shiver a little, and it's worse if by some unlucky random factor you got Mean Looked or Magnet Pulled. D8;
 
If Torment did prevent the move being executed on the turn it is used, I imagine its use would be almost a widespread as Taunt's. Alas it doesn't, and so getting good use out of Torment is tricky unless the Pokemon using it has a good spread of resistances and/or immunities.

I've thought about the difference between Taunt and Torment, and I think with Taunt the Pokemon is all like "What are you waiting for you wimp, come and get me!" Whereas Torment would be more like "Seriously? That's the best you could do!?", which would manipulate the opponent into trying something different. It could take some degree of bluffing on the Tormentors part, since it works even on a very effective hit. But those Dark types are a tricky bunch xD
 
One interesting way to get the most out of Torment's effect is to utilise Encore, which forces the target to use the same move, but since they can't do that, they are forced to Struggle every other turn. Liepard is the most reliable user, since it learns both moves. Only problem is its frailty. Also, I had talked about this move in my blog, so I will re-post it here:

By enraging the target, the afflicted will not be able to use the same move twice in a row. The Japanese name for this move is “Falsely Accuse”, which would also enrage the target because it’s another way of tormenting. Perhaps this move is a self-defence move that prevents the user from being totally helpless from a certain attack or status move an enemy might use.

Once this move hits, the effect stays until the afflicted switches out. It’s a surprisingly effective move if given to the right Pokémon, because a Pokémon that relies on a specific attack to hit the user hard will find it harder to get to them. Also, when used on a Pokémon under the effect of Encore or a Choice item, they will Struggle if they are supposed to use the same attack they can’t use. While this move is effective at neutering certain Pokémon, the drawback of switching would make it harder to take advantage of. Still, the ability to hit a switch-in with this move still makes it useful to inflict another Pokémon with it.

One of the most notable users of this move is Skarmory, who can use it to great effect on a hard-hitter like Electivire, and while the opponent is forced to use another attack, you can use Roost to heal the damage real quick. Liepard is another notable user if coupled with Prankster, because it is the only Prankster Pokémon with both Encore and Torment. Should the opponent stay in, they will find themselves not being able to hit Liepard effectively, because it might create a Substitute if the opponent can attack freely. Fast users who are bulky (and can heal) are quite decent users. I could say Serperior, but as of now, it didn’t have Synthesis (there is an event Snivy with this move along with Aromatherapy, but it has a Hardy nature). It might work with Leech Seed, though.

Overall, Torment is a useful move that isn’t really useful due to the environment that favours switching, but if used on an opponent that doesn’t like to be inflicted by it, the advantage is yours.
Click to expand...

FairyRed said:
A Choice'd Pokemon being Tormented must really be a torment. D8; I can imagine the mind rape going on: the Choice Item forcing them to use just one move, and the Torment says you MUST change moves. It always made me shiver a little, and it's worse if by some unlucky random factor you got Mean Looked or Magnet Pulled. D8;
Click to expand...

Choice items are called the Determination items in Japanese. That would mean that the determination of this Pokemon is challenged.

Thanks for reading.
 
Unlike Taunt, Torment's effect lasts until the target switches out (even if it's Baton Passed). Why is it that, unlike Taunt, Torment's effect lasts longer?

I think Torment is a little "evil" than Taunt, or its something I can't explain clearly.
 
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Please take the age of this thread into consideration in writing your reply. Depending on what exactly you wanted to say, you may want to consider if it would be better to post a new thread instead.
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