Topic: Unsuspected, "unviable" Niche Pokémon of the Day

[Delicious_Scout]

As strange as it sounds, I agree with you both up to some extent: Pikachu will die because of anything and it is usually outclassed, but the proper use of Encore/Substitute/Nasty Plot and its relatively high Speed are factors to take into account. Raichu is more Speed for much less power, and I even think that Pikachu is overall better than Raichu. Talking about people who should be taken into account…

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Today, we will be discussing a user who is so radical her age is 400^1/2 (bad joke). Salute our favourite waifu baker… Inferna/Courtney!

Edited by her.

As stated here, she is pretty. Rad. And if I stop writing like I tried to date her, I can continue with this article; living in Scotland, her Ice/Fire typing is justified, but, ironically, being above 14ºC, her skin starts melting with the environment, causing a strange film in her body able to make oneself wonder whether that is sweat or not. Well, at least her stats are not as volatile:

Inferna

HP: 90 | Attack: 130 | Defence: 98 | Special Attack: 160 | Special Defence: 90 | Speed: 112

Settin' the sets ♪♫



How do I Pokémon?

Inferna @ Weakness Policy
Naïve Nature (+WTF are they doing!, -Specialised Knowledge)
EV: 4 Att/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Wonder Guard

Fire Blast
Ice Beam
Protect
Metronome

Let's be honest: Courtney has not played Pokémon for a long time; all she knows is that Ice Beam and Fire Blast are very good moves to spam, especially given her Typing, which grants STAB to both moves. But, sometimes, a bad burnt doge called "Heatran" might appear. Protect ensures that she can survive a turn more, trying to figure out what is going on. But, after all this struggle, Courtney will eventually have to resort to her last move: Metronome, causing infinite amounts of "lol", "fail", and "win". If the opponent has not forfeited or died of laughter, keep spamming your moves non-sensically.

Due to her low experience in combat, Naïve nature is non-negotiable, and her EV ensure to marignally outspeed most of the metagame while letting her hit hard. The extra 4 EV are in Attack in case she gets lucky and spams V-Create. Weakness Policy complements her ability and experience very well, causing headaches and, probably, suicides against exaggerateldy stressed opponents.



Radical Corat

Inferna @ Expert Belt
Sassy Nature (+Banter, -C*nt Knee)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 SpA
Ability: Friend Guard

Wide Guard
Pursuit
Inferno
Celebrate

Why did the Corat cross the Nintenroad? To get her gamecode back. Yes, she, after happily returning to home during a day full of work, found out that a parcel for her lacked something very important: a valid code for her Zelda game. Unacceptable. So he mailed Ross, but Ross was not there; instead, more guys appeared, and none of them actually cared about her obviously first-priority problem. But she can not let her IRC partners strave! Quick! Use Wide Guard! With Friend Guard as your ability of choice, nothing should be wrong! Now they are safe! Continue!

After some weeks, no real progress has been made; it is time to get serious: with Pursuit, you will chase both Nintendo and Amazon until you get the game; if that does not work, use Inferno until they stop sticking/to stick to their arms, eventually letting you play as Lonk, from Pennsylvania. Because of this big effort and even greater reward, Celebrate is used to ensure this achievement is always in mind of everyone.

A Sassy nature is obligatory to let her abuse of Delicious_Scout Nintendo and Amazon, while also providing good banter, anecdota, and lulz. The Speed drop is irrelevant, as you can see in her story and time to respond in chat. And, of course, the EV maximise both offences to punish them for heavy damage. Do notice that Inferno has 50% chance of failing, thus explaining why she did not get her code within few days.



In reality, logos are bread

Inferna @ Leftovers
Rash Nature (+WTF am I doing!, -Sense)
EV: 4 Att/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: No Guard

Sleep Talk
Rock Blast
Sketch
Rest

Madness, chaos, bakeries, publicity. These four words are the main pillars of Courtney's life. What happened last night? Did I drink too much? How come when I eat I feel pain in my elbow? These are the questions one might wonder while using Sleep Talk, because it is hard to tell whether she is asleep or not.

Time to work has arrived, and so did you to the place. Sliced bread is a lie, I tell you what! Now we are serving Rock Bread! Using Rock Bread Blast, you ensure that your customers are 100% satisfied with your explanations and evidences, while never missing thanks to No Guard. What was that? Do you need extra money? Not a problem! Designing visual logos for blind people is easy with Sketch, while also being able to copy any other move she might like, like "Pay Day", "Teleport", or "Roar of Time"!

Ah, finally home; sweet, sweet home. First, a but of IRC, then, to bed. Yes, Courtney, you deserve to Rest… but do not abuse Sleep Talk too much, OK?

The EV are simple: 252 EV, along Sketch → Roar of Time ensure that she will hit as hard as possible any four-dimensioned reality, while 4 EV in Attack hit hard when used with Rock Blast, but not as hard as to kill your customers. 252 EV in Speed are to outspeed many common threats, such as stress, angry bosses, and such. Of course, a Rash nature is the perfect complement for this banana life.

Courtney, the very rasch, much craze, many goot, wow user. Be gentle and fun(ny) with her, and never, never steal a single code from her; if you do so, be ready to moan in pain.

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So, what do you think about Inferna/Courtney? Will we be able to make more puns out of her name? Will she order more stuff from Amazon? Find it out next week!

Schedule: Not a chance, pal.

[Sappy]

The people sets are best sets.

[Raphetty]

You should do one on Volbeat's counterpart Illumise.

I will make a set to show how useless it is. I would have posted this earlier but I've just been catching up with reading this topic.

I copied the Volbeat set and just changed the name and its moves, since the stats are the same except for Attack and Sp. Atk, which we aren't using.

Illumise @ Leftovers/Sitrus Berry/Focus Sash
Bold Nature (+Def, -Att)
EV: 248 HP/252 Def/8 SpD
Ability: Prankster

Tailwind
Confuse Ray (or Swagger if you are ignoring Smogon's ban)
Thunder Wave
Encore/Substitute

This is an annoyer set (which are generally a bad idea), with Tailwind thrown in so it can at least provide some support outside of Thunder Wave. Whimsicott would be a better Tailwind user since it can do some more useful things, Memento for example. Illumise learns Baton Pass, but the only boosting moves it gets are Growth, Charge Beam and Power-Up Punch.

[Delicious_Scout]

Raphetty, as usual, is right; as I tried to make you understand (with a simple "no"), Volbeat outclasses Illumise. If you want, call her Natalie Portman.

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Today, we are presenting the first attempt at doing Goodra; ladies and gentleman, here it is… kuM Muk.

Muk, by MetaSprite.

Muk is a pretty cool Pokémon, actually. But it literally stinks. Metaphorically? Decide it by yourself. In any case, Muk is one of the two classical pure Poison types, and it did not disappoint too much. It could even be in some Über teams in Gen III, and its abilities, Stench, Sticky Hold, and Poison Touch are very useful. Perhaps the stats will convince you:

Muk

HP: 105 | Attack: 105 | Defence: 75 | Special Attack: 65 | Special Defence: 100 | Speed: 50

Sets? Why not?



Do not invert the name

Muk @ Choice Band/Assault Vest
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 248 HP/252 Att/4 Def/4 Spe
Ability: Poison Touch

Gunk Shot/Poison Jab
Ice Punch
Fire Punch
Shadow Sneak/Explosion

The Classic dylema called "Power vs. Durability" is present on this set, but thanks to its good Attack, very good coverage, and its natural bulk, this difference is somewhat mitigated. "Somewhat" because even with the choice of either Assault Vest or Choice Band, Muk still has to choose whether to run Gunk Shot or Poison Jab. Gunk Shot offers a lot of power, easily 2HKOing or OHKOing most of the metagame, with a 30% chance of Poisoning the rival if it makes contact; Poison Jab is 3HKO/2HKO, but, thanks to Poison Touch, it can act more of a supporter, and its perfect accuracy just makes it better. Ice and Fire Punch are a necessity for Muk; otherwise, without Ice Punch, any Ground Type could come in and threaten Muk with an Earthquake, while with Fire Punch it can hit hard all those Steel Types that otherwise would wall it. The choice of the last move is compicated: with Shadow Sneak, Muk can revenge kill weakened Pokémon, and Ghost is a decent type to hit with in OU, but its Power makes it a move dangerous to be locked into; with Explosion, Muk can severly harm, if not OHKO, most threats, at the obvious cost of its own existence.

The EV are very clear: hit very hard while keeping bulk, while 248 EV in HP allow Muk to switch into Stealth Rock nine times. 4 EV are in Speed to outrun Chansey, while the other 4 are in Defence to tank slightly better unSTABed physical Super Effective hits.



Nissan Moco

Muk @ Black Sludge
Careful Nature (+SpD, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/252 SpD/4 Spe
Ability: Sticky Hold

Poison Jab
Fire Punch
Ice Punch
Toxic/Curse

Because Trick has been nominated as the worst move to be locked into, Muk wants to celebrate this with Sticky Hold, thus preventing Trick users such Gothitelle and Rotom-W (uncommon with that set) from doing anything during that turn. With Poison Jab, Muk can try to poison and damage the opponent (Gunk Shot is not listed because this sets strives for consistency). Fire Punch and Ice Punch are meant to harm, but not eliminate (nuless they are at low health) possible counters. The last slot is what really differenciates this Muk: Toxic can cripple those Pokémon that might try to force out Muk on the switch, but Curse, due to Muk's great bulk, is effective enough to make use of, while also being able to eliminate those threats that otherwise would make its life miserable.

The EV do not require heavy Pokémon knowledge to understand: 252 EV in HP are to make Muk overall bulky while restoring the maximum amount of PS via Black Sludge, while the other 252 are into Special Defence to cover Muk's weak spot after some Curses. 4 EV are into Speed to outspeed Chansey.

Muk, the booger Pokémon. Should Ash hug one of them, Gary Oak will be loose. Do not worry, though, as Muk will make sure they calm down.

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Oh, yes, Muk is very frustrating, but… more than the next challenger?

[Kerou 犠牲]

Looking forward to this, I remember the frustrations I had with Muk back in RBY with the constant minimises =/

[Delicious_Scout]

Yes, but there is something even more mysterious and eerie…

__________

Today, we are covering the second "genuine" pure Poison Type. Welcome to the club, Weezing.

Does it not look like like a cute sprite by MetaSprite?

If you find Muk annoying, you'd better not play against Weezing, which is actually more frustrating to take down if used properly. Yes, Muk could destroy things right off the bat with a boost or two, but Weezing is meant to annoy to death. Access to Destiny Bond, Grudge, Pain Split, and its new access to Toxic Spikes, along adequate stats and its ability, Levitate, granting Weezing just one weakness to Psychic, turn Weezing in one of the best walls/tanks ever created within Poison Types, just, overall, arguably inferior to Mega Venusaur, unless you use all its shenanigans effectively.

Weezing

HP: 65 (as with most Pokémon from Generation I) | Attack: 90 | Defence: 120 | Special Attack: 85 | Special Defence: 75 | Speed: 60

Let's make this s(h)et.



Weegee

Weezing @ Black Sludge
Bold Nature (+Def, -Att)
EV: 252 HP/252 Def/4 Spe
Ability: Levitate

Will-o-Wisp
Fire Blast
Sludge Bomb/Toxic Spikes
Pain Split

If you ever see a Weezing on the opponents¡ team, you'd better carry your best Special Attacker, or else you are going to have a hard time. Will-o-Wisp annoys most Physical Attackers, and it chips off some damage as well (Weezing's speciality). If it were not enough, Fire Blast maims the Steel Types that would dare to switch into Weezing (barring Heatran), but Heatran hates being used Pain Split against, especially due to its high HP and Weezing's low value. Sludge Bomb is a means to go through Fairies, but in case you are looking for a more supportative role, Weezing is often bulky enough to use Toxic Spikes twice, and Bisharp does not like to switch into Weezing at all due to Fire Blast and burns from Will-o-Wisp and Fire Blast.

A Bold nature is recommended to become one of the best Fighting-type check-counter available in-game, while also letting Weezing do its job of supporting more effectively. 252 EV in HP are to grant Weezing maximum overall bulk, 252 into Defence to be specialised in Defence, and 4 Speed are to outspeed Clefable by one point, thus being able to do serious damage; it can even scout Clefable's ability thanks to Toxic Spikes and Poison Damage. An Assault Vest set with Clear Smog, Fire Blast, Thunderbolt, and Sludge Bomb/Dark Pulse is interesting to try… if you are ver overconfident.

Weezing, the fartsack Pokémon. It might not be a Scottish bagpipe, but its sheer presence should be more annoying than a concert made with those instruments in a glass factory.

__________

So, what do you think about Weezing? Is it as annoying as it seems? Should it be any higher than NU? More during the next issue!

[Kerou 犠牲]

Fartsack made me lol

will edit this with a more concrete response in the morning, should be sleeping now ^^;

[the bread dragon]

weezing is very annoying to take down, just in case anyone didnt believe you

[SirBlaziken]

It really is hard to take down.

[Captain Jigglypuff]

I take it down in one shot. I even beat a Weezing once using a low leveled Ralts before. It was too easy using Psychic.

[SirBlaziken]

^Well bro, not everyone can pull a ralts out of their back pocket.

I keep forgetting this stupid thing has levitate, further irritating me when I fight it. >.<

[Delicious_Scout]

But Gardevoir does not want to switch into Weezing; in fact, the only thing totally safe from its assaults is Heatran. Talking about annoying Pokémon…

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Today, we will discuss how another Poison type whose origins are found in Generation I as well can be annoying in a different manner. Wave hello to… Crobat.

Yes, guess what: MetaSprite

Golbat was in fact the one that was in Generation I, and with the introduction of friendship in Generation II, Golbat now can evolve into Crobat, which is better (unless you want Golbat for tanking purposes with Eviolite). It has almost always been in BL, and, since Generation V, a very solid UU. Do not underestimate this Batfabulous, since its well-distributed stats, along a very good Poison/Flying type, along the right moves, can make Crobat not only threatening but also very annoying, and the latter is undesirable, according to the rival. It even got better in Generation VI, because Poison Type has now a new resistance, a type which is Super Effective against (both are the same, Fairy type), and an improved ability in Infiltrator, which allows Crobat to go through Substitutes and Screens, often causing pain. This means Inner Focus is rather situational, though.

Crobat

HP: 85 | Attack: 90 | Defence: 80 | Special Attack: 70 | Special Defence: 80 | Speed: 130

Ironically, its best boosting move is Nasty Plot, but this does not affect its sets:



Happy Happy Stallbreak

Crobat @ Black Sludge
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SpA)
EV: 252 HP/60 Def/196 Spe
Ability: Infiltrator

Brave Bird
Taunt/Defog
Roost
Super Fang/Defog/Toxic

Although this one does not stink nor fart, Crobat can be filthy to play against due to its Stallbreaker set. Because Crobat does want to inflict some damage after all; due to its low damage imput due to the lack of investment in attack, Roost, and Black Sludge, Crobat will not take that much of damage after its attack, and will actually recover the damage fairly quickly. Although the third slot has already been discussed (Roost), the second is even more important and harder to choose: Taunt allows Crobat to effectively Stallbreak with the given EV Spread, typing, and Nature, but Defog is an excellent utility move for most teams. In the fourth slot, if you ran Taunt in the second, Defog can be chosen, as well as Super Fang to damage the opponent for half of its health, and Toxic is a good last option in case Steel and Poison types (especially the former) are not in the opponent's team to use Taunt and Roost to the fullest capacity of trolling. If you wish to outspeed Noivern, run 200 EV in Speed instead, but it is very rare in OU. Do whatever you feel like. There is little point in changing the nature of the EV spread; this Crobat is meant to deal with some hits, not hitting by itself.

Crobat, the Batrobin Pokémon. In case you do not love it, a bunch of Golbats will come to your hair and make it a mess.

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You have discussed, let's move to the next one.

[SirBlaziken]

I actually quite love Crobat.

[Raphetty]

Since you're not going to make a Nasty Plot set, I will list Crobat's best special attacking moves:

Sludge Bomb
Air Slash
Shadow Ball
Dark Pulse
Heat Wave
Giga Drain

Some screens support or similar would be useful to help with setting up, I don't think it's completely "unviable" even with base 70 Sp. Atk.

[Delicious_Scout]

Since you're not going to make a Nasty Plot set, I will list Crobat's best special attacking moves:

Sludge Bomb
Air Slash
Shadow Ball
Dark Pulse
Heat Wave
Giga Drain

Some screens support or similar would be useful to help with setting up, I don't think it's completely "unviable" even with base 70 Sp. Atk.

Tyranitar, Heatran, blobs. They are very problematic for Crobat's "sweep" if using a Nasty Plot set; I know it because I have tried this before, trust me.

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Today, because I will let some people be paranoid regarding my modus operandi, I will let you think about Qwilfish.

Duckface, by a fish. Made by MetaSprite.

Qwilfish

HP: 65 | Attack: 95 | Defence: 75 | Special Attack: 55 | Special Defence: 55 | Speed: 85

Qwilfish looks weak, and most players often do not remember this Pokémon, which is a shame. A very good typing in Water/Poison, decent Attack, excellent support options, and the fact Focus Sash is a real thing are what make Qwilfish actually viable. Its abilities are Swift Swim, Poison Point, and Intimidate. Think that Swift Swim and Intimidate are its best abilities, along its access to Toxic Spikes and Destiny Bond, due to the fact that Poison Point is situational and Qwilfish can not afford to take many hits.

Set time!



KrebsXFish

Qwilfish @ Focus Sash/Black Sludge
Jolly/Impish Nature (+Spe/Def, -SpA)
EV:  252 HP/4 Att/252 Spe (Jolly), 252 HP/200 Def/56 Spe
Ability: Intimidate

Spikes/Toxic Spikes
Destiny Bond/Pain Split
Poison Jab/Waterfall
Taunt/Thunder Wave

Oh, boy, this set is very annoying to take down if it is being used properly, which is not excessively hard but requires some practice. Qwilfish's main goal is to set up entry hazards; Spikes are preferred, but Toxic Spikes can be used instead if it is safe to do so (no Poison Types on the opponent's side, basically). After that, Qwilfish can either try to eliminate the opponent because of its own fault with Destiny Bond, or, if opting for the bulkier spread, using Pain Split is a good idea, but be careful while combining the damage from Spikes and the "recovery" from Pain Split. The third move is just a means to deal damage; if using for the quicker spread, Waterfall should be used to try to score a flinch, while Poison Jab can be used on both, but the slower set is more proficient at using it because of Spikes + possible poison damage from Poison Jab. Again, be careful while combining with with Pain Split. The last slot is hard to choose, because Taunt is the utility move that most leads and trolls want, but Thunder Wave is also very helpful to help others to end these now-slow threats.

Although the first EV spread is easy to remember, the second one is a bit more complicated; to make it easy, the EV in HP and Defence are to add bulk along Intimidate, while the EV in Speed allow Qwilfish to outspeed 44 Speed Rotom-W(illiam).



Deadly Fugu

Qwilfish @ Life Orb
Adamant Nature (+Att, -SpA)
EV: 252 Att/4 Def/252 Spe
Ability: Swift Swim

Sword Dance
Waterfall
Poison Jab
Destiny Bond/Taunt

For those who think they have guts, this set is ideal; Qwilfish, if granted a chance (lol), can try to set up Sword Dance. Coming from base 95 Attack might not be impressive, but it is just enough to troll hard due to the h4xy nature of its two STAB moves: Waterfall (flinch) and Poison Jab (Poison). Moreover, thanks to Destiny Bond, Qwilfish can end any healthy opponent unaware enough that tries to eliminate Qwilfish with a damaging move, while Taunt prevents stall and some other shenanigans related to status moves: bonus points if you Taunt a Prankster Thundurus on the switch.

This set is to be used in rain; otherwise, one is better off with other Pokémon. In rain, Waterfall can deal quite a lot of damage, and the Speed increase of Qwilfish caused by this battlefield condition means that causing a flinch is more likely. Use of hazards is highly advisable.

Qwilfish, the wannabee-twerker Pokémon. It might not be a wrecking ball, but its face is just enough to make one wonder why lipsticks exist. Also, the general advice: be careful while fighting against it.

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So, what do you think about Qwilfish? Should it be banned to FU (Fabulously Used)? Will I keep writing about Poison types? Next issue incoming!