Hello! My name is Ambicrow. Although my contributions are low to smogon, i have been around with the smogon community for quite some time. I had lurked around here for around 6 months before actually creating an account, and I only created this account at first to create a RMT, and a bad one at that. After a while in the BW1 metagame, I went to the hermit caves and theorymonned for BW2, since the Japanese release was approaching. After finally coming out of my cave, I had discovered all of these new threats, like Tornadus-T and Thick Fat Mamoswine with SuperPower. I realized these threats are only as good as their respective weathers allowed them to be, so I made my own weather team, so these threats wouldn't be as useful. I was debating whether to make a team around a lilligant sweep in the sun or a nasty plot jinx in hail. As you can probably tell by the picture above and the title, I opted for the sooner, rather than the later. Without further ado, here is the team that Burned Water.
Team Preview
Team Building Process
I decided to base he team around a Quiver Dance Lilligant. The best way to abuse lilligant is usually under the sun, so i added a Ninetales to abuse Lilligant's chlorophyll ability.
I then decided to add Genesect and Dugtrio to make the infamous Heatran trapping core. I find this core to work very well on this team, since after genesects u-turn, dugtrio 2hko's all choiced politoeds, something that rain has trouble with. Although this core can't really take down bulky Politoed, Lilligant easily sets up 1-2 quiver dances on defensive politoed, so it's isn't a threat.
After that, I realized my team couldn't really take any fire moves, and had a terrible weakness to Mamoswine, a threat that I'd gladly like to avoid. So, I added offensive Traptran on a balloon. With a timid nature, this outruns all Adamant Mamoswines, and doesn't give 2 shits for its Stabs while on a balloon.
My final Pokemon was Golurk. Surprisingly, it did exactly what I needed in the last slot. As of this point in the team building, I was at a road block. Before I picked Golurk, I needed a physically offensive Stealth Rocker. At first I thought Terrakion, but then my team would be very weak to scarf Terrakion, in which none of my team would want to come in on that monster. So I chose Golurk, who has a very respectable base 124 Attack, amazing typing, especially under the sun, can set up SR, and can spin block.
I've made some changes! All changes are outlined below in the "In Depth" section in red.
In Depth
(Changes in Red)
Phosphorus (Ninetales) (F) @ Shed Shell
Trait: Drought
EVs: 100 HP/ 200 Def/ 108 Sp. Def/ 100 Spd
Calm Nature
- Fire Blast
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roar
- Pain Split
Appropriately named, my Ninetales lights the match under the stomachs of its teamates. As many of you may know, the tips of matches are made of Phosphorus. I consider my team a match. Ninetales is the tip of the match, slowly sending the flame downward, until it reaches the bottom, where then it it burns the match unto itself. Once the flame goes out, there isn't much left for that match to do. So I make the tip of my match long lasting, so it doesn't spread down. Now that the analogy is done, I'll move on to the thinking behind the moves. I started out right away knowing I'd use Fire Blast. It has a very strong base power, and double Stab under the sun. The extra power was definitely needed, since my set is more supportive. Will-o-Wisp is to burn incoming weather inducers, and also incoming physical threats, such as Terrakion, who switches in often to the more Specially oriented dog. Roar is to keep switches going, and rack up SR damage, which Ninetales does quite effectively. It also makes sure Volcarona doesn't set up on me, which can be hazardous while under the sun. Finally, Pain Split is great, as it whittles down Blissey/Chansey's HP, while putting yours back up to full. Also, this plays so many mindgames with your opponent while playing the weather war. When you send your low hp Ninetales out against a low hp Forretress(for example, there are more defensive threats, like Skarmory), you just use Pain Split, now you're on equal grounds for the weather war, as the hp's are equal(in a sense).
I have changed the EVs for my Ninetales. With this EV spread it tanks a +2 Mach Punch from Adamant Techniloom, and outspeeds Mamoswine. Also, it has a low Hp number, so pain split will be more advantageous, because the defense per hit point value will be higher(that's odd to say). Also, it still retains a lot of special bulk, with its natural base 100 Sp. Def, and 108 EVs.
Lead (Genesect) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Download
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Hasty Nature
- U-turn
- Flamethrower
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
Now as you read this, I'm going to make something very clear. When his nickname spells Lead, as in a pokemon lead, that's not what I mean. I mean Lead, as in the element. Although lead isn't the softest element, it's in the top ten, and more well known then the others. Also, most of the time he is my Pokemon Lead, so that's pretty nifty. When i first made this team, I was debating between LO and Scarf, and boy has scarf been the much better choice. This allows him to revenge out the sun, something Lilligant can't do, and with perfect neutral coverage. Honestly the main reason I use him over other U-turners is the fact that he attracts opposing Heatran, and other counters to my Offensive duo of Lilligant and Heatran. Flamethrower in the sun gives him pseudo-stab, which is very useful vs. steels not named Heatran, which give my Lilligant trouble. Standard Bolt-Beam so I hit everything for neutral coverage, which is very useful for an end-game clean, and also hits threats like Gyarados and Landorus for SE damage.
Promethium (Dugtrio) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Arena Trap
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
IVs: 21 HP / 0 Def / 0 SDef
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock
- Reversal
As his name states, there isn't many dugtrios left in the universe, and this one is just hanging on by a thread. Just like the element Promethium, which is extinct, or next to it, Dugtrio becomes "extinct" very soon in the match, and becomes next to it even sooner. He hangs on the thread of existence with that puny sash, since he can't take any hit otherwise. Now, dugtrio only lives because I tell him too, so he lives to serve me. When I tell him to take that Banded Dragonite's outrage, he does so with pride, knowing he will be on the brink of existence afterwards. He traps so many threats that come in on Genesect to stop his rain of terror, and kills them with little to no effort. Since Dugtrio lives to let others live, that is what Dugtrio does for Genesect. The mere existence of Genesect is only there because Dugtrio is here. So now onto the more "statistical" stuff. The IVs make sure he is left at 1 hp after 2 Seismic Tosses, which is very important when disposing of Blissey/Chansey. Max Attack and Max Speed for obvious reasons. I decided to use EdgeQuake so dugtrio could do damage to more threats, and also kill weaken flying types, like Salamance, Tornadus-T, Thunderous-T, and Volcarona ( I know it isn't a flying type). Sucker Punch lets it hit the Lati twins better, but I'm thinking of switching it to Aerial Ace, since this team has been hating Techniloom lately, and I haven't found much use for Sucker Punch as of late. Reversal is there for the 1hko on Offensive Balloon Heatran, and for Tyranitar while also hitting for very good coverage, and usually replaces Stone Edge as the coverage once I reach 1 hp. So, in your rates, if you can tell me what you tink is better for dugtrio, Aerial Ace or Sucker Punch, that'd be great.
I have changed Sucker Punch to Stealth Rock, since now my Golurk has been switched out for CM Keldeo. I miss Sucker Punch a little bit, but using Stealth Rock over Sucker Punch to get Keldeo in on this team is really worth it.
Hydrogen (Keldeo) @ Leftovers
EVs: 252 Sp. Atk/ 252 Speed/ 4 Sp. Def
Nature: Timid
-Hydro Pump
-Secret Sword
-Calm Mind
-Hidden Power Fire
Although a water type shouldn't see the burning of water up close, I think this lost My Little Pony can fight like the rest of the top dogs, besides its shaky past as a Water type. It takes pride in its heritage, and keeps the name Hydrogen, in honor of its great pony parents, who he kills on a regular basis. Keldeo brings me the anti-rain I really need. He resist ice and water, and has some decent defenses of 91/90/90. He still counters Terrakion(more of a check), and also sets up in the rain. Unlike the other water and ice resists, he can take down blissey/chansey, 2hkoing them at the least with Secret Sword.Hydro Pump and Secret Sword give him his Stabs,and Calm Mind lets him take advantage of those rain pokemon that can't do jack squat to him. HP Fire allows him to still be useful in the sun, giving him an alternate Stab in the sun. I haven't got to really use it yet, so it is probably replaceable. I'm thinking of HP Ghost, since that is the standard, but it doesn't give a great range of SE hits while under the sun. but in the rain or sand, it becomes a monster. I usually keep it clear skies before keldeo gets used against a non-weather team. This makes sure his Main Stab isn't halved so early in the match.
Mercury (Heatran) @ Air Balloon
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Magma Storm
- Sunny Day
- SolarBeam
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Mercury has one of the lowest melting points in the world. Just like Heatran, it doesn't stay solid very easily, and is easily liquid, and a very deadly one at that. Mercury looks fun to play with. It kinda calls to you to touch it, and roll it around it your hands, but at the same time, it's killing you at that very second. Heatran is the same way. It lures in opposing threats, like Politoed, and traps them to there slow demise, taking almost 3 turns to fully take effect. Surprisingly enough, although this is a trapping set, it usually becomes a late game sweeper if the balloon is still intact. With a plethora of Super Effective coverage, it easily rushes right through teams, and outspeeds bulky pokemon, like bulky Dragonite, or Adamant Dragonite, Gastrodon, and most Gliscors.With a base 130 Sp. Atk, he hits like a freakin truck with magma storm under the sun, and nothing really wants to get hit by it. This set does get walled by opposing Heatran though, but I like the HP Ice, as it lets me take care of more important threats. Usually opposing Heatran is number 1 priority, but Lilligant can handle most Heatrans after a quiver dance or 2.
Olivine (Lilligant) (F) @ Life Orb
Trait: Chlorophyll
EVs: 72 Def/ 252 Sp. Atk/ 184 Spd
Modest Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Giga Drain
- Sleep Powder
- Hidden Power [Rock]
Well, this has to be the most boring analogy, but I picked Lilligant to be Olivine, because #1-It is my favorite Silicate. and #2-It can be green. Yep, I have a favorite Silicate. The reason behind this is that it was the only one I could identify in Earth Science in 10th Grade on a regular basis. I decided to pick Lilligant over the other chlorophyll sweepers because Lilligant sets up in front of Defensive Politoed, and actually likes the rain. I especially love the Politoeds with Ice Beam. They barely do 30% after a Quiver Dance, and then I can set-up another Quiver Dance. Now the EVs are pretty basic, just maximize both Speed and Sp. Atk, so it can fare well outside of sun. Giga Drain and HP Rock give great coverage together, but get walled by steel types not named Heatran and Skarmory. Although getting walled by the most defensive typing in the game usually isn't a good thing, I an usually let it slide with all the fire attacks on my team. If there really is something that lilligant can't handle, I can always sleep it, and come back to it later, just like a book. Lilligant has to be one of my favorite Sun Sweepers, as it actually takes advantage of the other weathers too. If you haven't tried anything besides cookie-cutter Venasaur, I'd recommend trying this, especially if you have trouble vs. rain.
The Closing Note
I hope you guys all had a great read. I tried to make it as appealing to the eye as possible. Below I'm going to give a small threat list, and please tell me if you see something that I left out.
But first, the credits-
Prevent- for helpin me test this team thoroughly to see weakness.
Aquaa- same as above
ClubbingSealCub He was the co-founder of the team. Anything I do to this team I plan on running by him first, to see if he agrees with the changes, though it ultimately goes down to what I want.
Techniloom
Thick Fat Mamoswine in Rain
Dual Sand Users and an Abuser
Exportable
(Keep the Nicknames please)
Team Preview
Team Building Process
I decided to base he team around a Quiver Dance Lilligant. The best way to abuse lilligant is usually under the sun, so i added a Ninetales to abuse Lilligant's chlorophyll ability.
I then decided to add Genesect and Dugtrio to make the infamous Heatran trapping core. I find this core to work very well on this team, since after genesects u-turn, dugtrio 2hko's all choiced politoeds, something that rain has trouble with. Although this core can't really take down bulky Politoed, Lilligant easily sets up 1-2 quiver dances on defensive politoed, so it's isn't a threat.
After that, I realized my team couldn't really take any fire moves, and had a terrible weakness to Mamoswine, a threat that I'd gladly like to avoid. So, I added offensive Traptran on a balloon. With a timid nature, this outruns all Adamant Mamoswines, and doesn't give 2 shits for its Stabs while on a balloon.
My final Pokemon was Golurk. Surprisingly, it did exactly what I needed in the last slot. As of this point in the team building, I was at a road block. Before I picked Golurk, I needed a physically offensive Stealth Rocker. At first I thought Terrakion, but then my team would be very weak to scarf Terrakion, in which none of my team would want to come in on that monster. So I chose Golurk, who has a very respectable base 124 Attack, amazing typing, especially under the sun, can set up SR, and can spin block.
I've made some changes! All changes are outlined below in the "In Depth" section in red.
In Depth
(Changes in Red)
Phosphorus (Ninetales) (F) @ Shed Shell
Trait: Drought
EVs: 100 HP/ 200 Def/ 108 Sp. Def/ 100 Spd
Calm Nature
- Fire Blast
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roar
- Pain Split
Appropriately named, my Ninetales lights the match under the stomachs of its teamates. As many of you may know, the tips of matches are made of Phosphorus. I consider my team a match. Ninetales is the tip of the match, slowly sending the flame downward, until it reaches the bottom, where then it it burns the match unto itself. Once the flame goes out, there isn't much left for that match to do. So I make the tip of my match long lasting, so it doesn't spread down. Now that the analogy is done, I'll move on to the thinking behind the moves. I started out right away knowing I'd use Fire Blast. It has a very strong base power, and double Stab under the sun. The extra power was definitely needed, since my set is more supportive. Will-o-Wisp is to burn incoming weather inducers, and also incoming physical threats, such as Terrakion, who switches in often to the more Specially oriented dog. Roar is to keep switches going, and rack up SR damage, which Ninetales does quite effectively. It also makes sure Volcarona doesn't set up on me, which can be hazardous while under the sun. Finally, Pain Split is great, as it whittles down Blissey/Chansey's HP, while putting yours back up to full. Also, this plays so many mindgames with your opponent while playing the weather war. When you send your low hp Ninetales out against a low hp Forretress(for example, there are more defensive threats, like Skarmory), you just use Pain Split, now you're on equal grounds for the weather war, as the hp's are equal(in a sense).
I have changed the EVs for my Ninetales. With this EV spread it tanks a +2 Mach Punch from Adamant Techniloom, and outspeeds Mamoswine. Also, it has a low Hp number, so pain split will be more advantageous, because the defense per hit point value will be higher(that's odd to say). Also, it still retains a lot of special bulk, with its natural base 100 Sp. Def, and 108 EVs.
Lead (Genesect) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Download
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Hasty Nature
- U-turn
- Flamethrower
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
Now as you read this, I'm going to make something very clear. When his nickname spells Lead, as in a pokemon lead, that's not what I mean. I mean Lead, as in the element. Although lead isn't the softest element, it's in the top ten, and more well known then the others. Also, most of the time he is my Pokemon Lead, so that's pretty nifty. When i first made this team, I was debating between LO and Scarf, and boy has scarf been the much better choice. This allows him to revenge out the sun, something Lilligant can't do, and with perfect neutral coverage. Honestly the main reason I use him over other U-turners is the fact that he attracts opposing Heatran, and other counters to my Offensive duo of Lilligant and Heatran. Flamethrower in the sun gives him pseudo-stab, which is very useful vs. steels not named Heatran, which give my Lilligant trouble. Standard Bolt-Beam so I hit everything for neutral coverage, which is very useful for an end-game clean, and also hits threats like Gyarados and Landorus for SE damage.
Promethium (Dugtrio) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Arena Trap
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
IVs: 21 HP / 0 Def / 0 SDef
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock
- Reversal
As his name states, there isn't many dugtrios left in the universe, and this one is just hanging on by a thread. Just like the element Promethium, which is extinct, or next to it, Dugtrio becomes "extinct" very soon in the match, and becomes next to it even sooner. He hangs on the thread of existence with that puny sash, since he can't take any hit otherwise. Now, dugtrio only lives because I tell him too, so he lives to serve me. When I tell him to take that Banded Dragonite's outrage, he does so with pride, knowing he will be on the brink of existence afterwards. He traps so many threats that come in on Genesect to stop his rain of terror, and kills them with little to no effort. Since Dugtrio lives to let others live, that is what Dugtrio does for Genesect. The mere existence of Genesect is only there because Dugtrio is here. So now onto the more "statistical" stuff. The IVs make sure he is left at 1 hp after 2 Seismic Tosses, which is very important when disposing of Blissey/Chansey. Max Attack and Max Speed for obvious reasons. I decided to use EdgeQuake so dugtrio could do damage to more threats, and also kill weaken flying types, like Salamance, Tornadus-T, Thunderous-T, and Volcarona ( I know it isn't a flying type). Sucker Punch lets it hit the Lati twins better, but I'm thinking of switching it to Aerial Ace, since this team has been hating Techniloom lately, and I haven't found much use for Sucker Punch as of late. Reversal is there for the 1hko on Offensive Balloon Heatran, and for Tyranitar while also hitting for very good coverage, and usually replaces Stone Edge as the coverage once I reach 1 hp. So, in your rates, if you can tell me what you tink is better for dugtrio, Aerial Ace or Sucker Punch, that'd be great.
I have changed Sucker Punch to Stealth Rock, since now my Golurk has been switched out for CM Keldeo. I miss Sucker Punch a little bit, but using Stealth Rock over Sucker Punch to get Keldeo in on this team is really worth it.
Hydrogen (Keldeo) @ Leftovers
EVs: 252 Sp. Atk/ 252 Speed/ 4 Sp. Def
Nature: Timid
-Hydro Pump
-Secret Sword
-Calm Mind
-Hidden Power Fire
Although a water type shouldn't see the burning of water up close, I think this lost My Little Pony can fight like the rest of the top dogs, besides its shaky past as a Water type. It takes pride in its heritage, and keeps the name Hydrogen, in honor of its great pony parents, who he kills on a regular basis. Keldeo brings me the anti-rain I really need. He resist ice and water, and has some decent defenses of 91/90/90. He still counters Terrakion(more of a check), and also sets up in the rain. Unlike the other water and ice resists, he can take down blissey/chansey, 2hkoing them at the least with Secret Sword.Hydro Pump and Secret Sword give him his Stabs,and Calm Mind lets him take advantage of those rain pokemon that can't do jack squat to him. HP Fire allows him to still be useful in the sun, giving him an alternate Stab in the sun. I haven't got to really use it yet, so it is probably replaceable. I'm thinking of HP Ghost, since that is the standard, but it doesn't give a great range of SE hits while under the sun. but in the rain or sand, it becomes a monster. I usually keep it clear skies before keldeo gets used against a non-weather team. This makes sure his Main Stab isn't halved so early in the match.
Mercury (Heatran) @ Air Balloon
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Magma Storm
- Sunny Day
- SolarBeam
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Mercury has one of the lowest melting points in the world. Just like Heatran, it doesn't stay solid very easily, and is easily liquid, and a very deadly one at that. Mercury looks fun to play with. It kinda calls to you to touch it, and roll it around it your hands, but at the same time, it's killing you at that very second. Heatran is the same way. It lures in opposing threats, like Politoed, and traps them to there slow demise, taking almost 3 turns to fully take effect. Surprisingly enough, although this is a trapping set, it usually becomes a late game sweeper if the balloon is still intact. With a plethora of Super Effective coverage, it easily rushes right through teams, and outspeeds bulky pokemon, like bulky Dragonite, or Adamant Dragonite, Gastrodon, and most Gliscors.With a base 130 Sp. Atk, he hits like a freakin truck with magma storm under the sun, and nothing really wants to get hit by it. This set does get walled by opposing Heatran though, but I like the HP Ice, as it lets me take care of more important threats. Usually opposing Heatran is number 1 priority, but Lilligant can handle most Heatrans after a quiver dance or 2.
Olivine (Lilligant) (F) @ Life Orb
Trait: Chlorophyll
EVs: 72 Def/ 252 Sp. Atk/ 184 Spd
Modest Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Giga Drain
- Sleep Powder
- Hidden Power [Rock]
Well, this has to be the most boring analogy, but I picked Lilligant to be Olivine, because #1-It is my favorite Silicate. and #2-It can be green. Yep, I have a favorite Silicate. The reason behind this is that it was the only one I could identify in Earth Science in 10th Grade on a regular basis. I decided to pick Lilligant over the other chlorophyll sweepers because Lilligant sets up in front of Defensive Politoed, and actually likes the rain. I especially love the Politoeds with Ice Beam. They barely do 30% after a Quiver Dance, and then I can set-up another Quiver Dance. Now the EVs are pretty basic, just maximize both Speed and Sp. Atk, so it can fare well outside of sun. Giga Drain and HP Rock give great coverage together, but get walled by steel types not named Heatran and Skarmory. Although getting walled by the most defensive typing in the game usually isn't a good thing, I an usually let it slide with all the fire attacks on my team. If there really is something that lilligant can't handle, I can always sleep it, and come back to it later, just like a book. Lilligant has to be one of my favorite Sun Sweepers, as it actually takes advantage of the other weathers too. If you haven't tried anything besides cookie-cutter Venasaur, I'd recommend trying this, especially if you have trouble vs. rain.
The Closing Note
I hope you guys all had a great read. I tried to make it as appealing to the eye as possible. Below I'm going to give a small threat list, and please tell me if you see something that I left out.
But first, the credits-
Prevent- for helpin me test this team thoroughly to see weakness.
Aquaa- same as above
ClubbingSealCub He was the co-founder of the team. Anything I do to this team I plan on running by him first, to see if he agrees with the changes, though it ultimately goes down to what I want.
Techniloom
Thick Fat Mamoswine in Rain
Dual Sand Users and an Abuser
Exportable
(Keep the Nicknames please)
Code:
Olivine (Lilligant) (F) @ Life Orb
Trait: Chlorophyll
EVs: 72 Def / 252 SAtk / 184 Spd
Modest Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Giga Drain
- Sleep Powder
- Hidden Power [Rock]
Lead (Genesect) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Download
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Hasty Nature
IVs: 30 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd
- U-turn
- Flamethrower
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
Promethium (Dugtrio) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Arena Trap
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
IVs: 21 HP / 0 Def / 0 SDef
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock
- Reversal
Hydrogen (Keldeo) @ Leftovers
Trait: Justified
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 SDef
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Calm Mind
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Mercury (Heatran) @ Air Balloon
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Magma Storm
- Sunny Day
- SolarBeam
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Phosphorus (Ninetales) (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Drought
EVs: 100 HP / 200 Def / 108 SDef / 100 Spd
Bold Nature
- Fire Blast
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roar
- Pain Split