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Gengan · Aug 19th, 2012, 10:15:16 PM

Alright. I still would love to have my cleansing hands spruce up OP's Enter-key issues, but I'll let it slide considering that you probably have a reason for that... greatly... unneeded... space... *eye twitch*

Since Sand is prevalent in LC currently (followed only by Hail b/c Snover), Hippopotas deserves a utility mention as the Sandstorm-setting demon it is.

Lead Hippopotas

Hippopotas @ Eviolite
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 132 HP / 20 Atk / 212 Def / 100 SpD / 20 Spe
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Crunch / Protect / Roar
- Slack Off

Role: Lead
What it does: Hippopotas' main selling point is Sand Storm, currently being one of the only two ways to get permanent weather in LC. If you have a Sand Team and you're not using Hippo to set the weather, stay off the LC ladder, because that's a dumb idea. Hippo's defenses are 25 / 27 / 18 coupled with the EV spread and Eviolite, which means it won't be going anyway too soon. Without Sandstorm taking up a moveslot, Hippo brings out his full potential. Stealth Rock, in addition to sand, racks up damage on the other team noticeably and quickly. Slack Off increases longevity, which saves any Sand-based sweepers from getting blasted right off the bat, as Hippo can deal damage to the opposing team before being picked off, making it easier for sweepers to get their kicks in. EQ is a fabulous STAB. Crunch can be used for the likes of Abra and Slowpoke, while Protect stops Fake-Out leads and HJK Mienfoo cold. Roar is good for scouting and racking up SR damage, but Hippo is kind of slow and can't really pull it off.
Good Teammates: Setting up sand opens a window for sweepers and stalls alike. Drilbur is the most common offensive sand sweeper, and loves Hippo like a brother for the things it does to help. Lileep gets off greatly from sand, and also helps because all Sand-teams having a gaping water weakness, which Lileep covers with Storm Drain. Sandshrew, although outclassed by Drilbur, can also be used for late-game sweeping since its DW ability was released. Pretty much anything with Sand Veil, Sand Rush, or a Rock/Ground/Steel typing is good for Hippo.
What Counters It: Hippo's weak SDef is the only thing that sets it off. Anything with a good SAtk stat and a specially-offensive move can take a good chunk out of Hippo's health. A Hi Jump Kick from Mienfoo does decent damage. Abra is a very good counter because Magic Guard blocks Sandstorm damage, Entry Hazards, and it can fire off a Psychic to KO.

Any Additional Info: If entry hazards aren't your thing or another mon has it covered, you can opt for Toxic > SR, which, combined with Slack Off, makes Hippo an effective stall as well.

I think I'll step back and let some others post sets. I'm on fire.

Aug 19th, 2012, 10:15:16 PM	#71
Gengan Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 545 We bought boobs	Alright. I still would love to have my cleansing hands spruce up OP's Enter-key issues, but I'll let it slide considering that you probably have a reason for that... greatly... unneeded... space... eye twitch Since Sand is prevalent in LC currently (followed only by Hail b/c Snover), Hippopotas deserves a utility mention as the Sandstorm-setting demon it is. Lead Hippopotas Hippopotas @ Eviolite Trait: Sand Stream EVs: 132 HP / 20 Atk / 212 Def / 100 SpD / 20 Spe Impish Nature - Stealth Rock - Earthquake - Crunch / Protect / Roar - Slack Off Role: Lead What it does: Hippopotas' main selling point is Sand Storm, currently being one of the only two ways to get permanent weather in LC. If you have a Sand Team and you're not using Hippo to set the weather, stay off the LC ladder, because that's a dumb idea. Hippo's defenses are 25 / 27 / 18 coupled with the EV spread and Eviolite, which means it won't be going anyway too soon. Without Sandstorm taking up a moveslot, Hippo brings out his full potential. Stealth Rock, in addition to sand, racks up damage on the other team noticeably and quickly. Slack Off increases longevity, which saves any Sand-based sweepers from getting blasted right off the bat, as Hippo can deal damage to the opposing team before being picked off, making it easier for sweepers to get their kicks in. EQ is a fabulous STAB. Crunch can be used for the likes of Abra and Slowpoke, while Protect stops Fake-Out leads and HJK Mienfoo cold. Roar is good for scouting and racking up SR damage, but Hippo is kind of slow and can't really pull it off. Good Teammates: Setting up sand opens a window for sweepers and stalls alike. Drilbur is the most common offensive sand sweeper, and loves Hippo like a brother for the things it does to help. Lileep gets off greatly from sand, and also helps because all Sand-teams having a gaping water weakness, which Lileep covers with Storm Drain. Sandshrew, although outclassed by Drilbur, can also be used for late-game sweeping since its DW ability was released. Pretty much anything with Sand Veil, Sand Rush, or a Rock/Ground/Steel typing is good for Hippo. What Counters It: Hippo's weak SDef is the only thing that sets it off. Anything with a good SAtk stat and a specially-offensive move can take a good chunk out of Hippo's health. A Hi Jump Kick from Mienfoo does decent damage. Abra is a very good counter because Magic Guard blocks Sandstorm damage, Entry Hazards, and it can fire off a Psychic to KO. Any Additional Info: If entry hazards aren't your thing or another mon has it covered, you can opt for Toxic > SR, which, combined with Slack Off, makes Hippo an effective stall as well. I think I'll step back and let some others post sets. I'm on fire. __________________ Pokemon LP Center \| My Analysis \| Best Thread 2012 \| Feebas, the Mighty <Gengan> .qm Will you marry me NOW? <QMark> Gengan: Eww, you're a squishy human. Of course not! Last edited by Gengan; Aug 20th, 2012 at 10:32:16 AM.