I am taking over from Heysup. His old thread can be found here. This analysis already passed QC, so it can be put in Copyediting straight away.
[Overview]
<p>Meet Rufflet, the cute little furry eaglet. Sporting a high base 83 Attack stat and decent base 60 Speed, Rufflet can cause quite a bit of havoc if used correctly. Its movepool, while not large, is big enough for it to pose a major offensive threat to any team. Rufflet also has the defensive stats to take the odd hit or two while scouting or setting up. Unfortunately, Rufflet's Flying typing gives it undesirable weaknesses to common Electric-, Rock-, and Ice-type attacks, as well as Stealth Rock, which limit its offensive capabilities. Its Speed, although decent, leaves it outsped by threats such as Chinchou and Archen, who can bring down Rufflet with their STAB attacks in a flash. Rufflet is also walled cold by Steel-types such as Bronzor, as it has no options to harm them outside of a weak Hidden Power Fire, which Rufflet cannot utilize effectively due to its poor base 37 Special Attack. Despite these flaws, Rufflet isn't to be underestimated, as with the right support, it can run through entire teams with ease.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Pluck
move 2: Return
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With 16 Speed and access to U-turn, Rufflet can run a Choice Scarf set very well. Pluck and Return are Rufflet's STAB moves, allowing it to hit a wide range of threats very hard. STAB Pluck is also a boon in a metagame where Fighting-types such as Meditite, Timburr, and Mienfoo see a lot of usage. Rock Slide is mainly for coverage, hitting Flying-types harder than Rufflet's other moves, and is also boosted by Sheer Force. It also ensures that Archen, who walls Rufflet otherwise, doesn't pose a big threat. U-turn is a given for any Scarf set, giving Rufflet the ability to scout.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread is very simple. 252 Attack EVs maximize Rufflet's Attack, while 236 Speed EVs in conjunction with a Jolly nature give Rufflet 16 Speed, allowing it to Speed tie with other Choice Scarf users having 16 Speed. However, if these Pokemon can be dealt with by Rufflet's teammates, an Adamant nature can be used to further boost Rufflet's Attack. Thrash might seem to be a good alternative option for a Normal-type STAB since it now has 120 Base Power, but Rufflet won't be able to switch out, meaning it will be used as setup bait by Steel-types such as Ferroseed or KOed by faster Scarf users such as Chinchou.</p>
<p>Even though Rufflet checks a large number of threats, it needs team support to function properly. Since this set switches frequently, Stealth Rock will hinder it greatly, making Rapid Spin support a necessity. Sandshrew is a great choice, as it packs Rapid Spin, a useful immunity to the Electric-type attacks which Rufflet is weak to, and STAB Earthquake to deal with the Rock-types that resist Rufflet's STAB moves. It does add to Rufflet's Ice-type weakness, however. Staryu also packs Rapid Spin and a resistance to Ice-type moves, and can deal with Rock- and Steel-types that wall Rufflet with Surf and Hidden Power Fire, respectively.</p>
<p>As mentioned earlier, Steel-types such as Bronzor give Rufflet a lot of grief as they take almost no damage from all of its attacks. Magnemite aids Rufflet immensely in this regard, trapping and KOing the Steel-types which Rufflet lures in with Thunderbolt or Hidden Power Fire and forming a potent combo with it. Fire-types work well too, but they compound Rufflet's Rock-type weakness. Rock-types such as Roggenrola also trouble Rufflet, though they don't resist Rock Slide or U-turn. Diglett can trap and KO these threats easily, making it a good teammate for Rufflet.</p>
[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Return
move 3: Pluck
move 4: Substitute
item: Oran Berry
ability: Keen Eye
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP / 12 Atk / 36 Def / 196 SpD / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rufflet can also run a Bulk Up set pretty well. The idea is to switch into a weak physical attacker such as Ferroseed and set up Bulk Up. Substitute makes it easier for Rufflet to set up, and protects Rufflet from nasty status as well as attacks that could otherwise KO it, meaning Rufflet won't be stopped cold by faster Pokemon. Return is Rufflet's main STAB attack, hitting anything that doesn't resist it very hard after a Bulk Up. Pluck is Rufflet's secondary STAB move, giving it some form of super effective coverage. It also allows Rufflet to cripple Pokemon which rely upon Oran Berry to avoid certain 2HKOs.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread maximizes Rufflet's Speed and Special Defense, granting it an easier setup. The remaining EVs are invested in Attack, Defense, and HP so as to give Rufflet one more point in each of those stats. A Jolly nature is preferred as Rufflet needs all the Speed it can get its hands on to outspeed the numerous other Pokemon which populate its Speed tier and set up. Oran Berry gives Rufflet a form of recovery, and ensures that its sweep won't be cut short by a critical hit. It goes without saying that Rufflet needs team support to pull off a sweep, since Steel- and Rock-types wall it to no end. Magnemite can trap and KO most Steel-types with ease, and can exploit the low Special Defense of most Rock-types to check them as well. Choice Scarf Diglett, while it can't deal with Bronzor, can trap and eliminate Rock-types as well as any other fast Choice Scarf users such as Chinchou that trouble Rufflet. Entry hazard support from Tentacool and Ferroseed also aids Rufflet enormously, as it loves having its checks weakened. The former can also remove Stealth Rock from the field with Rapid Spin, making it a great teammate for Rufflet.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Rufflet does have a few other options it can use. A Life Orb set might look viable on paper, as Rufflet likes having the freedom to switch moves while maintaining its decent coverage. However, Rufflet's lack of Speed and inability to hurt Steel-types significantly makes this a poor choice. A Choice Band set can be used to hit very hard, but once again, Rufflet can easily be walled and set up on. Rufflet also has access to Work Up and special attacks such as Air Slash and Hidden Power Fire, but its terrible base 37 Special Attack makes this a bad idea.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Rufflet is not at all hard to counter because of its only decent Speed and lack of options to hit Steel- and Rock-types hard. Bronzor is the bane of Rufflet's existence, as it laughs at all of Rufflet's attacks and can retaliate with a powerful STAB Gyro Ball. Similarly, Rock-types such as Roggenrola and Onix can sponge Rufflet's attacks with ease and OHKO it in return with their STAB Rock-type attacks. Faster Choice Scarf users such as Gastly, Abra, and Chinchou can outspeed and dispose of Rufflet easily with their STAB attacks. Although uncommon, Archen only dislikes taking a Rock Slide, and can outspeed and OHKO Rufflet with its own Rock Slide. Cottonee can render the Bulk Up set useless with Encore if it can switch in safely. Wooper also makes a fine check to the Bulk Up set, as it ignores Rufflet's stat boosts thanks to Unaware and can severely weaken it with Ice Punch.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Rufflet gets a gift from the Dream World in the form of Hustle, which strengthens its offensive clout and makes it a dangerous Choice Scarf user on par with the likes of Darumaka.</p>
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Rufflet
Status: Needs one last GP Check before it's done.
==============================================
Rufflet
Status: Needs one last GP Check before it's done.
Code:
GP Checks 1 / 2 : [wekther]
[Overview]
<p>Meet Rufflet, the cute little furry eaglet. Sporting a high base 83 Attack stat and decent base 60 Speed, Rufflet can cause quite a bit of havoc if used correctly. Its movepool, while not large, is big enough for it to pose a major offensive threat to any team. Rufflet also has the defensive stats to take the odd hit or two while scouting or setting up. Unfortunately, Rufflet's Flying typing gives it undesirable weaknesses to common Electric-, Rock-, and Ice-type attacks, as well as Stealth Rock, which limit its offensive capabilities. Its Speed, although decent, leaves it outsped by threats such as Chinchou and Archen, who can bring down Rufflet with their STAB attacks in a flash. Rufflet is also walled cold by Steel-types such as Bronzor, as it has no options to harm them outside of a weak Hidden Power Fire, which Rufflet cannot utilize effectively due to its poor base 37 Special Attack. Despite these flaws, Rufflet isn't to be underestimated, as with the right support, it can run through entire teams with ease.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Pluck
move 2: Return
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 36 Def / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With 16 Speed and access to U-turn, Rufflet can run a Choice Scarf set very well. Pluck and Return are Rufflet's STAB moves, allowing it to hit a wide range of threats very hard. STAB Pluck is also a boon in a metagame where Fighting-types such as Meditite, Timburr, and Mienfoo see a lot of usage. Rock Slide is mainly for coverage, hitting Flying-types harder than Rufflet's other moves, and is also boosted by Sheer Force. It also ensures that Archen, who walls Rufflet otherwise, doesn't pose a big threat. U-turn is a given for any Scarf set, giving Rufflet the ability to scout.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread is very simple. 252 Attack EVs maximize Rufflet's Attack, while 236 Speed EVs in conjunction with a Jolly nature give Rufflet 16 Speed, allowing it to Speed tie with other Choice Scarf users having 16 Speed. However, if these Pokemon can be dealt with by Rufflet's teammates, an Adamant nature can be used to further boost Rufflet's Attack. Thrash might seem to be a good alternative option for a Normal-type STAB since it now has 120 Base Power, but Rufflet won't be able to switch out, meaning it will be used as setup bait by Steel-types such as Ferroseed or KOed by faster Scarf users such as Chinchou.</p>
<p>Even though Rufflet checks a large number of threats, it needs team support to function properly. Since this set switches frequently, Stealth Rock will hinder it greatly, making Rapid Spin support a necessity. Sandshrew is a great choice, as it packs Rapid Spin, a useful immunity to the Electric-type attacks which Rufflet is weak to, and STAB Earthquake to deal with the Rock-types that resist Rufflet's STAB moves. It does add to Rufflet's Ice-type weakness, however. Staryu also packs Rapid Spin and a resistance to Ice-type moves, and can deal with Rock- and Steel-types that wall Rufflet with Surf and Hidden Power Fire, respectively.</p>
<p>As mentioned earlier, Steel-types such as Bronzor give Rufflet a lot of grief as they take almost no damage from all of its attacks. Magnemite aids Rufflet immensely in this regard, trapping and KOing the Steel-types which Rufflet lures in with Thunderbolt or Hidden Power Fire and forming a potent combo with it. Fire-types work well too, but they compound Rufflet's Rock-type weakness. Rock-types such as Roggenrola also trouble Rufflet, though they don't resist Rock Slide or U-turn. Diglett can trap and KO these threats easily, making it a good teammate for Rufflet.</p>
[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Return
move 3: Pluck
move 4: Substitute
item: Oran Berry
ability: Keen Eye
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP / 12 Atk / 36 Def / 196 SpD / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rufflet can also run a Bulk Up set pretty well. The idea is to switch into a weak physical attacker such as Ferroseed and set up Bulk Up. Substitute makes it easier for Rufflet to set up, and protects Rufflet from nasty status as well as attacks that could otherwise KO it, meaning Rufflet won't be stopped cold by faster Pokemon. Return is Rufflet's main STAB attack, hitting anything that doesn't resist it very hard after a Bulk Up. Pluck is Rufflet's secondary STAB move, giving it some form of super effective coverage. It also allows Rufflet to cripple Pokemon which rely upon Oran Berry to avoid certain 2HKOs.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread maximizes Rufflet's Speed and Special Defense, granting it an easier setup. The remaining EVs are invested in Attack, Defense, and HP so as to give Rufflet one more point in each of those stats. A Jolly nature is preferred as Rufflet needs all the Speed it can get its hands on to outspeed the numerous other Pokemon which populate its Speed tier and set up. Oran Berry gives Rufflet a form of recovery, and ensures that its sweep won't be cut short by a critical hit. It goes without saying that Rufflet needs team support to pull off a sweep, since Steel- and Rock-types wall it to no end. Magnemite can trap and KO most Steel-types with ease, and can exploit the low Special Defense of most Rock-types to check them as well. Choice Scarf Diglett, while it can't deal with Bronzor, can trap and eliminate Rock-types as well as any other fast Choice Scarf users such as Chinchou that trouble Rufflet. Entry hazard support from Tentacool and Ferroseed also aids Rufflet enormously, as it loves having its checks weakened. The former can also remove Stealth Rock from the field with Rapid Spin, making it a great teammate for Rufflet.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Rufflet does have a few other options it can use. A Life Orb set might look viable on paper, as Rufflet likes having the freedom to switch moves while maintaining its decent coverage. However, Rufflet's lack of Speed and inability to hurt Steel-types significantly makes this a poor choice. A Choice Band set can be used to hit very hard, but once again, Rufflet can easily be walled and set up on. Rufflet also has access to Work Up and special attacks such as Air Slash and Hidden Power Fire, but its terrible base 37 Special Attack makes this a bad idea.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Rufflet is not at all hard to counter because of its only decent Speed and lack of options to hit Steel- and Rock-types hard. Bronzor is the bane of Rufflet's existence, as it laughs at all of Rufflet's attacks and can retaliate with a powerful STAB Gyro Ball. Similarly, Rock-types such as Roggenrola and Onix can sponge Rufflet's attacks with ease and OHKO it in return with their STAB Rock-type attacks. Faster Choice Scarf users such as Gastly, Abra, and Chinchou can outspeed and dispose of Rufflet easily with their STAB attacks. Although uncommon, Archen only dislikes taking a Rock Slide, and can outspeed and OHKO Rufflet with its own Rock Slide. Cottonee can render the Bulk Up set useless with Encore if it can switch in safely. Wooper also makes a fine check to the Bulk Up set, as it ignores Rufflet's stat boosts thanks to Unaware and can severely weaken it with Ice Punch.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Rufflet gets a gift from the Dream World in the form of Hustle, which strengthens its offensive clout and makes it a dangerous Choice Scarf user on par with the likes of Darumaka.</p>
