Ray Jay
"Jump first, ask questions later, oui oui!"
This should probably replace the on-site support set. Or it can be its own thing I don't really care.
[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Scald
move 2: Heal Bell / Discharge
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Calm
evs: 76 HP / 132 Def / 228 SpD / 60 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Most of Chinchou's sets attempt to take advantage of its less than perfect offensive stats, but Chinchou actually fits quite well into a defensive role due to its unique ability, typing, and concise yet useful movepool. Perhaps most notable is its access to Scald; the potential chance to burn the opponent is quite nifty in cahoots with Chinchou's naturally fantastic Special Defense. In fact, the EVs and nature provide an authoritative spread of 25 / 18 / 24 defenses, allowing Chinchou to soak most common hits with little difficulty. Chinchou also has access to the exclusive Heal Bell, which can be vital in keeping teammates from losing their bearings mid-match. It also synergizes well with Rest and Sleep Talk. On the other hand, Discharge can impart said pesky status onto the other team in the form of paralysis, and it allows Chinchou to handle Staryu with greater ease. Assuming you opt for Heal Bell, Chinchou will have a one-third chance to heal itself while asleep, which is comparable to the effects of Shed Skin. This set is arguably the best Murkrow switch-in out there, and takes little damage from any move bar Hidden Power Grass. It also works as a decent answer to Misdreavus that lack Nasty Plot; however, Shadow Ball may cause unwanted Special Defense drops.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Although Chinchou is one of the most efficient clerics in the metagame, it faces stiff competition from Lickitung. Chinchou's niche comes from not getting wrecked by Fighting-types; in fact, with a lucky Scald burn, it can render foes such as Mienfoo useless. A mixed spread of 76 HP / 212 Def / 148 SpD / 60 Spe along with a Bold nature is viable, but Chinchou lends itself more to being a special wall and doesn't pack a resistance to the exceedingly common Fighting-types, meaning other Pokemon are better suited for this role. Alternatively, max HP and Special Defense is an option, but such a set loses utility in checking Murkrow. This Chinchou does not lend itself to swapping out any moves; however, Thunder Wave could be considered over either Scald or Heal Bell, although Discharge will usually do the trick better.</p>
<p>This set is obviously walled by Pokemon with Water Absorb, Dry Skin, and Storm Drain. Croagunk and Lileep are the prime offenders here; Murkrow can take care of the former while Chinchou soaks Electric-type attacks for it, and a Fighting-type such as Mienfoo can scare off Lileep. Mienfoo has the added bonus of being able to take on Scraggy for Chinchou. Frillish and Shellos are also tough opponents, so a bulky Grass-type such as Shroomish or Ferroseed is helpful to take care of them. This variant of Chinchou does more support than it needs supporting. Some teammates that appreciate its special bulk and ability are Staryu, Murkrow and other Flying-types, Ferroseed, and Snover. The aforementioned Nasty Plot Misdreavus can be a scary opponent, so Munchlax or Stunky can serve as a good teammate. Of course, Heal Bell helps the whole team and not just Chinchou, so teammates that appreciate the removal of status, such as Porygon or Mienfoo, also love to have Chinchou by their side.</p>