Project Core Analysis Workshop (Discussing Threats to and Partners for Garchomp + Landorus-T)

[Solunar]

Metagross-Mega @ Metagrossite
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Hammer Arm
- Zen Headbutt
- Pursuit

Normal Metagross may be outsped and KOed by Hydreigon, but if it mega evolves safely, it can easily outspeed and KO Hydreigon with a Tough Claws boosted Hammer Arm. Meanwhile, Jirachi can't touch M-Metagross, with the worst it can do is attempt to flinch you to death, a very high-risk-low-reward strategy due to Iron Head not 100% guaranteed to flinch. Jirachi will likely U-Turn, so you can use Pursuit to trap it and deal serious damage to it.

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Hammer Arm vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Hydreigon: 334-394 (102.7 - 121.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Jirachi: 246-290 (72.1 - 85%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery (When Jirachi tries to switch out)

 

[Random Passerby]

Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Bug Bite

Mega Scizor can set up on a Choice-locked Jirachi and destroy Jirachi with +2 Bug Bite while Hydreigon faints to +2 Bullet Punch.

 

[nameless90]

Offensive Volcarona

Volcarona @ Lum Berry
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Giga Drain
- Bug Buzz

Volcarona can enter on Jirachi while being 3HKOed in return bar 2 flinches in a row. In return, Volcarona can kill this thing even without boosts and Flame Body is useful because doubles the turn available to hit Jirachi. Small tip: is better to get a free switch-in onto Jirachi to have higher chances of not being badly crippled by hax.

252 Atk Jirachi Heart Stamp (stronger than Iron Head because is not resisted) vs. 72 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 117-138 (35.5 - 41.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Jirachi: 372-438 (109 - 128.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Volcarona can enter, set-up a Quiver Dance thanks to its Spe and tank 2 Draco Meteors in a row or even Draco Meteors + Superpower.

252+ SpA Life Orb Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. +1 72 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 188-224 (57.1 - 68%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
To OHKO Hydreigon no boosts are required, but is better if you use 2 Quiver Dances to outspeed max Spe + Jolly nature Scarf Jirachi which make things easier.
252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Hydreigon: 332-392 (102.1 - 120.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO

P.S. Bulky defensive Volcarona is even more resilient towards this core due to the possibility to tank physical hits more comfortably (this means more chances for Flame Body to activate).

 

[Skarmx2]

Reserving LO Breloom

Punchshroom (Breloom) @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Spore
- Bullet Seed
- Mach Punch
- Focus Punch/Swords Dance

Mach Punch can OHKO Hydreigon while Focus Punch can OHKO Jirachi if it tries to switch in on a Bullet Seed. SD can be used over Focus Punch to OHKO Jirachi at +2 with a bit of chip damage.

Calcs:
252+ SpA Life Orb Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Breloom: 442-523 (169.3 - 200.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Breloom Focus Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Jirachi: 351-413 (102.9 - 121.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Technician Breloom Mach Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Jirachi: 281-331 (82.4 - 97%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
​

 

[Swagata]

Talonflame @ Leftovers
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Brave Bird
- Roost
- Swords Dance/ Bulk Up
- Will-O-Wisp

Talonflame can just roost of damage from Hydreigon's Draco Meteor and proceed to kill it after +2 and LO recoil damage. Its able to burn Jirachi and takes little to no damage.

calcs

252+ SpA Life Orb Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Talonflame: 266-316 (74 - 88%)
+2 0 Atk Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Hydreigon: 237-279 (72.9 - 85.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Infernal]

Final call for threats! Roughly 1 more day before we begin discussing partners.

 

[Fresher Than You]

Thundurus (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Knock Off
- Superpower

Thundy's Mixed set does very well in this core. Only being OHKO'd by a Draco Meteor, Thundy can switch in on any of Hydreigon's other moves, outspeed and OHKO with Superpower. Just be certain Hydreigon's not scarfed, or come in on a free switch if it is.

Versus Jirachi, Knock Off deals puts a dent in that weird steel body, and importantly removes the scarf, allowing the forthcoming finishing thunderbolt. None of Jirachi's moves in the example come close to 2HKOing. If you're really worried, you can replace HP Ice for Dark Pulse, but it hurts Thundy's sweeping ability when not against suitable opponents.

You can also use the Nasty Plot set if you want. I chose this set on it's ability to break past other walls and cores besides, and Knock Off helps a lot more with Jirachi and removing Hydreigon's LO if you predict wrong. +2 Thunderbolt with 2HKO Jirachi from full and HP Flying can 2HKO Hydreigon at +2 as well.

Other options include running T-Wave with prankster to cripple the core or going full physical, if you really want.

calcs

76 Atk Life Orb Thundurus Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Jirachi: 221-260 (64.8 - 76.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
180 SpA Life Orb Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Jirachi: 175-208 (51.3 - 60.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
76 Atk Life Orb Thundurus Superpower vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Hydreigon: 330-390 (101.5 - 120%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Thundurus: 243-289 (81.2 - 96.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO[hide/]

 

[RedxThree]

Specially Defensive Gastrodon

Gastrodon @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Scald
- Earthquake / Ice Beam
- Toxic
- Recover

Shaking it up. This beautifully fat 'mon has been getting usage lately and a SpD spread is an offbeat blanket check for everything this core can dish out. Gastrodon almost always survives two consecutive Draco Meteors from LO Hydreigon and can either Toxic to wear down Hydreigon -- specifically Roost sets -- or just dent it with Ice Beam / Scald burn in conjunction with Hydreigon's LO recoil. Leftovers gives you more wiggle room to do so:

252+ SpA Life Orb Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 242-285 (56.8 - 66.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-2 252+ SpA Life Orb Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 121-144 (28.4 - 33.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

Gastrodon easily switches into Scarf Rachi and threatens it with Scald and Earthquake. Rocky Helmet can be used to further deter Jirachi from trying to muscle through / flinch hax you to death, though it makes it a less reliable switch into Hydreigon (it'd need two max rolls, but still possible).

 

[MANNAT]

Azumarill @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Waterfall
- Aqua Jet
- Knock Off

Azu can switch into and OHKO both members of the core with one of its moves although it has to watch out for flinch hax from jirachi as well as repeatedly taking flash cannons from hydra.

Calcs:
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Hydreigon: 1300-1536 (400 - 472.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Jirachi: 384-454 (112.6 - 133.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Random Passerby]

Hawlucha @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 12 HP / 244 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Substitute
- Swords Dance
- High Jump Kick
- Acrobatics

Hawlucha scares out Hydreigon with High Jump Kick and can set up a Substitute. From there, it can proceed to go to +2, activate Unburden and OHKO both Scarf Jirachi and Hydreigon with High Jump Kick.

 

[Infernal]

Discussion on partners may now begin. 4 days as usual~

 

[Bice]

Meow Meow Mario (Landorus-Therian) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 8 SpD / 8 Spe
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock

As soon I saw that a lot of the partners were Fire-types, Landorus immediately came to mind. Defensive Landorus beats most of the threats to this core, such as Talonflame, Terrakion, Mega Metagross, and Hawlucha. It can also support the team through Intimidate, as well as Stealth Rock, which the core greatly appreciates, to supply offensive pressure. To top it off, Landorus can form a double U-Turn core with Jirachi to gain momentum. It also supplies a more reliable Sand check, as most of the 'mons on a Sand team can beat Jirachi easily.

 

[Random Passerby]

Manectric @ Manectite
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Flamethrower
- Hidden Power Ice

Mega Manectric is able to weaken Steel-types such as Mega Scizor and Mega Metagross which gives Jirachi trouble. It also checks Talonflame, Garchomp, Hawlucha and Azumarill while Volt Switching around to rack up damage on Heatran and Thundurus. Unfortunately, Mega Manectric loses to Mega Zard-X and is helpless against bulky Grounds like Hippowdon,

 

[Hostel]

LO Torn-T

Tornadus-Therian @ Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 76 Atk / 180 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Hurricane
- Superpower
- U-turn
- Knock Off / Grass Knot

LO Torn-T is great for weakening threats to this core as it hits everything. It hits Tran and Bish with superpower. It can knock off Chansey and then hit it with a superpower. It can U-turn out to keep momentum going for the core. Hurricane is a nuke (if it ever hits) and it can use grass knot to get rid of Quagsire, which everyone can appreciate. Regenerator keeps it fresh so it can keep switching back in to inflict heavy damage or eliminate faster threats to Hydreigon or Rachi. Being able to handle steel and fighting types pretty easily, as well as handling fast threats (HP Latios), while also being a pain in the ass to switch into for a lot of teams, I would say Torn-T is a good partner for this core.

 

[bludz]

Diancie @ Diancite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 32 Atk / 224 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Moonblast
- Diamond Storm
- Earth Power / Hidden Power Fire
- Protect

Looking at some of the aforementioned threats to this core, Diancie checks Zard X, Volcarona, Breloom and Talonflame. Other things it checks include Tornadus-T, Keldeo, and opposing Dark-types.

Ultimately the reason I chose Diancie is because I think it's a really neat partner with Hydreigon - it is incredibly difficult to wall the both of them, while Diancie deals with offense a little better and Hydreigon is more of a balance breaker. Jirachi rounds it all out by being the best answer to opposing Fairies like Clefable, Gardevoir, and opposing Diancie.

 

[Fresher Than You]

Rotom-Wash @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Volt Switch
- Trick
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Hidden Power [Grass]

This counters and checks or at least threatens most of the discussed core threats. With both Hydreigon and Jirachi taking grass type attacks well, and Jirachi nicely dealing with most faster fighting types, Rotom-Wash is very capable of smashing straight through walls like Heatran, Gastrodon (with HP Grass), Clefable (Hydro Pump 2HKOs, just be lucky and don't miss). The bulk allows it to survive Thundurus' Thunderbolt from the mixed set and as a good chance to survive it from +2 as well. Meanwhile Hydro cleans OHKOs. Rotom also survives Azumarill's Banded Play Rough and OHKOs with Volt Switch. Trick lets it screw over walls it can't outright beat like Amoongus.

Be warned that without the scarf rotom isn't a switch in to these threats, it just eliminates or revenge kills them for the core to work later. Also HP Grass is primarily for Gastrodon and maybe Quagsire should you not want to sacrifice your specs. Ice is better is most situations but if you're really scared Grass is an option.

calcs in no real order

252+ SpA Choice Specs Rotom-W Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 84+ SpD Clefable: 231-273 (58.6 - 69.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

180 SpA Life Orb Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Rotom-W: 165-196 (54.4 - 64.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Rotom-W Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Thundurus: 340-402 (113.7 - 134.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Play Rough vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Rotom-W: 253-298 (83.4 - 98.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Rotom-W Volt Switch vs. 172 HP / 0 SpD Azumarill: 390-462 (101.5 - 120.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Infernal]

A little over 24 hours until the submission period for partners ends. Feel free to mention any last minute teammates you can think of until then!

 

[nameless90]

Manaphy

Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Tail Glow
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Energy Ball

This pixie is a good options for this core due to the 2 coverage moves it can choose making it unpredictable and dangerous after a boost. This moveset figures Ice Beam and Energy Ball (towards annoying Water / Ground, mainly but is useful even towards other bulky waters i.e. opposite Manaphy).

Small thing: I think this one of the few cases in which Surf is better than Scald for the immediate power.

Threats list to beat:
Hawlucha: solidly 2HKOed by Surf and Ice Beam without setting up.
Talonflame: beaten with a +3 Surf/Scald.
Heatran: beaten with a +3 Surf.
Azumarill: beaten with a +3 Energy Ball; only AV Azumarill can survive to one shot like this.
Gastrodon: almost OHKO without setting up.
Volcarona: I hate myself for doing such a big threat, but the lack of Passho Berry can't change a safe 2HKO even though Giga Drain hurts.
Breelom: +0 Ice Beam OHKOes 62,5% of the time. You need to deal 15 HP damage to ensure the KO.
Mega Charizard-X:Manaphy can withstand a +1 Dragon Claw (which isn't even listed here) while OHKOing the Dragon with a +3 Surf.
Mega Scizor: beaten with a +3 Surf 1 vs 1 and Manaphy withstands a +2 Bullet Punch.
Cobalion: this musketeer is able to 3HKO with Close Combat while being killed by Surf anyway between SpD drop or Tail Glow boosted Surf. It can only hope to get a SD + CC while you use TG+Surf or Surf+Surf to have 31,3 % chance to OHKO you.
Terrakion: its fast Close Combat allows Surf/Scald to OHKO it, so it has to rely on Stone Miss which might kill Manaphy despite Leftovers. I have to poit out that being Scarfed is pretty easy to find a check to it.
Mega Meta: Manaphy loses 1 vs 1 if it hasn't got a Tail Glow up. Otherwise, the blue pixie has 62,5 % to OHKO Mega Metagross with a +3 Surf.
Thundurus: outspeeds and beats Manaphy.

I want to point out that if Manaphy is able to get a +3, most of this threats are almost OHKOed bar Thundurus which outspeeds. I don't think that there is a pokemon able to defeat ALL these threats.

 

[Infernal]

The top partners for this week in hide tags below. Congratulations to Viridi and Random Passerby, with the latter now having a staggering 20 submissions in the hall of fame! Reasoning below:

Top Partners

Landorus-T by Viridi - Lando-T is able to handle a good majority of the threats mentioned to this core, all while providing SR and another U-turner alongside Jirachi to bring Hydreigon in for free. Recently, Hydreigon + Jirachi was featured as the core to build around in the team building competition. Looking at the teams submitted by participants, it's apparent that Lando-T made its way onto a lot of these builds due to the immense defensive utility it provides. As such, there's little doubt that Lando-T is among the best partners here.

Mega Manectric by Random Passerby - Mega Manec brings more speed to the table and forms a nice VoltTurn core with Jirachi to bring in Hydreigon unscathed. Additionally, it's able to offensively check a good portion of the threats mentioned, such as Mega Sciz, Azu, Mega Metagross, and Talon. Together with Hydreigon, Mega Manec forms a potent offensive duo that possess a great deal of coverage between Electric, Dark, Dragon, Fire, and Ice. Considering how well Mega Manec synergizes with Lando-T as well, it's easy to see how the little guy makes a good partner to this core.

Another partner I think is good with this core and wasn't mentioned is Azumarill, mainly for its ability to check Keldeo and many other threats like Heatran, Charizard-X, Terrakion, and Volcarona. Being able to switch in on Keldeo decently is the main thing to take home here, as it's one of the most prominent threats this core needs to take into consideration the most.

Here is the core for this week:

Alakazam @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball
- Encore

Keldeo @ Choice Specs
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Hydro Pump
- Icy Wind

We haven't had a core featuring non-mega Alakazam, so here is a simple one with Keldeo! These two pack a good deal of power between them and do a good job covering each other's weaknesses. For example, Alakazam has a hard time with the likes of Mega Scizor, Bisharp, Weavile, and defensive Pokemon like Chansey and Mega Sableye. All of these are threatened heavily by Keldeo and can be taken advantage of to fire powerful Specs boosted attacks. In exchange, Alakazam threatens Pokemon like Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss, while having a strong Shadow Ball to threaten other responses to Keldeo like Slowbro. While the sets featured here are LO and Specs, Alakazam and Keldeo are rather flexible with the sets they can run. For example, Alakazam can use Sash to focus on revenge killing, while Keldeo can run other sets like RestTalk to serve as a more durable answer to a few threats. Because of this, the core fits on several kinds of builds, ranging from HO to balance. Their self sufficiency, adaptability, and ability to cover threats for one another make these two a good pair to use and build around.

Discussion on threats may now begin. Usual length of 3 days :)

 

[heritage]

stars (Aerodactyl) @ Aerodactylite
Ability: Unnerve
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stone Edge
- Wing Attack
- Ice Fang
- Pursuit

Mega Aerodactyl may not be able to comfortably switch in to anything that the core wants to do, other than maybe Alakazam's Encore, which is risky, however, once it gets a free switch in, nothing in the core is able to stand up to it. Thanks to its high base Speed tier before Mega Evolution, it's able to outspeed both members of the core, OHKOing Keldeo with Wing Attack and OHKOing Alakazam with Stone Edge. It is also able to Pursuit trap Alakazam, as most people will want to switch out to preserve such a powerful attacker.

252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam: 313-369 (124.7 - 147%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam: 432-510 (172.1 - 203.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Wing Attack vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Keldeo: 288-338 (89.1 - 104.6%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

 

[Albacore]

Tornadus-Therian @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 96 HP / 160 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Hurricane
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- Superpower

Switches in on both members of the core, especially Alakazam, pretty easily. OHKOs Alakazam with Knock Off and OHKOs Keldeo with Hurricane. Not much else to say really

252 SpA Life Orb Alakazam Psychic vs. 96 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Tornadus-T: 144-172 (44.5 - 53.2%) -- 26.2% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Tornadus-T Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam: 260-306 (103.5 - 121.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 96 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Tornadus-T: 195-231 (60.3 - 71.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
160 SpA Tornadus-T Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Keldeo: 324-384 (100.3 - 118.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Dr Ciel]

Metagross

Hate (Metagross) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Atk / 96 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Pursuit
- Meteor Mash
- Bullet Punch
- Zen Headbutt

Assault Vest Metagross is one of the more underrated threats, and can definitely scare this core thanks to its bulk and typing. Alakazam cannot 2HKO Metagross with any of its moves and is swiftly dealt with by Meteor Mash. Keldeo needs to hit Hydro Pump twice to even have a chance at 2HKOing Metagross & it has a 7.4 chance to not 2HKO & Zen Headbutt swiftly eliminates it.

Vs. Alakazam

252 SpA Life Orb Alakazam Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Metagross: 116-136 (31.8 - 37.3%) -- 88.6% chance to 3HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Alakazam Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Metagross: 153-182 (42 - 50%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO

160+ Atk Metagross Meteor Mash vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam: 289-342 (115.1 - 136.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Vs. Keldeo

252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Scald vs. 252 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Metagross: 127-151 (34.8 - 41.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Metagross: 166-196 (45.6 - 53.8%) -- 44.9% chance to 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Metagross: 177-208 (48.6 - 57.1%) -- 92.6% chance to 2HKO

160+ Atk Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Keldeo: 302-356 (93.4 - 110.2%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO

 

[SketchUp]

Noivern @ Life Orb
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Hurricane
- Flamethrower
- Roost

Noivern is an excellent check to Keldeo, because it resists 3 of the 4 moves Keldeo has and can OHKO it with a Life Orb Hurricane. While Noivern can't directly switch into it, Alakazam also loses 1v1 because it is outsped and OHKO'd by Life Orb Draco Meteor. Roost is a useful move on Noivern for longetivity because Life Orb recoil + Stealth Rock can weaken Noivern extremely quickly, while Flamethrower is used as coverage for steel types.

 

[Bice]

Azumarill @ Assault Vest
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 240 HP / 252 Atk / 16 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Waterfall
- Aqua Jet
- Knock Off

Although AV Azumarill can't switch in on Keldeo's Scald without the fear of getting burned, it can freely switch in to Alakazam and KO back with any of its moves bar Aqua Jet. If it does manage to switch in to Keldeo without getting burned, then it can retaliate back with Play Rough. Even when Azumarill is burned, it can still deal heavy damage to the core.

Calcs

Core vs. Azumarill

252 SpA Life Orb Alakazam Psychic vs. 240 HP / 16 SpD Assault Vest Azumarill: 153-183 (38.1 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Azumarill: 124-147 (30.9 - 36.6%) -- 68.3% chance to 3HKO

Azumarill vs. Core

252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Keldeo: 390-458 (120.7 - 141.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Huge Power burned Azumarill Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Keldeo: 195-229 (60.3 - 70.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam: 476-562 (189.6 - 223.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Huge Power burned Azumarill Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam: 238-281 (94.8 - 111.9%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO

 

[bludz]

Talonflame

Talonflame @ Sharp Beak
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- Flare Blitz
- Swords Dance
- Roost

calcs

252 Atk Sharp Beak Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Keldeo: 372-440 (115.1 - 136.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Sharp Beak Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam: 321-378 (127.8 - 150.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Talonflame is an offensive check to this core, since it can't take a water-type move from Keldeo and doesn't appreciate switching into Alakazam either. However, it cleanly OHKOs both pokemon with its priority Brave Bird without any need to boost. Generally a threat to revenge kill or sweep offensive teams, it would be prudent for any team packing Keldeo + Alakazam to also have an answer to offensive Talonflame.