Agreeing with BKC on the threat list for Raikou. Whether we go SubCM or ChestoRest, those are what we need to deal with(along with random Snorlax). I'm proposing we go a more defensive route, so I decided to go with a 2 'mon core in Roserade and Gyarados:
Roserade (F) @ Black Sludge
Trait: Natural Cure
EV's: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Spe
Calm Nature (+SpD, - Atk)
- Sleep Powder
- Toxic Spikes
- Leaf Storm
- Rest
Gyarados (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EV's: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 SpD
Careful Nature (+SpD, -SpA)
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Waterfall
- Roar
Specially Defensive Roserade can switch into anything that common Water types can throw at it short of Life Orb Starmie's Ice Beam. This takes pressure off Raikou to check Water types. I also agree with BKC that while Roserade is a good lead, it functions better in the midgame and this set gives Roserade the ability to set up Toxic Spikes throughout the match. It also pretty much counters every other bulky Water in OU.
Gyarados just seems like a natural partner to both Roserade and Raikou. It switches in on everything that would threaten Raikou, including Flygon and Scizor. Gyarados also handles Fighting-types well, which are common in this meta. I went with ResTalk since that's the only Gyarados set that doesn't need support to stick around all game and we don't have to be stressed about carrying a spinner, though spinners are good in general vs. stall. Blowing guys around after TSpikes are down also sounds fun :) .
Not sure if the EV's I have are the best ones, but they can always be changed later if this does get nominated. I know that Gyara's allows him to switch into the rare Nasty Plot Infernape and not be 2HKO'd. We can easily go the more standard 248 HP | 252 Def | 8 Spe with an Impish nature though. Same for Roserade: I could see going with BKC's set and spread since offensive Rose is quite powerful. The only "issue" with this core is that anyone who has played DPP long enough knows who the Stealth Rocker should be (Heatran). I really, REALLY tried not to go the FWG core route because I don't really like them, but this duo just seems so solid.
Roserade (F) @ Black Sludge
Trait: Natural Cure
EV's: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Spe
Calm Nature (+SpD, - Atk)
- Sleep Powder
- Toxic Spikes
- Leaf Storm
- Rest
Gyarados (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EV's: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 SpD
Careful Nature (+SpD, -SpA)
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Waterfall
- Roar
Specially Defensive Roserade can switch into anything that common Water types can throw at it short of Life Orb Starmie's Ice Beam. This takes pressure off Raikou to check Water types. I also agree with BKC that while Roserade is a good lead, it functions better in the midgame and this set gives Roserade the ability to set up Toxic Spikes throughout the match. It also pretty much counters every other bulky Water in OU.
Gyarados just seems like a natural partner to both Roserade and Raikou. It switches in on everything that would threaten Raikou, including Flygon and Scizor. Gyarados also handles Fighting-types well, which are common in this meta. I went with ResTalk since that's the only Gyarados set that doesn't need support to stick around all game and we don't have to be stressed about carrying a spinner, though spinners are good in general vs. stall. Blowing guys around after TSpikes are down also sounds fun :) .
Not sure if the EV's I have are the best ones, but they can always be changed later if this does get nominated. I know that Gyara's allows him to switch into the rare Nasty Plot Infernape and not be 2HKO'd. We can easily go the more standard 248 HP | 252 Def | 8 Spe with an Impish nature though. Same for Roserade: I could see going with BKC's set and spread since offensive Rose is quite powerful. The only "issue" with this core is that anyone who has played DPP long enough knows who the Stealth Rocker should be (Heatran). I really, REALLY tried not to go the FWG core route because I don't really like them, but this duo just seems so solid.