Over the past few weeks, I've been gradually upgrading my team dragging it up from it's UU roots. Hitmonlee and Golem had fallen by the wayside, replaced by a raging bull and a kind-hearted dragon. Although I was always happy to use my UU team in the OU environment, I found that I struggled with well made Sandstorm teams, which led this battle to be a real challenge.
My (LMR's) team:
The opponent (---alexis---'s) team:
Leftovers and Sandstorm have been omitted, but for the record the following Pokemon hold Leftovers: Blastoise, Muk, Tyranitar, Cradily, Hippowdon and Vaporeon.
Rules: Ladder Match, Sleep Clause, Freeze Clause, OHKO Clause, Evasion Clause, Species Clause, Strict Damage Clause
---alexis--- sent out Infernape
LMR sent out Tauros
Tauros's intimidate cut Infernape's attack!
A favourable match-up on my side. I attack with Return looking to KO Monkey Boy. It was a feeling out phase. Did the opponent know that Tauros was faster and capable of OHKOing, or would he be blinded by the type chart?
---alexis--- switched in Hippowdon
Hippowdon's Sand Stream whipped up a sandstorm!
A sandstorm brewed!
Tauros used Return.
Hippowdon lost 34% of its health. (72% health remaining)
...Feck. As the Sandstrom brews, I feel the match slipping away. Three of my squad hold Choice Items, and another holds Life Orb - when it gets mucky, I really suffer. I worry that the foe has Gliscor or Cradily...two Pokemon I cannot stand. But I'll be damned if I let him get Stealth Rocks out too!
LMR switched in Blastoise.
Hippowdon used Slack Off (100% health remaining)
Hippowdon restored 28% of its health.
Blastoise doesn't need to Spin, so I order him to target a Surf in the direction of the bloated hippo. However, I stop to consider it. Is Surf ACTUALLY super-effective on Hippowdon? I mean, the guy is a hippo. Don't hippos spend most their time in the water? Maybe it's a clever ruse. Well, I won't be fooled so easily. I consult Google. What I find chills me to the core.
A HIPPO! UNDERWATER...oh shit. I inspect the picture closer and see that the hippo is clearly squinting in pain...maybe Surf isn't a lost cause...
---alexis--- switched in Cradily
Blastoise used Surf.
Cradily lost 15% of its health (91% health remaining)
Awww...I spent so long planning my attack that the opponent had already switched in my worst nightmare. Lets go, Muk.
LMR switched in Muk
Cradily used Energy Ball.
It's not very effective...
Muk lost 9% of its health (91% health remaining).
I'm in an attack dilemma again. Why would Focus Punch be super effective on a Rock type? I go outside and punch a brick wall in order to test.
Muk is tightening its focus!
---alexis--- switched in Hippowdon
Muk used Focus Punch.
Hippowdon lost 23% of its health (83% health remaining).
Great, now I'm in an unfavourable match up AND I think I've broke my knuckles. I hate this game sometimes.
LMR switched in Blastoise
Hippowdon used Earthquake.
Blastoise lost 27% of its health (73% health remaining).
The opponent obviously saw that switch coming and decided to tag the big guy with a STAB EQ. I expect the opponent to return to Cradily, so I make the jump to Rotom in the hope of Tricking and Statusing Cradily. I cackle to myself in an evil way.
---alexis--- switched in Vaporeon
LMR switched in Rotom
Not what I had in mind, but it's definately good for me. Tbolt is the obvious option, but my swollen knuckles remind me that the obvious move isn't always the best option.
---alexis--- switched in Hippowdon
Rotom used Shadow Ball.
Hippowdon lost 56% of its health (33% health remaining).
Great...I've taken a big step towards breaking the stall. No way is he gonna hang about to take another black blob.
---alexis--- switched in Cradily
LMR switched in Muk
Muk is tightening its focus!
Cradily used Ancientpower.
Muk lost 12% of its health (79% health remaining)
Muk lost its focus and couldn't move!
Muk prepares a Focus Punch but loses his nerve at the last moment after seeing that I'm still writhing in pain from my attempt at punching a Rock.
Muk used Substitute. (54% health remaining)
Muk lost 25% of its health.
Muk made a substitute!
Cradily used Ancientpower.
The substitute took damage for Muk!
Muk is tightening its focus!
---alexis--- switched in Hippowdon
Muk used Focus Punch.
Hippowdon lost 20% of its health (19% health remaining).
Muk ends up punching something even harder than a Rock - Hippowdon's fat head.
Muk used Poison Jab.
It's not very effective...
Hippowdon lost 8% of its health. (11% health remaining)
Hippowdon used Slack Off (68% health remaining).
That may sound like a wasted turn, but I decided I may as well get the most out of this Sub by poisoning Hippowdon.
Muk used Poison Jab.
It's not very effective...
Hippowdon lost 9% of its health. (61% health remaining)
Hippowdon used Slack Off.
Hippowdon restored 35% of its health. (100% health remaining)
30% poison chance my arse...
Muk used Poison Jab.
It's not very effective...
Hippowdon lost 8% of its health.
Hippowdon was poisoned!
Hippowdon used Earthquake.
It's super effective!
The substitute took damage for Muk!
Muk's substitute faded!
Success! His stalling ability is lessened somewhat.
LMR switched in Rotom
Hippowdon used Earthquake.
Rotom makes Ground moves miss with Levitate.
I don't expect him to stay in after his earlier experience with Rotom. I prepare to accessorise Cradily with a funky new pair of Specs.
Rotom used Trick.
Rotom obtained Leftovers!
Hippowdon obtained Choice Specs!
Hippowdon used Crunch.
It's super effective!
Rotom lost 66% of its health (32% health remaining)
Well I look like an utter twat now...
LMR switched in Sharpedo
Hippowdon used Crunch.
It's not very effective...
Sharpedo lost 24% of its health (70% health remaining)
Hippowdon was hurt by Sharpedo's Rough Skin!
Hippowdon lost 12% of its health (68% health remaining)
It's rare that you'll ever get Sharpedo in in one piece so I abuse this chance. Rough Skin gets a solid hit on Hippowdon. It reminds me of the time I switched into a Shedinja Shadow Sneak, resulting in Shedinja's instant death. Good times.
---alexis--- switched in Cradily
Sharpedo used Crunch.
Cradily lost 40% of its health (66% health remaining)
Okay, that's about as long as Sharpedo is staying in for...
---alexis--- switched in Tyranitar
LMR switched in Muk
I assume the foe didn't want to take another Crunch and opted to get Tyranitar in. I flip a coin to decide which Tyranitar varient it is. My specially designed coin lands on Boah. Muk makes a fantastic Boah counter so I throw up a Sub.
Tyranitar used Earthquake.
It's super effective!
Muk lost 55% of its health.
LMR's Muk fainted.
6-5
Correction...I tried to throw up a Sub. Many turns into the battle, Muk becomes the first casualty. I check the other side of my coin...it says CBTar. Great.
LMR switched in Rotom
Rotom used Will-o-wisp.
Tyranitar was burned!
Tyranitar used Crunch.
It's super effective!
Rotom lost 15% of its health.
LMR's Rotom fainted.
Tyranitar was hurt by its burn! (88% health remaining)
6-4
Huh? He's supposed to be Choice Banded. What the fuck is wrong with this coin? The opponent has a huge lead, and things aren't looking good.
LMR switched in Blastoise
LMR switched in Tauros
Tauros's intimidate cut Tyranitar's attack!
Tyranitar used Crunch.
Tauros lost 15% of its health.
Tyranitar was hurt by its burn! (76% health remaining)
I make a fool of myself again...I expect Tyranitar to flee from Blastoise's watery wrath, and attempted to bring out Tauros to counter the switch.
Tauros used Earthquake.
It's super effective!
Tyranitar lost 61% of its health. (53% health remaining)
Tyranitar used Flamethrower.
Tauros lost 32% of its health.
Tyranitar was hurt by it's burn (7% health remaining)
Tauros used Earthquake.
It's super effective!
Tyranitar lost 7% of its health.
---alexis---'s Tyranitar fainted.
5-4
Tyranitar falls, courtesy of a crippling burn and a raging Bull. My misprediction means Tauros is on less health than I'd like him to be.
---alexis--- switched in Azelf
Time for a risky switch. Sharpedo can get in on Psychic, but any other move will leave me with a dead Shark.
LMR switched in Sharpedo
Azelf used Psychic.
It doesn't affect Sharpedo...
Phew! Now to abuse the Choice Scarf!
---alexis--- switched in Hippowdon
Sharpedo used Crunch.
Hippowdon lost 20% of its health (8% health remaining)
Sharpedo used Crunch.
Hippowdon lost 10% of its health.
---alexis---'s Hippowdon fainted.
4-4
---alexis--- switched in Cradily
♂).
LMR switched in Dragonite
Cradily used Energy Ball.
It's not very effective...
Dragonite lost 6% of its health (88% health remaining).
I switch in Dragonite to take the attack. I note that Cradily is on about 70% health. Life Orb + Sandstorm means I can't risk taking an AncientPower and using Agility. Dragonite lunges straight into an Outrage.
Dragonite used Outrage.
Dragonite went on a rampage!
Cradily lost 72% of its health.
Dragonite lost 10% of its health from Life Orb.
---alexis---'s Cradily fainted.
The opponent has lost two of his walls and for the first time in the match I have taken the advantage, but as Vaporeon comes out, I accept that this is the end for my Dragon.
---alexis--- switched in Vaporeon (lvl 100 Vaporeon ♂).
Dragonite used Outrage.
Vaporeon lost 87% of its health (13% health remaining)
Dragonite lost 10% of its health.
Vaporeon used Hidden Power.
A critical hit!
Dragonite lost 34% of its health (24% health remaining)
Dragonite's rampage ended.
Dragonite became confused!
Wow, no Ice Beam! I've got another chance to take out the opponent's final wall.
Dragonite is confused!
Dragonite used Outrage.
Dragonite went on a rampage!
Vaporeon lost 13% of its health.
---alexis---'s Vaporeon fainted.
Dragonite lost 10% of its health.
2-4
---alexis--- switched in Azelf
Azelf used Thunderbolt.
Dragonite lost 5% of its health.
LMR's Dragonite fainted.
2-3
Dragonite does his job, ruthlessly crushing two of the opponents walls, but is revenge killed by the fairy.
LMR switched in Sharpedo
Sharpedo used Crunch.
It's super effective!
Azelf lost 88% of its health.
---alexis---'s Azelf fainted.
1-3
Sharpedo takes out Azelf, and all hope looks lost for the opponent.
---alexis--- switched in Infernape
LMR switched in Blastoise
Infernape used Thunderpunch.
It's super effective!
Blastoise lost 37% of its health (37% health remaining)
Blastoise looks set to fall from another Thunderpunch...
Infernape used Thunderpunch.
It's super effective!
Blastoise lost 34% of its health.
>>TORRENT ACTIVATES<<
Blastoise used Surf.
It's super effective!
Infernape lost 94% of its health.
0-3
Blastoise stands victorious, and the Sandstorm whittles away into nothingness.
Props:
- Dragonite for being a stud and breaking through the opponent's walls.
- Sharpedo for defeating Hippowdon and nullifying Azelf.
- Tyranitar proving his worth and crushing two of my squad, simply by my inability to determine his set.
- Blastoise surviving that ThunderPunch to end the match in style.
- Alexis for giving me a great battle
Slops
- The final score of 3-0 did not illustrate how close the match was.
- My hand is now in a cast.
Thanks for reading!
Approved by Aeolus
My (LMR's) team:
The opponent (---alexis---'s) team:
Leftovers and Sandstorm have been omitted, but for the record the following Pokemon hold Leftovers: Blastoise, Muk, Tyranitar, Cradily, Hippowdon and Vaporeon.
Rules: Ladder Match, Sleep Clause, Freeze Clause, OHKO Clause, Evasion Clause, Species Clause, Strict Damage Clause
---alexis--- sent out Infernape
LMR sent out Tauros
Tauros's intimidate cut Infernape's attack!
A favourable match-up on my side. I attack with Return looking to KO Monkey Boy. It was a feeling out phase. Did the opponent know that Tauros was faster and capable of OHKOing, or would he be blinded by the type chart?
---alexis--- switched in Hippowdon
Hippowdon's Sand Stream whipped up a sandstorm!
A sandstorm brewed!
Tauros used Return.
Hippowdon lost 34% of its health. (72% health remaining)
...Feck. As the Sandstrom brews, I feel the match slipping away. Three of my squad hold Choice Items, and another holds Life Orb - when it gets mucky, I really suffer. I worry that the foe has Gliscor or Cradily...two Pokemon I cannot stand. But I'll be damned if I let him get Stealth Rocks out too!
LMR switched in Blastoise.
Hippowdon used Slack Off (100% health remaining)
Hippowdon restored 28% of its health.
Blastoise doesn't need to Spin, so I order him to target a Surf in the direction of the bloated hippo. However, I stop to consider it. Is Surf ACTUALLY super-effective on Hippowdon? I mean, the guy is a hippo. Don't hippos spend most their time in the water? Maybe it's a clever ruse. Well, I won't be fooled so easily. I consult Google. What I find chills me to the core.
A HIPPO! UNDERWATER...oh shit. I inspect the picture closer and see that the hippo is clearly squinting in pain...maybe Surf isn't a lost cause...
---alexis--- switched in Cradily
Blastoise used Surf.
Cradily lost 15% of its health (91% health remaining)
Awww...I spent so long planning my attack that the opponent had already switched in my worst nightmare. Lets go, Muk.
LMR switched in Muk
Cradily used Energy Ball.
It's not very effective...
Muk lost 9% of its health (91% health remaining).
I'm in an attack dilemma again. Why would Focus Punch be super effective on a Rock type? I go outside and punch a brick wall in order to test.
Muk is tightening its focus!
---alexis--- switched in Hippowdon
Muk used Focus Punch.
Hippowdon lost 23% of its health (83% health remaining).
Great, now I'm in an unfavourable match up AND I think I've broke my knuckles. I hate this game sometimes.
LMR switched in Blastoise
Hippowdon used Earthquake.
Blastoise lost 27% of its health (73% health remaining).
The opponent obviously saw that switch coming and decided to tag the big guy with a STAB EQ. I expect the opponent to return to Cradily, so I make the jump to Rotom in the hope of Tricking and Statusing Cradily. I cackle to myself in an evil way.
---alexis--- switched in Vaporeon
LMR switched in Rotom
Not what I had in mind, but it's definately good for me. Tbolt is the obvious option, but my swollen knuckles remind me that the obvious move isn't always the best option.
---alexis--- switched in Hippowdon
Rotom used Shadow Ball.
Hippowdon lost 56% of its health (33% health remaining).
Great...I've taken a big step towards breaking the stall. No way is he gonna hang about to take another black blob.
---alexis--- switched in Cradily
LMR switched in Muk
Muk is tightening its focus!
Cradily used Ancientpower.
Muk lost 12% of its health (79% health remaining)
Muk lost its focus and couldn't move!
Muk prepares a Focus Punch but loses his nerve at the last moment after seeing that I'm still writhing in pain from my attempt at punching a Rock.
Muk used Substitute. (54% health remaining)
Muk lost 25% of its health.
Muk made a substitute!
Cradily used Ancientpower.
The substitute took damage for Muk!
Muk is tightening its focus!
---alexis--- switched in Hippowdon
Muk used Focus Punch.
Hippowdon lost 20% of its health (19% health remaining).
Muk ends up punching something even harder than a Rock - Hippowdon's fat head.
Muk used Poison Jab.
It's not very effective...
Hippowdon lost 8% of its health. (11% health remaining)
Hippowdon used Slack Off (68% health remaining).
That may sound like a wasted turn, but I decided I may as well get the most out of this Sub by poisoning Hippowdon.
Muk used Poison Jab.
It's not very effective...
Hippowdon lost 9% of its health. (61% health remaining)
Hippowdon used Slack Off.
Hippowdon restored 35% of its health. (100% health remaining)
30% poison chance my arse...
Muk used Poison Jab.
It's not very effective...
Hippowdon lost 8% of its health.
Hippowdon was poisoned!
Hippowdon used Earthquake.
It's super effective!
The substitute took damage for Muk!
Muk's substitute faded!
Success! His stalling ability is lessened somewhat.
LMR switched in Rotom
Hippowdon used Earthquake.
Rotom makes Ground moves miss with Levitate.
I don't expect him to stay in after his earlier experience with Rotom. I prepare to accessorise Cradily with a funky new pair of Specs.
Rotom used Trick.
Rotom obtained Leftovers!
Hippowdon obtained Choice Specs!
Hippowdon used Crunch.
It's super effective!
Rotom lost 66% of its health (32% health remaining)
Well I look like an utter twat now...
LMR switched in Sharpedo
Hippowdon used Crunch.
It's not very effective...
Sharpedo lost 24% of its health (70% health remaining)
Hippowdon was hurt by Sharpedo's Rough Skin!
Hippowdon lost 12% of its health (68% health remaining)
It's rare that you'll ever get Sharpedo in in one piece so I abuse this chance. Rough Skin gets a solid hit on Hippowdon. It reminds me of the time I switched into a Shedinja Shadow Sneak, resulting in Shedinja's instant death. Good times.
---alexis--- switched in Cradily
Sharpedo used Crunch.
Cradily lost 40% of its health (66% health remaining)
Okay, that's about as long as Sharpedo is staying in for...
---alexis--- switched in Tyranitar
LMR switched in Muk
I assume the foe didn't want to take another Crunch and opted to get Tyranitar in. I flip a coin to decide which Tyranitar varient it is. My specially designed coin lands on Boah. Muk makes a fantastic Boah counter so I throw up a Sub.
Tyranitar used Earthquake.
It's super effective!
Muk lost 55% of its health.
LMR's Muk fainted.
6-5
Correction...I tried to throw up a Sub. Many turns into the battle, Muk becomes the first casualty. I check the other side of my coin...it says CBTar. Great.
LMR switched in Rotom
Rotom used Will-o-wisp.
Tyranitar was burned!
Tyranitar used Crunch.
It's super effective!
Rotom lost 15% of its health.
LMR's Rotom fainted.
Tyranitar was hurt by its burn! (88% health remaining)
6-4
Huh? He's supposed to be Choice Banded. What the fuck is wrong with this coin? The opponent has a huge lead, and things aren't looking good.
LMR switched in Blastoise
LMR switched in Tauros
Tauros's intimidate cut Tyranitar's attack!
Tyranitar used Crunch.
Tauros lost 15% of its health.
Tyranitar was hurt by its burn! (76% health remaining)
I make a fool of myself again...I expect Tyranitar to flee from Blastoise's watery wrath, and attempted to bring out Tauros to counter the switch.
Tauros used Earthquake.
It's super effective!
Tyranitar lost 61% of its health. (53% health remaining)
Tyranitar used Flamethrower.
Tauros lost 32% of its health.
Tyranitar was hurt by it's burn (7% health remaining)
Tauros used Earthquake.
It's super effective!
Tyranitar lost 7% of its health.
---alexis---'s Tyranitar fainted.
5-4
Tyranitar falls, courtesy of a crippling burn and a raging Bull. My misprediction means Tauros is on less health than I'd like him to be.
---alexis--- switched in Azelf
Time for a risky switch. Sharpedo can get in on Psychic, but any other move will leave me with a dead Shark.
LMR switched in Sharpedo
Azelf used Psychic.
It doesn't affect Sharpedo...
Phew! Now to abuse the Choice Scarf!
---alexis--- switched in Hippowdon
Sharpedo used Crunch.
Hippowdon lost 20% of its health (8% health remaining)
Sharpedo used Crunch.
Hippowdon lost 10% of its health.
---alexis---'s Hippowdon fainted.
4-4
---alexis--- switched in Cradily
♂).
LMR switched in Dragonite
Cradily used Energy Ball.
It's not very effective...
Dragonite lost 6% of its health (88% health remaining).
I switch in Dragonite to take the attack. I note that Cradily is on about 70% health. Life Orb + Sandstorm means I can't risk taking an AncientPower and using Agility. Dragonite lunges straight into an Outrage.
Dragonite used Outrage.
Dragonite went on a rampage!
Cradily lost 72% of its health.
Dragonite lost 10% of its health from Life Orb.
---alexis---'s Cradily fainted.
The opponent has lost two of his walls and for the first time in the match I have taken the advantage, but as Vaporeon comes out, I accept that this is the end for my Dragon.
---alexis--- switched in Vaporeon (lvl 100 Vaporeon ♂).
Dragonite used Outrage.
Vaporeon lost 87% of its health (13% health remaining)
Dragonite lost 10% of its health.
Vaporeon used Hidden Power.
A critical hit!
Dragonite lost 34% of its health (24% health remaining)
Dragonite's rampage ended.
Dragonite became confused!
Wow, no Ice Beam! I've got another chance to take out the opponent's final wall.
Dragonite is confused!
Dragonite used Outrage.
Dragonite went on a rampage!
Vaporeon lost 13% of its health.
---alexis---'s Vaporeon fainted.
Dragonite lost 10% of its health.
2-4
---alexis--- switched in Azelf
Azelf used Thunderbolt.
Dragonite lost 5% of its health.
LMR's Dragonite fainted.
2-3
Dragonite does his job, ruthlessly crushing two of the opponents walls, but is revenge killed by the fairy.
LMR switched in Sharpedo
Sharpedo used Crunch.
It's super effective!
Azelf lost 88% of its health.
---alexis---'s Azelf fainted.
1-3
Sharpedo takes out Azelf, and all hope looks lost for the opponent.
---alexis--- switched in Infernape
LMR switched in Blastoise
Infernape used Thunderpunch.
It's super effective!
Blastoise lost 37% of its health (37% health remaining)
Blastoise looks set to fall from another Thunderpunch...
Infernape used Thunderpunch.
It's super effective!
Blastoise lost 34% of its health.
>>TORRENT ACTIVATES<<
Blastoise used Surf.
It's super effective!
Infernape lost 94% of its health.
0-3
Blastoise stands victorious, and the Sandstorm whittles away into nothingness.
Props:
- Dragonite for being a stud and breaking through the opponent's walls.
- Sharpedo for defeating Hippowdon and nullifying Azelf.
- Tyranitar proving his worth and crushing two of my squad, simply by my inability to determine his set.
- Blastoise surviving that ThunderPunch to end the match in style.
- Alexis for giving me a great battle
Slops
- The final score of 3-0 did not illustrate how close the match was.
- My hand is now in a cast.
Thanks for reading!
Approved by Aeolus 
