So as the title suggests, I've made a team of some of my favourite pokemon just renamed to final fantasy summons (except one poke). The team itself feels quite messy and although I tried to incorporate some stratergies I don't think they work well so that's why I've come here. First I'll go through the Team Building process.
Team Building
So as with most teams, it starts off with a single Pokemon, and mine was Kingdra. One of my fav poke since Gen II the general bulk and offensive capabilities combined with the single weakness made me consider it a strong starting point and I also thought of a nickname i.e Leviathan and this is where the whole FF theme also came from. With Kingdra in tow, I wanted something that would greatly benefit from Kingdra's ability to make opponents make multiple switches, so I thought I need some lay down support.
Welcome Typhon (Aerodactyl). A solid lead that is pretty much guaranteed SR, but also, a powerful Pokemon in its own right. The ability to outspeed other leads, Taunting and screwing up the opponents starting momentum is what this bird is all about and boy does he do it well. Not only that but with RS and EQ in tow, the amount of times, if at full health he can be brought in and help get that important kill on a Pokemon, or even just cripple an opponents Pokemon before dying can help me. So now I have SR and Kingdra, so I think "Hmm, maybe I can capitalize on the switches a bit more, not by damage but through status? But can also annoy and force switches itself while soaking up a hit or two and maybe be my own little status absorber. But who?" Welcome pokemon number 3.
In comes the one Poke I could think of to do all these things, Nymph (Roserade). Now I know before anyone says Nymph is more well known as being a FF enemy but I couldn't think of a grass summon so....yea. This pokemon plays quite an important part on my team, the staus absorber thanks to NC, laying down Toxic Spikes as well as absorbing them, and being able to soak up a few special hits. I went with the SubSeed set as I believed it suited this pokemon role in my team better as the support/annoyer I craved. The amount of times, I've seen a SubSeeder annoy the hell out of someone, and with it being one of my likable stratergies since Sceptile I thought it was a good way to role, and it doesn't seem all that common so it's a nice surprise. Now, I have my hazards, but a Rapid Spinner can make 3+ turns of setting up completely useless so I think I need a Spin blocker. I see Rotom used so many times I wan't to go for something different and a bit more tanky and then it hits me, the perfect Pokemon for me and another one of my favourites.
Hades (Dusknoir) was my choice for a couple of reasons. I like the physical touch he adds to the team. I decided to go for the SubPunch set as it adds an effective way for me to kill Blissey and make her pretty much, unable to touch me, switch in Dusk, sub-up on the switch, then I have a comfortable position. Also he adds something this team so far lacks, an effectve way to take down set-uppers who have sacrificed alot of health to get that stat ups via Shadow Sneak. This has saved me a good few times in past times when I've used Dusknoir and he has killed and prevented that Pokemon completely killing me and as I lacked a Phazer, I considered it to be the second best thing. Now, I have the defence in my team, I need a strong offence. So, I think back to the whole FF theme and the holy trinity of Water, Fire and Electric. Firstly, I notice I don't have a Special sweeper and so here comes my fire pokemon.
Ifrit (Heatran) adds the Revenge killing element to my team I need and also a complete Fire immunity. Also, due to it being Scarfran it adds alot of cover with FB/EP/HP(Grass)/Explosion covering Electric, Grass, Steel, Rock and thanks to HP Grass, that pesky Swampert which my team can't really handle effectively. So, I need one more Pokemon, an Electric pokemon and one that can add a bit more offence to my team. So I think, what is one of the most used Poke out there that annoys the hell out of me with its stupid Steel typing, Technician and Bullet Punch and what is the best counter possible to it and is that Electric Pokemon I need to finish off the holy trinity? Ta-da.
Ramuh! Come forth! Magnezone, the ultimate Steel-trapping, Scizor counting Pokemon which adds the Electric Pokemon I need, the STAB TBolt and teh counter to Scizor I need, perfect, also takes care of that pesky Fortress after he's blocked by Dusknoir. So there ya go theres my team building run over and now for the next part, my FF Summon (nearly) team.
So here's the team:-
Mog (Azelf) @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 8 HP / 140 Atk / 144 SpD / 216 Spe
Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- U -Turn
- Explosion
Stealth Rock lets me start putting pressure on my opponents team quickly. Taunt is to prevent the slower leads setting up SR themselves and to force them to either start attacking or too switch. This Azelf also does good work at scouting my opponents team via the lovely U-Turn, letting me bring in a counter to their counter (confusing yea?). So, when they bring in ScarfTar or CBScizor, I've U -Turned and bring in Heatran/Magnezone/Kingdra to counter them. Great lead and when it's effective, starts up the momentum I need. Takes on most leads and does what it is supposed too. Love it.
Leviathan (Kingdra) @ Chesto Berry
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 144 HP / 160 Atk / 40 SpD / 164 Spe
Adamant (+Atk, -SpA)
-Dragon Dance
-Outrage
-Waterfall
-Rest
(Credit to Faladran on help with set)
My favourite pokemon of all time. Switch him in on a poke he can scare, start dancing and plough through the opposing team. Just wish he had a better dragon move than Outrage, being locked can seriously cause a loss for me if the opposing team uses that chance to start setting up. Starmie, Vappy and other bulky, non-offensive water's are good set-up fodder. I chose Chesto Berry in order for him to absorb more hits, absorb some status, Rest up when I'm low on health. Used this over my old Sub DD as it adds a few things:-
1) SpDef investments allow me to only be 3HKO'd by Suicune and LO Starmie.
2) ChestoRest let me get in teh maximum amount of DD before I Rest up to full. Slso, speed Ev's allow me to outspeed Scarfgon after 2 DD's.
Ifrit (Heatran) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SpAtk / 4 SpD
Naive (+ Spd, -SpD)
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Explosion
- Hidden Power (Grass)
Awsome revenge killer. Speedy, and deadly. Can take down most members of an opposing team if they don't suspect him. I am just a bit iffy about Explosion, except for that, love the guy. I'm using HP over DP for teh major reason of Swampert. That git can completely wreck alot of my team, mainly Aero, Kingdra and Magnezone (whose running HP Fire). Another reason he's on my team is I have a Fire weakness through Magnezone and Roserade. Absorbing those fire attacks really helps me.
Ramuh (Magnezone) @ Leftovers
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 40 Atk / 252 Spd / 216 SpAtk
Naive (+Spd, -SpD)
- Thunderbolt
- Expolsion
- Hidden Power (Fire)
- Substitute
My lovely steel obliterator. Scizor and Skarmory don't stand a chance against me with this thing and in all fairness, neither do most steel types. The speed and nature let it outrun Adamant Scizor and doesn't affect the boom power of Explosion. Although, in all fairness, I have yet to use it as I like to keep Magnezone incase there's a pesky Scizor luurking in the opponents team. Again, a big problem is Swampert, with HP Fire to kill Steels, I can't touch Swampert, which is why the next Pokemon is here.
Nymph (Roserade) @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 140 HP / 118 Spd / 252 SpD
Calm (+SpD, -Atk)
- Sludge Bomb
- Substitute
- Toxic Spikes
- Leech Seed
My unconventional annoyer and it seems to surprise alot of people. Her aim is to set up Toxic Spikes, everything else is a bonus. My god have people been surprised by this, sending in a Poke to cripple her, only to be met by a Sub'd Roserade ready to seed. This is my favourite Pokemon on this team move wise (sorry Kingdra, still my fav looking poke) as I have always love SubSeeding. The reason I pick Sludge Bomb over Leaf Storm/Eneregy Ball is due to teh fact, if it's the last pokemon on my team, I don't want to have to forefit due to there being a Grass Pokemon and an absence of Toxic Spikes. Sludge Bomb gives me a shot at taking down Celebi, the rare Tangrowth and other Grass Pokemon that like to rear their head.
Hades (Rotom-A)
This one is being a bit of a problem,. I can't decide between a Trick Scarf or a WoW Defensive Rotom, some help here would be nice as I can't decide which would better compliment my team.
Old Pokemon
Typhon (Aerodactyl) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk/ 252 Spd/ 4 Def
Jolly (+Spd, - SpAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Taunt
The suicide lead. Taunt slower leads, set-up SR and try to use him to dent anything that attempts to take him down. After using Colbur Azelf I have found it to be alot more effective and preventing some Pokemon from preventing me using SR, namely Machamp. Also, too many times this Pokemon could be messed over too quickly, and although he done his job, Azelf does it alot better.
Hades (Dusknoir) @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpDef
Adamant (+Atk, -SpAtk)
- Focus Punch
- Substitute
- Ice Punch
- Shadow Sneak
Another one that seems to surprise people. I come in to block a Spin, then Sub on the switch with most people bringing in their Tyranitar. Which is quickly demolished via FP. I have also seem Blissey switch into Dusknoir so they can status him up and ruin him only to be met by a Sub and then FP'd after. However, after extensive testing of Rotom-A, I have decided to let Dusknoir hit the side lines ready for my main DDdos counter and prime spin blocker. Also, Rotom can mess many Pokemon over with WoW and Trick that Dusknoir just can't do.
Theres my team in a nut-shell. It seems to want to do multiple things but none of them well and I'm just seeking some advice really. As you may see this team isn't the best team and I know that, but the surprise factor on some movesets and also the mix up allow me a couple fo wins due to people panicking or mis-predicting. There is also some synergy between some of the Pokemon, such as Heatran covering fire weakness from Magnezone and Roserade, Roserade forcing switches spreading SR damage and Toxic, Magnezone trapping Scizor and destroying him, stopping him Pursuiting some of my Pokemon (such as Dusknoir). I know there are some weaknesses on my team, mainly to Swampert and Set-up'ers that, with the lack of WW when get going and are decent health, could take down my whole team. However, I can't see, due to lack of experience exactly where these weaknesses are and would really appreciate help. Cheers.
Team Building
So as with most teams, it starts off with a single Pokemon, and mine was Kingdra. One of my fav poke since Gen II the general bulk and offensive capabilities combined with the single weakness made me consider it a strong starting point and I also thought of a nickname i.e Leviathan and this is where the whole FF theme also came from. With Kingdra in tow, I wanted something that would greatly benefit from Kingdra's ability to make opponents make multiple switches, so I thought I need some lay down support.
Welcome Typhon (Aerodactyl). A solid lead that is pretty much guaranteed SR, but also, a powerful Pokemon in its own right. The ability to outspeed other leads, Taunting and screwing up the opponents starting momentum is what this bird is all about and boy does he do it well. Not only that but with RS and EQ in tow, the amount of times, if at full health he can be brought in and help get that important kill on a Pokemon, or even just cripple an opponents Pokemon before dying can help me. So now I have SR and Kingdra, so I think "Hmm, maybe I can capitalize on the switches a bit more, not by damage but through status? But can also annoy and force switches itself while soaking up a hit or two and maybe be my own little status absorber. But who?" Welcome pokemon number 3.
In comes the one Poke I could think of to do all these things, Nymph (Roserade). Now I know before anyone says Nymph is more well known as being a FF enemy but I couldn't think of a grass summon so....yea. This pokemon plays quite an important part on my team, the staus absorber thanks to NC, laying down Toxic Spikes as well as absorbing them, and being able to soak up a few special hits. I went with the SubSeed set as I believed it suited this pokemon role in my team better as the support/annoyer I craved. The amount of times, I've seen a SubSeeder annoy the hell out of someone, and with it being one of my likable stratergies since Sceptile I thought it was a good way to role, and it doesn't seem all that common so it's a nice surprise. Now, I have my hazards, but a Rapid Spinner can make 3+ turns of setting up completely useless so I think I need a Spin blocker. I see Rotom used so many times I wan't to go for something different and a bit more tanky and then it hits me, the perfect Pokemon for me and another one of my favourites.
Hades (Dusknoir) was my choice for a couple of reasons. I like the physical touch he adds to the team. I decided to go for the SubPunch set as it adds an effective way for me to kill Blissey and make her pretty much, unable to touch me, switch in Dusk, sub-up on the switch, then I have a comfortable position. Also he adds something this team so far lacks, an effectve way to take down set-uppers who have sacrificed alot of health to get that stat ups via Shadow Sneak. This has saved me a good few times in past times when I've used Dusknoir and he has killed and prevented that Pokemon completely killing me and as I lacked a Phazer, I considered it to be the second best thing. Now, I have the defence in my team, I need a strong offence. So, I think back to the whole FF theme and the holy trinity of Water, Fire and Electric. Firstly, I notice I don't have a Special sweeper and so here comes my fire pokemon.
Ifrit (Heatran) adds the Revenge killing element to my team I need and also a complete Fire immunity. Also, due to it being Scarfran it adds alot of cover with FB/EP/HP(Grass)/Explosion covering Electric, Grass, Steel, Rock and thanks to HP Grass, that pesky Swampert which my team can't really handle effectively. So, I need one more Pokemon, an Electric pokemon and one that can add a bit more offence to my team. So I think, what is one of the most used Poke out there that annoys the hell out of me with its stupid Steel typing, Technician and Bullet Punch and what is the best counter possible to it and is that Electric Pokemon I need to finish off the holy trinity? Ta-da.
Ramuh! Come forth! Magnezone, the ultimate Steel-trapping, Scizor counting Pokemon which adds the Electric Pokemon I need, the STAB TBolt and teh counter to Scizor I need, perfect, also takes care of that pesky Fortress after he's blocked by Dusknoir. So there ya go theres my team building run over and now for the next part, my FF Summon (nearly) team.
So here's the team:-
Mog (Azelf) @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 8 HP / 140 Atk / 144 SpD / 216 Spe
Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- U -Turn
- Explosion
Stealth Rock lets me start putting pressure on my opponents team quickly. Taunt is to prevent the slower leads setting up SR themselves and to force them to either start attacking or too switch. This Azelf also does good work at scouting my opponents team via the lovely U-Turn, letting me bring in a counter to their counter (confusing yea?). So, when they bring in ScarfTar or CBScizor, I've U -Turned and bring in Heatran/Magnezone/Kingdra to counter them. Great lead and when it's effective, starts up the momentum I need. Takes on most leads and does what it is supposed too. Love it.
Leviathan (Kingdra) @ Chesto Berry
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 144 HP / 160 Atk / 40 SpD / 164 Spe
Adamant (+Atk, -SpA)
-Dragon Dance
-Outrage
-Waterfall
-Rest
(Credit to Faladran on help with set)
My favourite pokemon of all time. Switch him in on a poke he can scare, start dancing and plough through the opposing team. Just wish he had a better dragon move than Outrage, being locked can seriously cause a loss for me if the opposing team uses that chance to start setting up. Starmie, Vappy and other bulky, non-offensive water's are good set-up fodder. I chose Chesto Berry in order for him to absorb more hits, absorb some status, Rest up when I'm low on health. Used this over my old Sub DD as it adds a few things:-
1) SpDef investments allow me to only be 3HKO'd by Suicune and LO Starmie.
2) ChestoRest let me get in teh maximum amount of DD before I Rest up to full. Slso, speed Ev's allow me to outspeed Scarfgon after 2 DD's.
Ifrit (Heatran) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SpAtk / 4 SpD
Naive (+ Spd, -SpD)
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Explosion
- Hidden Power (Grass)
Awsome revenge killer. Speedy, and deadly. Can take down most members of an opposing team if they don't suspect him. I am just a bit iffy about Explosion, except for that, love the guy. I'm using HP over DP for teh major reason of Swampert. That git can completely wreck alot of my team, mainly Aero, Kingdra and Magnezone (whose running HP Fire). Another reason he's on my team is I have a Fire weakness through Magnezone and Roserade. Absorbing those fire attacks really helps me.
Ramuh (Magnezone) @ Leftovers
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 40 Atk / 252 Spd / 216 SpAtk
Naive (+Spd, -SpD)
- Thunderbolt
- Expolsion
- Hidden Power (Fire)
- Substitute
My lovely steel obliterator. Scizor and Skarmory don't stand a chance against me with this thing and in all fairness, neither do most steel types. The speed and nature let it outrun Adamant Scizor and doesn't affect the boom power of Explosion. Although, in all fairness, I have yet to use it as I like to keep Magnezone incase there's a pesky Scizor luurking in the opponents team. Again, a big problem is Swampert, with HP Fire to kill Steels, I can't touch Swampert, which is why the next Pokemon is here.
Nymph (Roserade) @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 140 HP / 118 Spd / 252 SpD
Calm (+SpD, -Atk)
- Sludge Bomb
- Substitute
- Toxic Spikes
- Leech Seed
My unconventional annoyer and it seems to surprise alot of people. Her aim is to set up Toxic Spikes, everything else is a bonus. My god have people been surprised by this, sending in a Poke to cripple her, only to be met by a Sub'd Roserade ready to seed. This is my favourite Pokemon on this team move wise (sorry Kingdra, still my fav looking poke) as I have always love SubSeeding. The reason I pick Sludge Bomb over Leaf Storm/Eneregy Ball is due to teh fact, if it's the last pokemon on my team, I don't want to have to forefit due to there being a Grass Pokemon and an absence of Toxic Spikes. Sludge Bomb gives me a shot at taking down Celebi, the rare Tangrowth and other Grass Pokemon that like to rear their head.
Hades (Rotom-A)
This one is being a bit of a problem,. I can't decide between a Trick Scarf or a WoW Defensive Rotom, some help here would be nice as I can't decide which would better compliment my team.
Old Pokemon
Typhon (Aerodactyl) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk/ 252 Spd/ 4 Def
Jolly (+Spd, - SpAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Taunt
The suicide lead. Taunt slower leads, set-up SR and try to use him to dent anything that attempts to take him down. After using Colbur Azelf I have found it to be alot more effective and preventing some Pokemon from preventing me using SR, namely Machamp. Also, too many times this Pokemon could be messed over too quickly, and although he done his job, Azelf does it alot better.
Hades (Dusknoir) @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpDef
Adamant (+Atk, -SpAtk)
- Focus Punch
- Substitute
- Ice Punch
- Shadow Sneak
Another one that seems to surprise people. I come in to block a Spin, then Sub on the switch with most people bringing in their Tyranitar. Which is quickly demolished via FP. I have also seem Blissey switch into Dusknoir so they can status him up and ruin him only to be met by a Sub and then FP'd after. However, after extensive testing of Rotom-A, I have decided to let Dusknoir hit the side lines ready for my main DDdos counter and prime spin blocker. Also, Rotom can mess many Pokemon over with WoW and Trick that Dusknoir just can't do.
Theres my team in a nut-shell. It seems to want to do multiple things but none of them well and I'm just seeking some advice really. As you may see this team isn't the best team and I know that, but the surprise factor on some movesets and also the mix up allow me a couple fo wins due to people panicking or mis-predicting. There is also some synergy between some of the Pokemon, such as Heatran covering fire weakness from Magnezone and Roserade, Roserade forcing switches spreading SR damage and Toxic, Magnezone trapping Scizor and destroying him, stopping him Pursuiting some of my Pokemon (such as Dusknoir). I know there are some weaknesses on my team, mainly to Swampert and Set-up'ers that, with the lack of WW when get going and are decent health, could take down my whole team. However, I can't see, due to lack of experience exactly where these weaknesses are and would really appreciate help. Cheers.
