Hello, this is TCG Trainer Ethan here and I'm here to tell another one of my stories today. Not about knights and princess, but something with more of a Middle Eastern flair.
I'm here to tell you a story about a beautiful Maiden, her Oasis, and the treacherous Desert that surrounds her, a story that was once part of the 1001 Nights, but was lost to time....
I wanted to update my old "The Desert Princess" Team, so I started with what led the team last time: Gardevoir( though instead of being support, she was to be breaking walls).
As for the "Desert" part of the team, I flipped-flopped between Tyranitar( on the original team) and Hippowdon. While it was nice to have physical wall, the hippo just felt limp and so I went back to the original( though with more of a support slant this time).
However, while Gardevoir dovetailed with Tyranitar type-wise, it wasn't so grand in sand, the core was kind of weak with ttar being support and Gardevoir isn't the quickest pokemon in OU.I also needed a spinner to keep Garedvoir healthy barring sand. So, I got the best way to patch both those problems, the great Sand Rush Excadrill.
While this core was all well and good, there were still some problems; namely M-Scizor and Ferrothorn. Thus, I brought in the best steel trapper, Magnezone.
Now while this looked like a proper sand team, I needed ice( for landorus-T and gliscor). While Tyranitar had ice beam his role was to deal with Garchomps for Excadrill to clean. I also needed a way to tank the EQ's that would be coming my way. Keldeo-R fit the spot.
The final spot was first inhabited by Bisharp, to poke holes in other teams. Then I remembered I didn't have anything to really tank things with, nor any support beyond Rocks and Removal. So I swapped the chess piece with the time traveler, Celebi.
Now on to the characters:
Dunyazad(Tyranitar)
Main role: Setting Sand and Rocks, Pursuit Trapper, Poker of Sand Leads
In a faraway continent, there is a large desert. Few have wandered in it, and even fewer have returned. Some, as expected, believe this place to be just a natural place, but there are rumors that there is a Desert Monster who rules over it all and keeps the sand coming...and who wants to consume everything.
Dunyazad, named after the helpful sister of Scheherazade, is the Pokemon I like putting in the lead, but don't since most people expect her. Unlike most T-tar, who specialize in attacking, my gal takes more of a support role, with a 248 HP / 80 Def / 180 SpD spread and a Relaxed nature. Her main role is putting up the sand that makes my team work so well and set up Rocks when she can. However, she can also fight back: Pursuit is for the poor Lati and Psychic sweepers that wander into the desert, Stone Edge is for that beautiful STAB and, if her start has her in front of a sand lead, ala Garchomp or Land-T, she can can tank an EQ and blast back with a nice Ice Beam.
Shah Zaman(Excadrill)
Main Roles: Revenge Killer, Spinner, Cleaner
If one decides to wander into the desert, whether for glory, fame or to disappear, one must be wary. There are monsters that live in this desert, none more powerful than the mighty Giant Mole, who is only lower than the rumored Desert Monster itself. If the desert doesn't kill you outright, then the Giant Mole is sure to pick up the slack...
Going off of the 1001 Nights theme, Shah Zaman, named after the brother of the sultan that Scheherezade dealt with and who married her sister, is what brings the true power of the Desert to the opponent. With his Sand Rush ability making him quicker than most of the unboosted tier in Sand, he is the perfect Revenge killer, finishing off any weakened Pokemon or cleaning up after the rest of the team has poked the opponent full of holes. He also doubles as a spinner, making sure the rocks don't stay up.
He has a typical 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe spread and the Sand Rush moveset with Adamant to make his job easier. He also has the Air Balloon so he can laugh at Heatran or Ttar. It also helps with the one-two punch on sand leads that I have with him and his "wife"; Dunyazad tanks a hit or has rocks against her, she counters with Ice Beam, and when the opponent uses EQ, I swap to Excadrill and finish them off.
Ali Baba(Magnezone)
Main Role: Steel Killer, Water killer
If the Giant Mole wasn't a deterrent, then it would be good to tell that you're going to be walking the desert on foot; there's a mystical barrier that leads to any metal, magnetic or electronic device failing in there. Any car will break to pieces, planes that cross it start to fail, even minor things as phones, compasses or headphones won't work. No one really knows why, but some say there's a living metal structure there that emits the barrier, day after day. And don't get me started on any water you bring...
Named after the famous thief leader, Ali Baba is the barrier that stands between my team and the Water and Steel Pokemon that want to wreck it. Any Ferrothorns, Scizors, Skarmories, Starmies, you name it; he gets rid of it most of the time. It's as typical a Magnet Pull set as you can get; V. Switch to scout and to avoid other Magnezone, Flash Cannon to whack any Fairies or Rock types, HP Fire to deal with Steel and Thunderbolt because STAB. His spread is 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe, for the power he needs, and a combo of Timid and a Choice Scarf makes sure he isn't out-sped. He's also part of the Fairy/Steel core i have on the team.
Menat(Celebi)
Main Roles: Status Spreader, Mixed Tank, Status Cleric
If, however, the Desert takes pity on you, you might be able to find the Oasis in the middle of the Desert. In it, there is much greenery to eat from and to act as shade from the sun. There have been only a few who have reached it. Even less believe to have seen a green pixie going around and tending to all the flora and fauna. Be for warned not to take too much, though, lest you feel the pixie's wrath...
Named after a variant of the Harvest goddess Hathor(and the only one on the team not from 1001 Nights), Menat is the one that acts as almost total support. Her 252 HP / 156 Def / 84 SpD / 16 Spe with a Bold nature means she can take hits like a pro.
As for her cleric/ Status spreader roles, Recover keeps her healthy, Heal Bell and her Natural Cure ability keep status away, and TWave cripples any switch-ins. Her only attack is Giga Drain, which, while not as powerful with investment, makes sure that any Rotom-W that comes to play will regret it.
Prince Ali(Keldeo-R)
Main Role: Killer of De Blob, General Poker, Support Killer
And what would be an oasis without clean, fresh water to moisten the parched throat? In the center of the Oasis, is a large pond. The water in it is so clear that the bottom can be seen and so pure that some say it can purify your body as well. Be careful when entering it, though, for those who seek to ruin it, somehow find themselves underwater... with a very thick sheet of ice on top. It may seem like the water itself is alive, but it is due to the protector of the lake, a knightly being which is quick to deal with any evil intruders with swift justice...
Chansey is an annoying special wall for my team. This, guy, named after the famous Prince Ali, is my counter to her with his Sacred Sword. Besides that, he acts as a nice Special poker for my team, poking holes at any Pokemon unable to take his attacks or weakening them with speed drops(Icy Wind) and burns(Scald). And with his Special sweeper spread of 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe, along with a Life Orb, they'll be sure to feel the pain. Finally, I added Taunt to his lineup, to laugh at any attempt at setup or support( particularly the Spore of Breloom).
Mega:
Scheherazade(Gardevoir)
Main Role: Special Wallbreaker/Sweeper
However, what people really look for in this oasis and why people risk their lives to get to it is to meet the entity they call The Maiden. A being shrouded in mystery, the only record of her existence is through the records of 5 people throughout history who have seen her and asked for her assistance. The legends speak of her powerful magic, able to grant almost any wish, and her kindness, giving the poor and wretched who come to her rest and comfort, and maybe a good story or two. However, she is said to have the ability to know the heart of any who arrive in her oasis; any that come to her with an evil or greedy heart will find themselves lucky that they find only a fake facsimile and leave; otherwise, they will find themselves only a painful death, if not outright erasure from the mortal realm.
With EVs (16 HP / 8 Def / 232 SpA / 252 Spe) that are fit for a slightly tanky Special Sweeper, and natural Special bulk to tank and mega evolve, Scheherazade( named after the main character of 1001 Nights) is the main wallbreaker and sweeper of the team. Whether you're a Slowbro, a Mega Venusaur, or a Clefable, she'll take you down. She also acts as the other half of the Fairy core, dealing with Fighting types with relative ease. Her moveset is mostly typical( Hyper Voice, Psyshock, Focus Blast), except for one oddity: Substitute. This helps her deal with steel switch-ins, her middling speed and any status that comes to try and cripple her. Finally, since she's not the speediest thing ever, I made her Timid.
And there you have the story of The Desert, the Oasis, and The Maiden.
Now, this isn't a perfect story; there are ways to end the story early with a few threats :
Choice Keldeo- He can screw my team over if Celebi doesn't cripple him in time, especially because he outspeeds Magnezone.
Mega Metagross(bulky)- If my magnezone or Excadril can't get the kill on it, they usually get destroyed by EQ or Hammer Arm, leading to the rest of the team helpless.
Mega Venusaur(Physical Tank)- Only my Gardevoir can hurt him and on the switch-in cause sludge bomb hurts. And Excadrill can't really poke holes in him.
If you want to see how the team works, here's a replay:
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ou-296307703
And if you'd like to test the team out( and maybe how a better-skilled player than I can use the team):
Thanks again for reading and I hope you'll come to listen to one of my stories again.
I'm here to tell you a story about a beautiful Maiden, her Oasis, and the treacherous Desert that surrounds her, a story that was once part of the 1001 Nights, but was lost to time....
I wanted to update my old "The Desert Princess" Team, so I started with what led the team last time: Gardevoir( though instead of being support, she was to be breaking walls).
As for the "Desert" part of the team, I flipped-flopped between Tyranitar( on the original team) and Hippowdon. While it was nice to have physical wall, the hippo just felt limp and so I went back to the original( though with more of a support slant this time).
However, while Gardevoir dovetailed with Tyranitar type-wise, it wasn't so grand in sand, the core was kind of weak with ttar being support and Gardevoir isn't the quickest pokemon in OU.I also needed a spinner to keep Garedvoir healthy barring sand. So, I got the best way to patch both those problems, the great Sand Rush Excadrill.
While this core was all well and good, there were still some problems; namely M-Scizor and Ferrothorn. Thus, I brought in the best steel trapper, Magnezone.
Now while this looked like a proper sand team, I needed ice( for landorus-T and gliscor). While Tyranitar had ice beam his role was to deal with Garchomps for Excadrill to clean. I also needed a way to tank the EQ's that would be coming my way. Keldeo-R fit the spot.
The final spot was first inhabited by Bisharp, to poke holes in other teams. Then I remembered I didn't have anything to really tank things with, nor any support beyond Rocks and Removal. So I swapped the chess piece with the time traveler, Celebi.
Now on to the characters:
Dunyazad(Tyranitar)
Main role: Setting Sand and Rocks, Pursuit Trapper, Poker of Sand Leads
In a faraway continent, there is a large desert. Few have wandered in it, and even fewer have returned. Some, as expected, believe this place to be just a natural place, but there are rumors that there is a Desert Monster who rules over it all and keeps the sand coming...and who wants to consume everything.
Dunyazad, named after the helpful sister of Scheherazade, is the Pokemon I like putting in the lead, but don't since most people expect her. Unlike most T-tar, who specialize in attacking, my gal takes more of a support role, with a 248 HP / 80 Def / 180 SpD spread and a Relaxed nature. Her main role is putting up the sand that makes my team work so well and set up Rocks when she can. However, she can also fight back: Pursuit is for the poor Lati and Psychic sweepers that wander into the desert, Stone Edge is for that beautiful STAB and, if her start has her in front of a sand lead, ala Garchomp or Land-T, she can can tank an EQ and blast back with a nice Ice Beam.
Shah Zaman(Excadrill)
Main Roles: Revenge Killer, Spinner, Cleaner
If one decides to wander into the desert, whether for glory, fame or to disappear, one must be wary. There are monsters that live in this desert, none more powerful than the mighty Giant Mole, who is only lower than the rumored Desert Monster itself. If the desert doesn't kill you outright, then the Giant Mole is sure to pick up the slack...
Going off of the 1001 Nights theme, Shah Zaman, named after the brother of the sultan that Scheherezade dealt with and who married her sister, is what brings the true power of the Desert to the opponent. With his Sand Rush ability making him quicker than most of the unboosted tier in Sand, he is the perfect Revenge killer, finishing off any weakened Pokemon or cleaning up after the rest of the team has poked the opponent full of holes. He also doubles as a spinner, making sure the rocks don't stay up.
He has a typical 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe spread and the Sand Rush moveset with Adamant to make his job easier. He also has the Air Balloon so he can laugh at Heatran or Ttar. It also helps with the one-two punch on sand leads that I have with him and his "wife"; Dunyazad tanks a hit or has rocks against her, she counters with Ice Beam, and when the opponent uses EQ, I swap to Excadrill and finish them off.
Ali Baba(Magnezone)
Main Role: Steel Killer, Water killer
If the Giant Mole wasn't a deterrent, then it would be good to tell that you're going to be walking the desert on foot; there's a mystical barrier that leads to any metal, magnetic or electronic device failing in there. Any car will break to pieces, planes that cross it start to fail, even minor things as phones, compasses or headphones won't work. No one really knows why, but some say there's a living metal structure there that emits the barrier, day after day. And don't get me started on any water you bring...
Named after the famous thief leader, Ali Baba is the barrier that stands between my team and the Water and Steel Pokemon that want to wreck it. Any Ferrothorns, Scizors, Skarmories, Starmies, you name it; he gets rid of it most of the time. It's as typical a Magnet Pull set as you can get; V. Switch to scout and to avoid other Magnezone, Flash Cannon to whack any Fairies or Rock types, HP Fire to deal with Steel and Thunderbolt because STAB. His spread is 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe, for the power he needs, and a combo of Timid and a Choice Scarf makes sure he isn't out-sped. He's also part of the Fairy/Steel core i have on the team.
Menat(Celebi)
Main Roles: Status Spreader, Mixed Tank, Status Cleric
If, however, the Desert takes pity on you, you might be able to find the Oasis in the middle of the Desert. In it, there is much greenery to eat from and to act as shade from the sun. There have been only a few who have reached it. Even less believe to have seen a green pixie going around and tending to all the flora and fauna. Be for warned not to take too much, though, lest you feel the pixie's wrath...
Named after a variant of the Harvest goddess Hathor(and the only one on the team not from 1001 Nights), Menat is the one that acts as almost total support. Her 252 HP / 156 Def / 84 SpD / 16 Spe with a Bold nature means she can take hits like a pro.
As for her cleric/ Status spreader roles, Recover keeps her healthy, Heal Bell and her Natural Cure ability keep status away, and TWave cripples any switch-ins. Her only attack is Giga Drain, which, while not as powerful with investment, makes sure that any Rotom-W that comes to play will regret it.
Prince Ali(Keldeo-R)
Main Role: Killer of De Blob, General Poker, Support Killer
And what would be an oasis without clean, fresh water to moisten the parched throat? In the center of the Oasis, is a large pond. The water in it is so clear that the bottom can be seen and so pure that some say it can purify your body as well. Be careful when entering it, though, for those who seek to ruin it, somehow find themselves underwater... with a very thick sheet of ice on top. It may seem like the water itself is alive, but it is due to the protector of the lake, a knightly being which is quick to deal with any evil intruders with swift justice...
Chansey is an annoying special wall for my team. This, guy, named after the famous Prince Ali, is my counter to her with his Sacred Sword. Besides that, he acts as a nice Special poker for my team, poking holes at any Pokemon unable to take his attacks or weakening them with speed drops(Icy Wind) and burns(Scald). And with his Special sweeper spread of 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe, along with a Life Orb, they'll be sure to feel the pain. Finally, I added Taunt to his lineup, to laugh at any attempt at setup or support( particularly the Spore of Breloom).
Mega:
Scheherazade(Gardevoir)
Main Role: Special Wallbreaker/Sweeper
However, what people really look for in this oasis and why people risk their lives to get to it is to meet the entity they call The Maiden. A being shrouded in mystery, the only record of her existence is through the records of 5 people throughout history who have seen her and asked for her assistance. The legends speak of her powerful magic, able to grant almost any wish, and her kindness, giving the poor and wretched who come to her rest and comfort, and maybe a good story or two. However, she is said to have the ability to know the heart of any who arrive in her oasis; any that come to her with an evil or greedy heart will find themselves lucky that they find only a fake facsimile and leave; otherwise, they will find themselves only a painful death, if not outright erasure from the mortal realm.
With EVs (16 HP / 8 Def / 232 SpA / 252 Spe) that are fit for a slightly tanky Special Sweeper, and natural Special bulk to tank and mega evolve, Scheherazade( named after the main character of 1001 Nights) is the main wallbreaker and sweeper of the team. Whether you're a Slowbro, a Mega Venusaur, or a Clefable, she'll take you down. She also acts as the other half of the Fairy core, dealing with Fighting types with relative ease. Her moveset is mostly typical( Hyper Voice, Psyshock, Focus Blast), except for one oddity: Substitute. This helps her deal with steel switch-ins, her middling speed and any status that comes to try and cripple her. Finally, since she's not the speediest thing ever, I made her Timid.
And there you have the story of The Desert, the Oasis, and The Maiden.
Now, this isn't a perfect story; there are ways to end the story early with a few threats :
If you want to see how the team works, here's a replay:
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ou-296307703
And if you'd like to test the team out( and maybe how a better-skilled player than I can use the team):
Scheherazade (Gardevoir) (F) @ Gardevoirite
Ability: Trace
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 16 HP / 8 Def / 232 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hyper Voice
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast
- Substitute
Ali Baba (Magnezone) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Flash Cannon
- Thunderbolt
Dunyazad (Tyranitar) (F) @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 80 Def / 180 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Ice Beam
Menat (Celebi) @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 156 Def / 84 SpD / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
- Giga Drain
- Recover
- Heal Bell
- Thunder Wave
Prince Ali (Keldeo-Resolute) @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Icy Wind
- Taunt
Shah Zaman (Excadrill) (M) @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rapid Spin
- Rock Slide
Ability: Trace
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 16 HP / 8 Def / 232 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hyper Voice
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast
- Substitute
Ali Baba (Magnezone) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Flash Cannon
- Thunderbolt
Dunyazad (Tyranitar) (F) @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 80 Def / 180 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Ice Beam
Menat (Celebi) @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 156 Def / 84 SpD / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
- Giga Drain
- Recover
- Heal Bell
- Thunder Wave
Prince Ali (Keldeo-Resolute) @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Icy Wind
- Taunt
Shah Zaman (Excadrill) (M) @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rapid Spin
- Rock Slide
Thanks again for reading and I hope you'll come to listen to one of my stories again.
Attachments
Last edited:
