CAP 23 CAP 23 - Part 10 - Sprite Submissions

[Quanyails]

Sprite Rules

• Sprites should be inspired by the winning designs from the Art Poll. It does not need to be an exact rendition of every detail of the designs; "artistic license" is granted to all spriters. However, drastic deviation from the selected art designs is discouraged.
• All sprites (front and back) can have a maximum size of 96x96.
• All sprites (front and back) must have a complete, unbroken, distinguishable outline. It does not need to be a black outline, but it must be clearly distinguishable from the adjacent interior colors of the sprite
• No action effects, move effects, environment effects or additional objects can be rendered on or around the pokemon.
• Sprites must be in PNG format.
• Use 8-bit truecolor (aka 8-bit RGB) or less. This does NOT mean 256 color mode.
• Use transparent backgrounds.
• All sprites must be scratch sprites that are completely original works by the spriter. Fusions of other sprites or pixel-overs of other artist's lineart (including the main design) are not allowed.
• Do not alter, fuse, recolor or otherwise modify another spriter's submission unless the original artist explicitly gives permission.
• All sprites (front and back) must use roughly the same size and pose when compared to each other.

Final Submission Post

All spriters must make a final submission post conforming to the sprite rules (listed above) and the following:

• The post must have "Final Submission" (in bold) as the first line, with the sprites at the top, and any additional description or comments (if applicable) below them.
• Final submissions must contain a minimum of 4 sprites - Front Normal, Front Shiny, Back Normal, Back Shiny. If spriters choose to include gender differences (Male and Female versions of each) then 8 sprites must be submitted. Gender differences are NOT required.
• Only submit ONE PNG that contains all the submitted sprites. Please do not submit separate images for every sprite. One "cutsheet" makes it easier for mods to track submissions and ensure each complete set of sprites stay intact.
• Only make one (1) final submission post.

All legal final submissions will be included in the sprite poll.

Advice for Spriters

There are 8 possible sprites in a Sprite Set:

• Front Normal Male
• Front Normal Female
• Front Shiny Male
• Front Shiny Female
• Back Normal Male
• Back Normal Female
• Back Shiny Male
• Back Shiny Female

In most cases, spriters post a Front Normal sprite first. Once feedback comes in and the poll nears, they make the other sprites. You do not have to make different Male and Female sprites. Typically there are only minute differences between male and female sprites, but some spriters make noticeable changes between genders, which is also fine. Shiny coloring is completely up to the spriter to choose, even if the design artist posted suggested shiny coloring with their art design submission. Please look at your transparent sprites against different colored backgrounds, not just white. In Pokémon Showdown, the sprite will be displayed on multiple background colors in battle.


Art Design:

CaP 23 So far

Typing: Dragon/Ghost
Primary Ability: Comatose
Stats: 84 HP / 133 Atk / 71 Def / 51 SpA / 111 SpD / 101 Spe
Abilities: Comatose / No Competitive Ability / TBD

Concept:

Name: Wait! It's a Trap Move!

Description: A Pokémon that can make effective use of semi-trapping, fully trapping, or self-trapping move(s).

Justification: Trapping is a somewhat polarized mechanic in the current SM metagame. In terms of ability-based trappers we have Dugtrio, perhaps one of the most hated (or most loved, really depends on the situation) Pokémon thanks to its ability Arena Trap. There is also the occasionally seen Magnezone that uses Magnet Pull to lure in and decimate Steel type Pokemon. All trapping effects are ignored by the Shed Shell item or simply by being a Ghost type. However, this is not the kind of trapping I want to focus on. Focusing on abilities leaves few options, and the general mechanics are the same: Lure, Trap, Destroy. Nothing much new is to be found there.

So, instead, I would like this concept to focus on trapping moves. For those unfamiliar with the term, there are a few types of trapping moves which I will make an attempt to explain here. A semi- or partially trapping move prevents the opponent from switching out for a set number of turns while also usually doing a set percent of damage. Example moves would be Whirlpool, Fire Spin, Infestation, and Magma Storm (but don't use that last one, it's legendary exclusive!). There are also what I like to call fully trapping moves, moves that prevent the opponent from switching not for a set number of turns, but instead until the Pokémon who used the move leaves the battlefield. This category includes moves such as Block as well as the brand-new Gen 7 moves of Anchor Shot and Spirit Shackle. Also are what I call self-trapping moves, which is just Ingrain to my knowledge. This move (and if any similar ones come about) lock the USER into battle. Lastly, just to make sure I cover all my bases, Fairy Lock is an interesting trapping move that prevents any Pokémon, friend or foe, from leaving the battlefield on the following turn only (Barring the usual exceptions).

This concept fits in the Actualization and Archetype categories. Trapping moves are exceedingly rare in their usage. The most effective in OU currently is Magma Storm Heatran, but this is by far not its only nor its best set. Expanding our gaze slightly we may find the strange Stall-Trap or Perish-Trap strategies in use in varying parts of the ladder. Even further? Ok then, in Ubers you can find an excellent example of self-trapping in Ingrain Xerneas, which helps prevent the opponent from forcing Xerneas out after it has set up its boosts. In addition, one could look at SD Trapper Decidueye that sets up with Swords Dance after trapping a helpless opponent via Spirit Shackle. Dhelmise can also use Anchor Shot, though I'm not terribly sure as to how that set works... Regardless, that makes about four solid examples of trapping moves across four different tiers, and none of the sets are by any means the only or most effective sets those Pokémon can run (Except maybe Dhelmise. Is there an RU player here who can help me out with that thing?). Overall, the relative rarity of these moves in competitive play when contrasted with the seemingly powerful effect of locking in the opponent begs a variety of questions about the nature and use of said trapping moves. To best explore these moves, designing a Pokémon to use and abuse them makes the most sense for understanding how to properly use them (whatever that would mean).

Questions To Be Answered:
(Base) Is there a 'best' way to utilize trapping moves? If so, what playstyle does it most align with?
(Base) Is there a 'best' type of trapping move overall, or are they each truly viable in their own ways?
(Base) What is the value in trapping the opposing Pokémon? Are certain traps better than others? Why?
(Base) What synergies work well with trapping moves? Why do they have such a great synergy, and how can that be expanded or dealt with in the process of teambuilding?
(Comparison) How do trapping moves compare against trapping abilities? Are there any inherent benefits and disadvantages and if so, what are they?
(Metagame) Are there any particular archetype matchups in which a trapping-move Pokémon would have an advantage? A disadvantage? Why is that?
(Metagame) What has contributed to the lack of presence of trapping moves in our metagame? Is it a plethora of other options, a lack of viable abusers, or something else?
(Metagame) How does the trapping mechanic interact with the value of switching out?[/SIZE]

Threats list

CAP23 should target and dismantle:
a. Defensive pivots/walls (e.g. doesn't use VoltTurn): Tomohawk, Toxapex, Tangrowth, Arghonaut, Pyroak, Mollux, Mega Venusaur, Zapdos
If successfully trapped, these Pokemon will have a difficult time against CAP23, through CAP23's offensive coverage or utility.

CAP23 should target and pressure (Pokemon that have methods to escape CAP23 and should not threaten a healthy CAP23 AND offensive Pokemon that CAP23 naturally checks):
b. VoltTurn pivots: Landorus-T, Rotom-W, Volkraken, other VoltTurners whose coverage CAP23 resists
These are VoltTurn pivots we should not lose to. CAP23 has a general type advantage over these, so they should be pressured into switching out, rather than having a free U-turn or Volt Switch.
c. Offensive Pokemon: Excadrill, Volcarona, Keldeo, Tapu Bulu, Mega Charizard Y, Calm Mind Naviathan, other Pokemon whose coverage CAP23 resists
CAP23 should generally not lose to Pokemon whose moves are resisted: as such, these Pokemon should fear CAP23 to some degree.

CAP23 should be checked by:
d. Offensive Steel-types: Kitsunoh, Dragon Dance Naviathan, Mega Mawile, Bisharp
e. Ice-types: Syclant, Kyurem-B, Ninetales-A
These Pokemon have the coverage, bulk, or power to tackle CAP23.
f. Dragon-types: Zygarde, Mega Charizard X, Latios, Garchomp
g. Ghost-types: Mimikyu, Kitsunoh, Gengar
These two types have a type advantage over CAP23, but the reverse is also true, so they are checks.
h. Dark-types: Ash-Greninja, Greninja, Colossoil, Mega Sableye, Mega Sharpedo, Mega Gyarados
i. Fairy-types: Tapu Lele, Kerfluffle, Mega Diancie, Mega Gardevoir, Clefable
These Pokemon have the bulk, super-effective STAB-boosted coverage, or other qualities to check CAP23.

CAP23 should be countered by:
j. Skarmory, Celesteela, Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, Tapu Fini
These Pokemon generally have the bulk to take on a Ghost-type STAB, resist or are immune to CAP23's Dragon-type STAB, and generally do not care about CAP23's trapping effect. Tapu Fini in particular blocks CAP23's ability to use Toxic.

Topic Leader: snake_rattler
Typing Leader: HeaLnDeaL
Ability Leader: LucarioOfLegends
Stats Leader: reachzero
Movepool Leader: cbrevan

 

[Garbagery]

FIRST AND


UPDATE(redone again, this time its actually ok now)

 

[W0rm]

FIRST AND

I AM NOT LOSING THIS ONE, FIGHT ME BONCHES.

Not to shoot you down but I feel like you'll have better luck if you sprite it from scratch rather than going for a direct representation of official art. The pose doesn't feel engaging in a battle context and the colours feel a little too flat.

On the topic of colours, BW2 era sprites had only 16 colours, this has 144 somehow, though that may just be the result of quality loss when saving the file, it's still something to consider.

Personal taste grievance, I think it would benefit from having some black on the outline, I get that it's a ghost and that certain sprites like Spiritomb's get away with it, but the coloured outlines really add to the sprites lack of contrast and make the design appear muddy. They also don't really make sense to have on the little guy, as he's not meant to be ghostly as far as I can tell.

 

[Mova]

Here's my sprite of this dreaming dragon. I made sure it has only 16 colors, including black and white.

 

[Wyverii]

Got the sprite within 16 colours (including transparency) and put it in a threatening posture with claws forward to try and accent its high atk. I'm overall happy with this pose except for the ghost's hat which is in an awkward position so it doesn't cover up the baby dragon. Included is a quick spread of shiny ideas.

 

[Sereg]

Got the sprite within 16 colours (including transparency) and put it in a threatening posture with claws forward to try and accent its high atk. I'm overall happy with this pose except for the ghost's hat which is in an awkward position so it doesn't cover up the baby dragon. Included is a quick spread of shiny ideas.

I like the second shiny idea best. Love the pose.

 

[Reviloja753]

Got the sprite within 16 colours (including transparency) and put it in a threatening posture with claws forward to try and accent its high atk. I'm overall happy with this pose except for the ghost's hat which is in an awkward position so it doesn't cover up the baby dragon. Included is a quick spread of shiny ideas.

Agree that the pose is great, but two things.
1. The dreamgon’s cap Fire Thing is a little longer and it looks kind of awkward.
2. I like the second and fourth Shiny best.

 

[Mova]

Wyverii That's an amazing pose! I suggest going with either the second or fourth Shinies, as a greenish shiny palette complements a normally purple palette quite nicely.

 

[Falchion]

Got the sprite within 16 colours (including transparency) and put it in a threatening posture with claws forward to try and accent its high atk. I'm overall happy with this pose except for the ghost's hat which is in an awkward position so it doesn't cover up the baby dragon. Included is a quick spread of shiny ideas.

I'm most fond of the orange color scheme for the shiny. Partly because it smacks of Clyde from Pac-Man and partly because it reminds me of the mythical Sandman, which fits the dreaming theme this design's got going for it. I'd have gone with a more yellowish color for the shiny myself, though, because of the latter reason. Plus it also contrasts the purple and blue of the normal colors most effectively, while the rest of the alts don't have as much visual interest. At least in my opinion.

 

[Rapti]

Wyverii I like the fact that you made the "cap" a bit larger, it looks more organic since now it looks like a cap shaped horn which is a much better look in my opinion
I also think the second shiny is the best (maybe a slightly slightly darker green)

 

[GoldenGear1000]

Got the sprite within 16 colours (including transparency) and put it in a threatening posture with claws forward to try and accent its high atk. I'm overall happy with this pose except for the ghost's hat which is in an awkward position so it doesn't cover up the baby dragon. Included is a quick spread of shiny ideas.

I love this sprite! I'm partial to the first and last shinies.

 

[S. Court]

Got the sprite within 16 colours (including transparency) and put it in a threatening posture with claws forward to try and accent its high atk. I'm overall happy with this pose except for the ghost's hat which is in an awkward position so it doesn't cover up the baby dragon. Included is a quick spread of shiny ideas.

Great Sprite, Wyv, I really like it

Now, about the shiny coloration... Mmmm that'd be my preference order

1st > 5th > 4rt > 2nd > 3rd

 

[Falchion]

WIP

Decided to homage my own CAP entry by giving the big dagron a similar pose. Still need to add transparency and shading, and fix up the colored outlines, but I'm liking where this is going so far!

As I mentioned when critiquing Wyverii's sprites, I'm thinking of a sandman-style yellow with orange accents for the shiny. I like the color-opposite contrast it would provide compared to the main sprite.

 

[Garbagery]

I like the second shiny idea best. Love the pose.

The third and second shinie colors are the best, also nice pose

 

[Hesh Kadesh]

Wyverii - love the 1st, sprite, but also love the colour on the hat of the 3rd sprite; out of interest, how would it look with those colours swapped (Cerise/Pink Body and Orange hat instead)

 

[Falchion]

WIP

Finished the front sprite (finally), hopefully it's 16 colors! Also included my idea for the shiny color scheme.

 

[Wyverii]

Added hat rim and altered hat on ghost.
Added swirl to the arm fire and shortened it to avoid intersecting the spine.
Altered face and hat on the baby.
Altered tiny swirls on elbow and tail a little.

I like the sandman idea for the colouration, but the bluer shinys ended up way more popular so I'm going with that (with slight alterations).

 

[Reiga]

Added hat rim and altered hat on ghost.
Added swirl to the arm fire and shortened it to avoid intersecting the spine.
Altered face and hat on the baby.
Altered tiny swirls on elbow and tail a little.

I like the sandman idea for the colouration, but the bluer shinys ended up way more popular so I'm going with that (with slight alterations).

If I could like posts here, I'd make 50 alt accounts and make them like this post. Then get banned. Great sprite.

 

[K. Roolest Shark]

W.I.P.
The shiny reverses the colors of the dragons and that makes it look better than before. He still sleeps on his nightmare even in battle.

 

[Swaggy-G]

Final Submission
The shiny reverses the colors of the dragons and that makes it look better than before. He still sleeps on his nightmare even in battle.

View attachment 89818

The front sprite look good enough, but the back sprites are kinda awkward. It's pretty obvious that you just copypasted the small dragon, and the pose just ends up looking weird.

 

[K. Roolest Shark]

The front sprite look good enough, but the back sprites are kinda awkward. It's pretty obvious that you just copypasted the small dragon, and the pose just ends up looking weird.

I tried to have the baby dragon in a different pose for the back sprite but it didn't work out very well, same for the ghost.

 

[Swaggy-G]

I tried to have the baby dragon in a different pose for the back sprite but it didn't work out very well, same for the ghost.

Also the cap doesn't connect to the bigger dragon's tail in the backsprite.

 

[K. Roolest Shark]

Also the cap doesn't connect to the bigger dragon's tail in the backsprite.

It's hidden behind the ghost's dragon.

 

[Falchion]

Back sprites are done! A couple of tweaks to the colors, outlines, and general appearance have been made as well. Critiques are appreciated as always! :D

As the back sprite shows, I actually gave the big dragon two rows of back spikes like a Stegosaurus, rather than just the one shown in the artwork. This not only adds visual interest to the back sprite, but also provides a comfy space for the tiny dragon to sleep on. <3

EDIT: Edited the shinies; the stripes on the baby are lighter now, so they should hopefully look a bit more clear on the front sprite.

 

[Reviloja753]

Back sprites are done! A couple of tweaks to the colors, outlines, and general appearance have been made as well. Critiques are appreciated as always! :D

As the back sprite shows, I actually gave the big dragon two rows of back spikes like a Stegosaurus, rather than just the one shown in the artwork. This not only adds visual interest to the back sprite, but also provides a comfy space for the tiny dragon to sleep on. <3

I like this one, but the main issue is that the stripes on the baby dragon on the shiny’s Front is pretty bad...