Clean Slate

[earl]

Name of the Pokemon: Lapras
Role(s): Special Wall, Set-Up Sweeper, TR Abuser, Tank
Type:

Abilities: Water Veil / Icebreaker* | HA: Thick Fat
Stat Distribution:
HP 105
ATK 110
DEF 80
SPA 90
SPD 120
SPE 65
BST 570
Movepool Additions: Aqua Jet, Liquidation, Scald, Water Spout, Dragon Hammer, Draco Meteor, Dragon Tail, Aurora Veil, Light Screen, Earth Power, Earthquake, Rock Slide, Rock Tomb, Iron Head, Flamethrower, Fire Blast, Seed Bomb, Sludge Bomb
Movepool Removals: - -
Custom Elements: *Icebreaker (Ice-type Steelworker clone, ignores Hail damage)
Justification: WIP

Seeing as almost all of your movepool additions are offensive STABs/Coverage moves and this Lapras still has no viable recovery, this would probably end up as an offensive tank or fat Dragon Dance Sweeper. I'd recommend tweaking the movepool additions to point more towards a wall than a tank.

And in other news, I will probably close subs and open voting tonight, so get your subs finished!

 

[earl]

Due to the small size of this slate, voting begins now. Remember that as this is technically a single submission slate, you will be voting for both submissions as a singular submission and you can only vote for yourself in the second or third spot.

Submissions:
Dom's Malamar and Pex Chimecho
Brodaha's Regirock and Regice
Reviloja's Lumineon and Garbodor
leonard (from big bang theory)'s Stakataka and Stunfisk
Scoopapa's Heatmor and Ludicolo
Pika Xreme's Avalugg and Florges
The Cruelest's Magcargo and Corsola
Samtendo's Forretress and Audino
lyd's Claydol and Haxorus
Gravity Monkey's Cofagrigus and Nihilego
Jucherz's Shuckle and Wailord
Anaconja's Tentacruel and Druddigon
Yoshiblaze's Masquerain and Guzzlord

Sadly we have some collateral in the form of Gojiratar's Celesteela and Stitch's Lapras, but these can always be submitted in future slates- We're going to need more walls of course!

My votes:

Brodaha, leonard (from big bang theory), Scoopapa

 

[anaconja]

Lyd, Anaconja, Reviloja753

 

[Jucherz]

dom, Jucherz, The Cruelest

 

[Solosist]

Reviloja753, Gravity Monkey, Anaconja

 

[Brodaha]

Scoopapa, Brodaha, Anaconja

 

[DuoM2]

Gravity Monkey, The Cruelest, Pika Xreme

 

[Gravity Monkey]

The Cruelest, Reviloja753, Gravity Monkey

 

[Scoopapa]

leonard (from big band theory), Scoopapa, Brodaha,

 

[Samtendo09]

Gravity Monkey, The Cruelest, Brodaha

 

[earl]

Congratulations to Gravity Monkey for winning the first slate and granting us our first set of walls:

The Winners

Pokemon Name: Cofagrigus
Roles: Physical Wall, Calm Mind Sweeper, Trick Room Setter
Types:

Abilities: Mummy / Rough Skin / Cursed Body
Stats: 70 / 50 / 140 / 92 / 78 / 40 (BST: 470)
Movepool Additions: Parting Shot, Flash Cannon, Foul Play
Movepool Removals: Haze, Nasty Plot
Justification: I think that ghost types have a pretty good potential to become physical wall. They have a key immunity to fighting and they almost all have access to Will-o-Wisp, a really interesting defensive move. I choose Cofagrigus to represent that typing because his desing implies that it is more of a defensive-oriented pokemon. This new Cofagrigus has a lot of tool to punish physical attackers: We can think about W-o-W and his signature ability, Mummy, but it has now a lot more toys to play with. His newfound type only has one weakness to fairy, so it doesn't need to worry about the other types of coverage. He also has Foul Play and Rough Skin to help him out. But of you don't want to use it as a big, heavy physical wall, he can also perform a lot more roles. To balance this out, he doesn't have access to reliable recovery, and is pretty weak on the special side.

Pokemon Name: Nihilego
Roles: Special Wall, Hazard Control
Abilities: Levitate / Unaware
Types:

Movepool Additions: Rapid Spin, Haze, Venom Slam*, Recover
Stats: 101 / 83 / 67 / 89 / 119 / 101 (BST: 550)
Custom Elements: Venom Slam | Beak Blast clone that is posion type and that toxifies instead of burning
Justification: Nihilego was already a special wall, so I figures out it wouldn't be that hard to give it this role. Rock/Posion with Levitate is a surprisingly good defensive type with weaknesses to only water, steel and psychic. I also gave him more tools to work as an effective and less predictable wall, such as Unaware, Recover, and its new move, Venon Slam, which would give a little more pressure to physical attacker. It can also function as a great hazard control, with TSpikes, SR, Rapid Spin and Levitate to avoid spikes and Sticky Web. Unfortunately, it still has a pretty weak physical bulk, and, to be honest, Rock/Poison isn't that great, especially offensively.

SLATE 2:
2 Offensive Pivots, 2 Defensive Pivots​

I addition to this, Samtendo09 has been added to the council! They've shown a good amount of devotion and good criticism on subs. There's still slots to fill, though, so don't take this as a rejection to anyone else who wanted to join the council.

 

[sharpen42]

Name of the Pokemon: Raichu
Role(s): Offensive Pivot
Type:

Abilities: Static / Lightning Rod | HA: Magic Guard
Stat Distribution:
HP 55
ATK 105
DEF 40
SPA 100
SPD 70
SPE 125
BST 495
Movepool Additions: Ice Shard, Icicle Spear, Ice Punch, Hail, Ice Beam, Blizzard, Icy Wind
Movepool Removals: - -
Custom Elements: none
Justification: BoltBeam STAB combo for a fast part in a VoltTurn core. With its new STAB it can have some offensive presence, it can use a Choice Band or Choice Specs set, and also has a secret weapon, Happy Hour, that can let it sweep some opponents before being OHKOed by a Mach Punch or an unexpected Earthquake.

Name of the Pokemon: Jellicent
Role(s): Defensive Pivot, Defogger, TR Setter, Cleric, Annoyer
Type:

Abilities: Cursed Body / Storm Drain | HA: Regenerator
Stat Distribution:
HP 120
ATK 50
DEF 70
SPA 90
SPD 100
SPE 50
BST 480
Movepool Additions: Soak, Shadow Sneak, Destiny Bond, Thunderbolt, Thunder, Psyshock, Calm Mind, Magic Coat, Knock Off, Heal Bell, Wish, Defog, Encore, Disable
Movepool Removals: - -
Custom Elements: none
Justification: It can help with its high bulkiness tanking some hits from opponents, thanks also to all its 6 resistances and its 2 immunities. It can pass a consistent Wish and heal the team or phaze away the hazards, while it takes some hits, but also inflict statuses and conditions like Disable or Encore. An annoyer.

Name of the Pokemon: Bastiodon
Role(s): Physical Wall, Hazard setter, TR Sweeper
Type:

Abilities: Sturdy / Heavy Metal | HA: Sand Force
Stat Distribution:
HP 95
ATK 100
DEF 120
SPA 50
SPD 95
SPE 30
BST 490
Weight: 620.0 kg
Movepool Additions: Gyro Ball, Dragon Hammer, Dragon Tail, Dragon Pulse, Dragon Dance, Draco Meteor, Shore Up, Spikes, Pursuit
Movepool Removals: Rock Blast, Smack Down
Custom Elements: none
Justification: Another defensive pivot, physical this time. With a not-explored-yet type combo, a very strong one, it can function as many roles as setup sweeper, hazard setter, TR sweeper, tank. I gave it some strong STABs and No Guard to take advantage of them, but it can also use its two other abilities, of which Sturdy may be useful for a hazard setter set and Heavy Metal for a set with Heavy Slam (warning: any Low Kick can OHKO it).

 

[DuoM2]

Name of the Pokemon: Zeraora
Role(s): Offensive Pivot, Mixed Attacker, Late-Game Sweeper (Calm mind, Bulk Up)
Type: Electric/Fighting
Abilities: Volt Absorb
Stat Distribution: 68/82/65/82/60/143 (BST: 500)
Movepool Additions: Aura Sphere
Movepool Removals: None
Custom Elements: None
Justification: If I were to sum this up in a short sentence, "this is what Zeraora should have been." Its Speed tier, as it was before, is still amazing, allowing it to outpace every relevant unboosted Pokemon in the current OU metagame, barring Mega Alakazam, who enjoys running Modest quite often nowadays. In standard play, its raw power can be somewhat underwhelming, so I took ten from each of its defenses and HP to add a bit more to its attacking power. It's still not absurdly strong on its own, but after a boost or with a choice item (and having such a fast Pokemon makes it a solid Choice Band or Choice Specs candidate) would definitely be nice.

EDIT: Modified the power level to be more suited for this meta, I got WAY too carried away

Name of the Pokemon: Starmie
Role(s): Offensive Pivot, Offensive Spinner
Type: Water/Psychic
Abilities: Illuminate, Natural Cure, Regenerator
Stat Distribution: 85/85/85/85/85/115 (BST: 530)
Movepool Additions: Volt Switch, Refresh
Movepool Removals: Psyshock
Custom Elements: None
Justification: So, hazards are extremely prominent, to the point to where every team needs some form of hazard control to not feel incredibly inferior to teams with hazard control. Offense needs a tool that can keep momentum while getting rid of unwanted hazards, and that’s what this Starmie aims to be. Its bulk isn’t the best, and its typing isn’t stellar (pun intended), but it can use its offensive coverage to threaten a lot of Pokemon as a whole, which nets it free Rapid Spins. Regenerator helps it shrug off most hazards, though Toxic Spikes is still annoying, but it has Refresh for that, or it can run Natural Cure + Recover if your team is super weak to Toxic Spikes.

EDIT: Changed the stats up here too, removed Psyshock so it doesn’t end up beating special walls it shouldn’t in a meta like this.

Name of the Pokemon: Ho-Oh
Role(s): Defensive Pivot, Defensive Defog
Type: Fire/Flying
Abilities: Pressure, Regenerator
Stat Distribution:76/90/90/70/124/90 (BST: 540)
Movepool Additions: Blaze Kick
Movepool Removals: Calm Mind, Sacred Fire, Earthquake
Custom Elements: None
Justification: Ho-Oh is a Pokemon with an interesting typing and a four-times weakness to Stealth Rock, and though they aren’t great for it, it isn’t completely terrible against them, so I thought it’d be fun to nerf an Uber to try to get into this metagame. I actually left its Speed and Defense completely untouched, though its attacking stats, special defense and HP got nerfed a lot. It could also provide Defog support if needed or phase out setup sweepers with Roar, so it’s not TOO passive, and instant burn chance is nice against physical attackers, though you still get forced out. Also, it COULD run Choice Band, since its STAB typing is amazing, especially backed by Earthquake, but its Attack stat is kinda mediocre, so I left that out of the main roles.

EDIT: Removed Earthquake so it doesn’t just instantly body Nihilego.

Name of the Pokemon: Uxie
Role(s): Defensive Pivot, Stealth Rock Setter, Cleric (Heal Bell)
Type: Psychic/Fairy
Abilities: Levitate
Stat Distribution: 50/50/110/50/110/90 (BST: 460)
Movepool Additions: Recover, Moonblast
Movepool Removals: Memento, Light Screen, Reflect, Calm Mind, Trick Room
Custom Elements: None
Justification: Now here's a Pokemon whose role I changed completely despite not changing much. Before, Uxie was used as a suicide lead on hyper offensive teams due to its solid bulk allowing it to set up Stealth Rock or Trick Room, or possibly even weather in the lower tiers, and be able to give a lot of momentum to its teammates due to access to Memento. But, after giving it Recover and removing Memento, its role has completely shifted to a defensive pivot! Uxie now isn't a good suicide lead anymore because U-Turn doesn't quite do what Memento did, but on the Trick Room teams that wanted to use it as a suicide lead before, even there it could work as a defensive pivot. The rest is just minor adjustments to make it more appealing, for the most part. An added Fairy typing is always nice, and it isn't weak to very many coverage options that are TOO common. A higher Speed tier makes it much more customizable to outspeed whatever the meta calls for, other than very fast offensive threats, and I got rid of the screens and Calm Mind to make its role more defined.

EDIT: Changed Speed back, significantly lowered bulk (may change more in the future) and removed Trick Room from being an option.



Sorry my ‘mons were so busted at the beginning, SHOULD be better but I can’t make any promises.

 

[earl]

Pokemon: Yanmega
Role(s): Offensive Pivot, Special Wallbreaker, Choice Scarf
Type:

Abilities: Frisk / Compound Eyes | Intimidate (HA)
Stat Distribution: 86 / 76 / 83 / 109 / 56 / 105 (515 BST)
Movepool Additions: Dragon Pulse, Draco Meteor, Flame Burst
Movepool Removals: Psychic
Custom Elements: None
Justification: A fast and powerful Special attacker with no hopes of ever getting past Nihilego, but U-turn allows it to pivot out. Max HP Cofagrigus (unless specially invested) is always OHKO'd by a Specs Draco and otherwise greatly pressured by its other attacks. Roost+Intimidate allows it to maintain longevity on Life Orb sets, while Compound Eyes can be used for semi-reliable Hypnosis.

Set and calcs

Yanmega @ Choice Specs
Naive Nature
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- Bug Buzz
- Draco Meteor
- U-turn
- Roost
252 SpA Choice Specs Yanmega Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Cofagrigus: 195-231 (56.6 - 67.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Yanmega Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Cofagrigus: 282-333 (81.9 - 96.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Pokemon: Metang (Eviolite Compatable)
Roles: Offensive Pivot, Priority, Hazard Setter
Type:

Abilities: Heavy Metal / Inner Focus | Technician (HA)
Stat Distribution: 60 / 105 / 100 / 60 / 80 / 65 (470 BST)
Movepool Additions: Fake Out, Volt Switch
Movepool Removals: None
Custom Elements: None
Justification: Priority Technician Fake-Out, Bullet Punch, ok coverage for Steels in Earthquake, and no way to scratch Cofagrigus outside of perhaps Toxic. Volt Switch allows it to net momentum on Rough Skin Cofagrigus attempting to chip it a bit on a predicted Bullet Punch. Good anti-offense mon with enough bulk to still comfortable switch into resisted attacks. Shits on Nihilego too which is good because that boy is looking strong.

Set

Metang @ Eviolite
Adamant Nature
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
- Fake Out
- Bullet Punch
- Meteor Mash / Volt Switch
- Earthquake / Volt Switch
252+ Atk Metang Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cofagrigus: 79-94 (22.9 - 27.3%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Metang Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Nihilego: 386-456 (95 - 112.3%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Technician Metang Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Nihilego: 258-306 (63.5 - 75.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Nihilego Hidden Power Fighting vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Eviolite Metang: 128-152 (39.5 - 46.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Pokemon: Eelektross
Roles: Defensive Pivot, Offensive Pivot
Type:

Abilities: Levitate
Stat Distribution: 90 / 85 / 75 / 100 / 95 / 50 (495 BST)
Movepool Additions: Parabolic Charge*
Movepool Removals: Superpower, Drain Punch, Giga Drain, Fire Punch
Custom Elements: Parabolic Charge: In place of draining HP, instead heals the user's HP by 33% of its maximum amount before attacking.
Justification: A good Assualt Vest abuser with a move that can heal a bit of its HP while also dealing some damage. Volt Switch picks up momentum, Knock Off is always annoying. Coil won't really work with so few physical options.

Pokemon: Whiscash
Roles: Defensive Pivot, Hazards, Setup Sweeper (?)
Type:

Abilities: Water Absorb / Oblivious | Regenerator (HA)
Stat Distribution: 125 / 78 / 73 / 76 / 71 / 57 (480 BST)
Movepool Additions: Stealth Rock
Movepool Removals: None
Custom Elements: None
Justification: Pretty bulky regenerator pivot with a great general typing but poor offensive stats. Scald is always annoying! If you're totally wild Dragon Dance is an option, but 57 speed ensures A. Nice round BST and B. Cannot outspeed +speed base 100s at +1 unless jolly.

 

[earl]

Also a reminder to everyone that these subs are based on the power level of these two walls- If you have a special attacker, it probably shouldn't be able to 2HKO Nihilego with a coverage move unless Choice Specs or something

Also, each sub here will be voted on individually:
Offensive Pivot 1
Offensive Pivot 2
Defensive Pivot 1
Defensive Pivot 2

 

[Samtendo09]

I had already made the spreadsheet in advance, with leonard being also able to edit soon in cases of when I'm not around!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GNLvQsM1F6pw1JS7IA6IyrgME1iJ4M0UWLrieGSPQuU/edit?usp=sharing

I'll also do the rest of my submissions later.

Pokemon Name: Toxicroak
Roles: Offensive Pivot, Choice Band, Hazard Setter, Revenge Killer
Types:

Abilities: Anticipation / Dry Skin | Technician
Stats: 83 / 106 / 70 / 51 / 95 / 105 | (BST: 520)
Movepool Additions: U-Turn, Mach Punch, Spikes
Movepool Removals: Swords Dance, Nasty Plot
Justification: Not designed to straight up defeat Cofagrigus in OHKO, but can escape with U-Turn. In the meanwhile, it is able to mess with Nihilego as its Poison-type makes it immune to Venom Slam's Toxic effect and have enough Attack to at least 2HKO Nihilego with Fighting-type STAB. Its 105 base speed is made so that it can outspeed Nihilego without using Choice Scarf, and also allows it to set up Toxic Spikes and Spikes when the time is appropriate. Its reasonable Special bulk also allows it to take Special moves decently well.

Pokemon Name: Mantine
Roles: Defensive Pivot, Cleric, Special Wall
Types:

Abilities: Rain Dish / Water Absorb | Water Veil
Stats: 85 / 75 / 65 / 85 / 115 / 70 | (BST: 495)
Movepool Additions: U-Turn, Parting Shot, Heal Bell, Wish
Movepool Removals: Earthquake, Liquidation, Agility
Justification: Designed to be more supportive than usual, while still having reasonable attacking stats allowing to effectively use U-Turn and Scald. It also get Heal Bell and Wish in order to give support to teammates. However, its Defense is rather weak and can be taken down by Physical threats, and cannot OHKO Nihilego with Scald. Earthquake, Liquidation and Agility are removed to avoid Mantine to have something as a powerful Ground coverage, to slowly but steadily reduce target's Defense, and making it a fast sweeper, respectively.

 

[Scoopapa]

I'm curious to what extent something needs switch-in opportunities in order to considered an "offensive pivot". Generally I would consider a mon that needs to come in after a KO or on a double switch a sweeper, wall-breaker, or cleaner, being something that takes advantage of momentum already gained rather than turning around momentum for you. I think people get confused by the term "pivot" and the fact that U-turn is the one of the best pivoting moves in the game to mean that it refers to the hit-and-run aspect of these "pivoting" moves. I'm pretty sure the original meaning of this term is actually something that shifts momentum from the opponent, back to you. For instance, I remember the first time I heard the term "defensive pivot" it was referring to Swampert back in DPPt, who has the ability to come in on attacks and force your opponent into a defensive stance courtesy of its stellar coverage. No U-turn required.

I'm wondering because many of these offensive pivots look like frail sweepers that would have few if any switch-in opportunities and would pretty much use up all of their switch-in potential switching into a moderately strong attack. I'm happy to go with whatever definition we want to have for this but I think it might be worth us being on the same page. I think the line between offensive and defensive pivot is somewhat blurry; an offensive pivot should have definite but limited switch-in opportunities and relatively strong offense, while a defensive pivot should have broader switch-in opportunites and more limited offense. Of course, U-turn, Volt Switch, and Parting Shot are all fantastic in either case, but I don't think these moves define the role of pivot.

I would use the example of Tapu Koko as an offensive pivot. It has Volt Switch of course, but it also has a solid defensive typing and decent enough defenses to frequently make use of Taunt and Roost. The fact that it gains momentum still has more to do with its offense than its defense.

 

[earl]

I'm curious to what extent something needs switch-in opportunities in order to considered an "offensive pivot". Generally I would consider a mon that needs to come in after a KO or on a double switch a sweeper, wall-breaker, or cleaner, being something that takes advantage of momentum already gained rather than turning around momentum for you. I think people get confused by the term "pivot" and the fact that U-turn is the one of the best pivoting moves in the game to mean that it refers to the hit-and-run aspect of these "pivoting" moves. I'm pretty sure the original meaning of this term is actually something that shifts momentum from the opponent, back to you. For instance, I remember the first time I heard the term "defensive pivot" it was referring to Swampert back in DPPt, who has the ability to come in on attacks and force your opponent into a defensive stance courtesy of its stellar coverage. No U-turn required.

I'm wondering because many of these offensive pivots look like frail sweepers that would have few if any switch-in opportunities and would pretty much use up all of their switch-in potential switching into a moderately strong attack. I'm happy to go with whatever definition we want to have for this but I think it might be worth us being on the same page. I think the line between offensive and defensive pivot is somewhat blurry; an offensive pivot should have definite but limited switch-in opportunities and relatively strong offense, while a defensive pivot should have broader switch-in opportunites and more limited offense. Of course, U-turn, Volt Switch, and Parting Shot are all fantastic in either case, but I don't think these moves define the role of pivot.

I would use the example of Tapu Koko as an offensive pivot. It has Volt Switch of course, but it also has a solid defensive typing and decent enough defenses to frequently make use of Taunt and Roost. The fact that it gains momentum still has more to do with its offense than its defense.

I would agree, a "pivot", at least defensively, is defined by something that can take advantage of plentiful switch-ins and net momentum in your favor, such as Gastrodon in OU with its access to Scald, Earthquake, and Toxic. While traits such as a pivoting move or regenerator definitely facilitate this, it isn't required.

On offense it's harder to define, but typically a pivot does possess enough bulk to switch into some weak and /or resisted hits to attempt to net momentum. It should still be noted that offensive pivots do have a pivoting move (U-Turn, Volt Switch, Parting Shot), as this is how they create momentum. There are cases, however, of pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, in spite of its poor defensive merit (struggles with resists even) can function as an offensive pivot through the fact that A. the pressure it exerts on the opponent to not sack a pokemon, therefore nearly ensuring a switch and B. access to Spikes and U-Turn, both of which net momentum on predicted switches. But slapping U-Turn on a frail attacker won't really turn it instantly into an offensive pivot.

But I ultimately agree, take note of this people!

 

[Brodaha]

Name of the Pokemon: Scizor
Role(s): Offensive Pivot, Swords Dance Sweeper, Hazard Control
Type: Bug / Steel
Abilities: Swarm / Technician / Intimidate
Stat Distribution: 75 / 115 / 110 / 55 / 75 / 50
Movepool Additions: Bulldoze, Bulk Up
Movepool Removals: Superpower
Custom Elements: N/A
Justification: Scizor is already a great offensive pivot using Choice Band in UU or Scizorite in OU, but adding a bit of bulk at the cost of small amounts of attack and speed allow it to act as a slow pivot with Intimidate or a more offensive Swords Dance technician. Bulldoze acts as technician boosted coverage move that stops Heatran from switching in on it, and Bulk Up can be used on either set to boost up defensive and offensive capabilities all in one. Scizor is still threatened by fire types because of it's low speed, but deals with them better because of bulldoze. It can also act as Hazard Control by switching in on a setter more vulnerable to Scizor, defog, and then pivot out.

Calcs

252+ Atk Technician Scizor Bulldoze vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Unaware Nihilego: 364-432 (89.8 - 106.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
This if Nihilego is running max physical bulk, which it probably won't.
+2 252+ Atk Technician Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Cofagrigus: 112-133 (32.6 - 38.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
Assuming Scizor got a SD in somewhere. This calc is kind of inaccurate because the calculator doesnt account for Mummy cancelling Technician.

Name of the Pokemon: Sableye
Role(s): Defensive Pivot, Taunt-based stallbreaker
Type: Dark / Steel
Abilities: Clear Body / Crystallized / Stall
Stat Distribution: 75 / 103 / 95 / 75 / 80 / 50
Movepool Additions: Parting Shot, Baneful Bunker, Iron Head
Movepool Removals: N/A
Custom Elements: Crystallized: Stamina clone for SpD
Justification: Sableye acts as a defensive pivot by draining the opponents momentum and then switching into a sweeper using Parting Shot. Baneful Bunker can discourage physical attackers from making contact. Sableye can take hits from most things and then return the damage using something like Metal Burst or even an actual attacking move due to the usable attack level. Sucker Punch is another option to pressure the opponent into switching or revenge kill a low health opponent. Taunt is a great option to shut down opposing stall, especially since Sableye is immune to Seismic Toss. Crystallized can boost SpD to good levels if you spam recovery and then cripple physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp. Parting Shot can act as a slow pivoting move to keep momentum and force some switches on slightly weaker opponents.

Name of the Pokemon: Goodra
Role(s): Offensive Pivot, Defensive Pivot, Cleric, Choice Specs user, Assault Vest user
Type: Poison / Dragon
Abilities: Sap Sipper / Liquid Ooze / Gooey
Stat Distribution: 90 / 110 / 70 / 110 / 100 / 65
Movepool Additions: Wish, Toxic Spikes, Sludge Slide
Movepool Removals: N/A
Custom Elements: Sludge Slide: Poison type Volt Switch clone
Justification: Goodra can now fill a variety of roles thanks to it's good overall stats and better support movepool. It can use Gooey to cripple physical attackers or Sap Sipper to switch into grass type attackers and boost it's own attack. It can really be defensive also using moves like Wish and Sludge Slide to heal it's teammates. Choice Specs sets are also a good option due to a great offensive typing. Offensive Pivot is also a very viable option using AV sets with Sludge Slide to keep momentum while switching in. Goodra is still limited by a lack of boosting moves and a middling speed (out of the 2 existing pokemon so far.)

 

[earl]

Name of the Pokemon: Sableye
Role(s): Defensive Pivot, Taunt-based stallbreaker
Type: Dark / Ghost
Abilities: Clear Body / Prankster / Stall
Stat Distribution: 60 / 98 / 115 / 75 / 85 / 50
Movepool Additions: Parting Shot, Phantom Force, Baneful Bunker
Movepool Removals: N/A
Custom Elements: N/A
Justification: Sableye acts as a defensive pivot by draining the opponents momentum and then switching into a sweeper using Parting Shot. Baneful Bunker can discourage physical attackers from making contact, while Phantom Force is a more offensive option that also prevents damage for a turn. Sableye can take hits from most things and then return the damage using something like Metal Burst or even an actual attacking move due to the usable attack level. Prankster helps keep health up with Recover and reduce general damage taken with Will-O-Wisp. Sucker Punch is another option to pressure the opponent into switching or revenge kill a low health opponent. Taunt is a great option to shut down opposing stall, especially since Sableye is immune to Seismic Toss.

I'll edit my other 2 in later.

I'd recommend toning down the physical bulk quite a bit and possibly retyping- remember that this has priority Will-o-Wisp and recovery, it may just outclass Cofagrigus which has the same typing and no recovery. Can't go outclassing quite so early!

 

[Jucherz]

Pokemon: Volbeat
Roles: Defensive Pivot, Weather Setter, Defogger, Special Attacker
Type:

Abilities: Illuminate / Busy Beetle* / Prankster (HA)
Base Stats: 85 / 50 / 85 / 70 / 95 / 65 (450 BST)
Movepool Additions: Moonblast, Healing Order, Parting Shot, Charm
Movepool Removals: None
Custom Elements: Busy Beetle: This Pokemon's Bug-type moves have their priority increased by 1.
Uses: Volbeat is a defensive pivot with a myriad of utility options. Its new ability gives its Bug moves increased priority, which means it can now use priority U-turn, Healing Order, Tail Glow and other useful moves. Volbeat's Prankster is also a viable ability which gives it priority Parting Shot, Thunder Wave, Encore, Defog and more. Volbeat's typing isn't the greatest defensively, but it offers some useful resistances to Ground, Dark and Fighting attacks. It has a good match up against Cofagrigus but it can't hurt Nihilego (however it can cripple Nihilego with status moves).

Pokemon: Skarmory
Roles: Offensive Pivot, Defogger, Hazard Setter
Type:

Abilities: Tough Claws / Scavenger* / Sniper (HA)
Base Stats: 65 / 85 / 100 / 40 / 70 / 110 (470 BST)
Movepool Additions: Drill Run, Bone Rush, U-turn, Knock Off, Snatch
Movepool Removals: Swords Dance
Custom Elements: Scavenger: This Pokemon recovers 1/3 of its max HP if it attacks and KOes another Pokemon.
Uses: Skarmory is a fast offensive pivot that can also set up or remove hazards. Its attack is quite mediocre for an offensive Pokemon, but it is still really strong thanks to Tough Claws. Tough Claws is a great ability, however Skarmory can utilize Scavenger too. Scavenger can be useful to sustain Skarmory's HP without taking up a precious moveslot. Skarmory now also has Ground coverage, a pivoting move and Knock Off to remove items. I removed Swords Dance to make sure Skarmory stays an offensive pivot and doesn't become a sweeper.

Pokemon: Luvdisc
Roles: Defensive Pivot, Status Spreader
Type:

Abilities: Swift Swim / Serene Grace / Regenerator (HA)
Base Stats: 83 / 30 / 65 / 50 / 75 / 127 (430 BST)
Movepool Additions: Wish, Healing Wish, Heart Swap, Mysterious Current*
Movepool Removals: None
Custom Elements: Mysterious Current |

|

| 70 Power | 100% Accuracy | 32 PP | User switches out after damaging the target. 20% chance to flinch the target. (Volt Switch clone with added secondary effect)
Uses: Luvdisc's stats are quite low (except Speed) and its bulk is pretty bad for a defensive pivot, but it is actually really effective. It has a brilliant defensive typing, two great abilities and various utility options. Luvdisc can use Serene Grace with Scald and Mysterious Current to spread burns and pivot out on slower foes with a 40% chance to bring in a teammate safely. It can also use Regenerator to sustain its HP better and switch in on attacks more easily. Luvdisc can support its teammates with Wish and Healing Wish or prevent set-up with Heart Swap.

Pokemon: Garchomp
Roles: Offensive Pivot, Hazard Setter
Type:

Abilities: Sand Veil / Intimidate / Rough Skin (HA)
Base Stats: 88 / 110 / 75 / 50 / 75 / 102 (500 BST)
Movepool Additions: Shore Up, Spikes, U-turn
Movepool Removals: Swords Dance, Hone Claws
Custom Elements: None
Uses: Garchomp is an offensive pivot with a good physical bulk (thanks to Intimidate) and access to both Stealth Rock and Spikes to support its teammates. It also has reliable recovery and U-turn. Both Garchomp's set up moves were removed so it can't be used as a sweeper.

 

[earl]

Pokemon: Skarmory
Roles: Offensive Pivot, Hazard Control
Type:

Abilities: Tough Claws / Scavenger* / Sniper (HA)
Base Stats: 65 / 85 / 100 / 40 / 70 / 110 (470 BST)
Movepool Additions: Drill Run, Bone Rush, U-turn, Knock Off, Snatch
Movepool Removals: Swords Dance
Custom Elements: Scavenger: This Pokemon recovers 1/3 of its max HP if it attacks and KOes another Pokemon.
Uses: Skarmory is a fast offensive pivot that can also set up or remove hazards. Its attack is quite mediocre for an offensive Pokemon, but it is still really strong thanks to Tough Claws. Tough Claws is a great ability, however Skarmory can utilize Scavenger too. Scavenger can be useful to sustain Skarmory's HP without taking up a precious moveslot. Skarmory now also has Ground coverage, a pivoting move and Knock Off to remove items. I removed Swords Dance to make sure Skarmory stays an offensive pivot and doesn't become a sweeper.

Cool sub, just remember to list it as a hazard setter- It can probably lay spikes with ease with how many switches it could force.

 

[Squawkerz]

Pokemon Name: Komala
Roles: Offensive Pivot, Hazard Control, Status Absorber, Choice Band
Type: Normal/Grass
Abilities: Comatose / Stall
Stats: 75/100/80/50/110/80 (BST: 495)
Movepool Additions: Quick Attack, Log Roll*
Movepool Removals: Swords Dance, Bulk Up
Custom Elements: Log Roll- Grass type Quick Attack Clone
Uses: Komala's gimmick is the use of it's abilities, Comatose and Stall. Comatose allows it to absorb statuses, and makes it a relatively safe switch-in on defensive pokemon. Stall allows it to get guaranteed slow U-Turns out. On Stall sets, it is ideal to use either Quick Attack or Log Roll, in order to not always move last (in case you don't know what Stall does since it is used so little, it makes a pokemon always move last in it's priority bracket. meaning if both you and your opponent use U-Turn, your U-Turn will move last. while if you use Quick Attack and your opponent uses U-Turn, Quick Attack will still go first). Komala can also be used as a Rapid Spinner, or used as a Choice Band attacker. Komala's main weakness is 4MSS, because it wants to have Dual Stabs, Rapid Spin, U-turn, Quick Attack/Log Roll, Wish, and at least one coverage move, but it cannot.

 

[earl]

Pokemon Name: Komala
Roles: Defensive Pivot, Hazard Control, Status Absorber, Choice Band
Type: Normal/Grass
Abilities: Comatose / Stall
Stats: 75/100/80/50/110/80 (BST: 495)
Movepool Additions: Quick Attack, Log Roll*
Movepool Removals: Wish, Swords Dance, Bulk Up
Custom Elements: Log Roll- Grass type Quick Attack Clone
Uses: Komala's gimmick is the use of it's abilities, Comatose and Stall. Comatose allows it to absorb statuses, and makes it a relatively safe switch-in on defensive pokemon. Stall allows it to get guaranteed slow U-Turns out. On Stall sets, it is ideal to use either Quick Attack or Log Roll, in order to not always move last (in case you don't know what Stall does since it is used so little, it makes a pokemon always move last in it's priority bracket. meaning if both you and your opponent use U-Turn, your U-Turn will move last. while if you use Quick Attack and your opponent uses U-Turn, Quick Attack will still go first). Komala can also be used as a Rapid Spinner, or used as a Choice Band attacker. Komala's main weakness is 4MSS, because it wants to have Dual Stabs, Rapid Spin, U-turn, Quick Attack/Log Roll, and at least one coverage move, but it cannot.

Killing off wish seems strange- without rest (comatose cancels it), leftovers is now it’s only recovery an alongside a sizable attack stat and not terrible speed probably+little utility outside of Spin makes it more of a bulky offensive pivot (you can re-lable it if you want, just pointing it out) Not sure how stall mechanics work, but wouldn’t a stall quick attack just be neutral priority?

 

[Nightingales]

Killing off wish seems strange- without rest (comatose cancels it), leftovers is now it’s only recovery an alongside a sizable attack stat and not terrible speed probably+little utility outside of Spin makes it more of a bulky offensive pivot (you can re-lable it if you want, just pointing it out) Not sure how stall mechanics work, but wouldn’t a stall quick attack just be neutral priority?

I’m pretty sure stall just drops you to the bottom of your priority bracket. Don’t quote me on that though.