Apollo the Smeargle
Focus Sash/Own Tempo
252hp/252speed/timid
- Spore
- Sticky Web
- Stealth Rock
- Magic Coat
Smeargle is the pokemon that lays the foundation for the entire team. Generally considered taunt bait, my Smeargle runs the ever so important Magic Coat. Magic coat does two things for me, it repels predicted entry hazards like stealth rocks, which makes my job easier. Focus Sash is to make sure I get off a guaranteed Spore which is usually more than enough to set up my own hazards. Late game, if its not already dead, Smeargle tends to be the pokemon I switch in when I need a safe switch. If Sleep Clause isnt activated then I can also use it to Spore slower pokemon allowing my other pokemon to safely set up and sweep.
Athena the Gliscor
Toxic Orb/Poison Heal
252hp/184defense/72speed/impish
- Substitute
- Protect
- Toxic
- Earthquake
Gliscor sends a message to the other team that says "I hope you like stall". The closest thing to a Rotom-W counter that I have, and a physical wall that can take abuse left and right. Sub/Protect Gliscor is probably one of my favorite pokemon this gen. Walling countless threats, and shrugging off the damage in a matter of turns this beast can go rounds with even the toughest threats. Gliscor, along with Talonflame, provide much needed support from ground moves, but Gliscor alone gives me the needed electric immunity that Azumarill and Cloyster so often need.
Dionysus the Cloyster
White Herb/Skill Link
252attack/252speed/adamant
- Shell Smash
- Rapid Spin
- Icicle Spear
- Rock Blast
Cloyster is my "anti-lead". I tend to only lead with Cloyster when Smeargle or Galvantula show up in the preview. Icicle Spear and Rock Blast are all I need to break the sash and net the kill. If any hazards are set up I can rapid spin them away and switch to a more suitable counter. Shell Smash is my go to move if I see a chance to set up. White herb allows me to take the hit that would have killed with the lowered defenses. Cloyster tends to be my late game clean up crew, but also tends to be the pressure at the beginning of the game that gives me the momentum for the victory.
Ares the Talonflame
Sharp Beak/Gale Wings
252hp/252defense/impish
- Bulk Up
- Roost
- Brave Bird
- Flare Blitz
Bulky Talonflame is my pride and joy. It is my Aegislash counter, and my backup physical wall with a respectable base defense. Between Bulk Up and Roost, physical attacks (aside from stone edge) are brushed off with ease and provide an attack boost that lets Gale Wings Brave Bird shine. Priority Roost is a gift from the pokemon gods, and has provided much needed recovery that has surely netted me some wins. Like stated earlier, Talonflame provides much needed earthquake resistance that Aegislash
needs. Switching in on resisted hits, such as fighting type, also provides ample opportunity to set up and go to town. Flare Blitz after a full buffing from Bulk Up absolutely destroys anything that doesnt resist it, and because of roost I can easily heal off the damage done by recoil. Talonflame is probably my second favorite pokemon this generation, and will hopefully see a spot on all of my future teams.
Hephaestus the Aegislash
Life Orb/Stance Change
252attack/252specialattack/quiet
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- Sacred Sword
- Iron Head
Heavy Offensive Pivot Aegislash is such a good clean up pokemon. With full investments in attack and special attack this Aegislash build can put a serious dent into almost any pokemon in its path. Preferring not to have Kings Shield, I instead opt to switch Aegislash out and switch it back in to bring it back into its defensive stance, rather than using Kings Shield which everyone is expecting anyway. Shadow Ball is a nice little move that lets me strike physical walls that want to try to stop this beast, but end up biting off more than they can chew, and Shadow Sneak is a girls best friend when slaying stragglers at the end of a long match. I tend to form an offensive pivot between Aegislash and Talonflame because I believe t they cover eachothers weaknesses quite well, and are good at dealing with each others problem pokemon.
Zeus the Azumarill
Choice Band/Huge Power
252hp/252attack/adamant
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Return
- Super Power/Play Rough
Last but not least this little easter egg of doom. With the addition of the fairy type Azumarill has become a nuclear missile waiting to fall onto the OU metagame. I opted for the Choice Band set because with Huge Power its attack stat becomes monstrous, which allows me to focus a little bit more on bulk with its EVs. Priority is this pokemons best friend and gives it a much needed advantage over pokemon that would normally outspeed, and possibly set up on this little guy (cough, blaziken, cough). Return is for heavy neutral damage for pokemon that don't resist it. Super Power is for steels that normally wall my little god of destruction, but Play Rough tears holes through dragons that don't suspect it. All in all Azumarill is a powerful pokemon that adds even more oomph to a team with little need for it.
Closing
Currently laddering at 1977 points with 8 straight wins, Id call this team successful, but perhaps this team could be doing better, and thats what I'm here to ask. I feel the synergy on this team works quite well, being able to switch and take hits for each other, but also able to take care of each others weaknesses. However if you've noticed something that I haven't, or you have a different opinion for a move set please let me know!
Thanks, in advance, for the rate :)
