Governess
A Beautiful Blossom Waiting to Bloom
To-Do List
0. Get this analysis in skeleton form. [✓]
I. Fix any errors pertaining to the content / set(s) of the analysis. [✓]
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III. Fully write out the analysis after the 2nd QC Check. [ X ]
IV. Receive the final QC Check when the written work has been looked over. [✓]
V. Correct any obvious grammar-prose mistakes before handing it to GP. [✓]
VI. Receive two GP Checks, and have this analysis on-site. [✓]
[Overview]
<p>With a large non-attacking movepool containing moves such as Calm Mind, Swagger, and FeatherDance to utilize alongside its ability, Prankster, Murkrow can be quite versatile. While it might seem frail at first glance, Eviolite and its access to Roost allow Murkrow to maintain longevity on the field to make its mark. However even with Eviolite, Murkrow is still quite easy to get past, as it takes a lot of damage from the majority of the tier. It faces competition from Liepard, a fellow Prankster user, which has a higher Speed stat to rely on. Mandibuzz, who shares the same typing as Murkrow, also rivals it in terms of bulk and team support.</p>
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Roost
move 3: Dark Pulse
move 4: FeatherDance / Substitute
item: Eviolite
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
<p>Blessed with Prankster, access to Roost, and a decent Special Attack, Murkrow can find success as a Calm Mind user. With Eviolite, Murkrow can last longer on the field and find more opportunities to set up. This set is great for dealing with Psychic-types, such as Gardevoir, but it cannot switch into some of their attacks, as it is still a bit frail. Calm Mind is the center point of this set, raising Dark Pulse's power and making Murkrow more specially defensive. Roost allows Murkrow to heal itself in a pinch, and it gets boosted priority thanks to Prankster. FeatherDance allows Murkrow to deal with the majority of physical attackers in the tier, most notably Sawk, by crippling them. Calm Mind and FeatherDance combine very well to grant Murkrow more chances to force switches and set up. However, Substitute can be used to avoid status conditions that can cripple Murkrow.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>248 HP EVs allow Murkrow to switch into Stealth Rock four times at full HP. 252 Defense EVs and a Bold nature balance out Murkrow's defenses with Calm Mind. Prankster is key to in this set, as it gives Murkrow a boost in priority when using non-attacking moves, which form the majority here. There are not many alternative move selections for this set; the only notable one would be Hidden Power Flying, which allows Murkrow to deal with Fighting-types. However, Dark Pulse offers more power.</p>
<p>If Murkrow isn't using Substitute, status conditions can really hinder its sweeping capabilities. Clerics such as Lickilicky, Musharna, and Vileplume are good partners, as they can tank attacks that Murkrow cannot take. Musharna in particular can also deal with Fighting-types that Murkrow cannot really harm. Sawk is a good ally, as it can deal with Steel-, Rock-, and opposing Dark-types Murkrow can't scratch. Sawk also has nice synergy with Musharna, which can work well in Murkrow's favor. While Jynx cannot switch into Dark Pulse, it can quickly dispose of Murkrow if it hasn't begun setting up Calm Mind; Metang and Choice Scarf Charizard can defeat Jynx. Pokemon that can phaze Murkrow, such as Serperior and Eelektross, can prevent it from setting up successfully. Dragonair is a good counter to Eelektross, and Sap Sipper Miltank and Swellow fare well against Serperior. Miltank also can offer Heal Bell support to Murkrow. Toxic Spikes support is appreciated, as it can weaken the adversary, making it much easier for Murkrow to handle. Garbodor and Scolipede are good partners in that department.</p>
[SET]
name: SubSwagger
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Swagger
move 3: Roost
move 4: Foul Play
item: Eviolite
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
ivs: 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set relies heavily on luck, but it can be very frustrating to face and often forces lots of switches. The main strategy is to get behind a Substitute, then cripple the opponent with Swagger. While the opponent is struggling to attack, Murkrow can use the Attack boost from Swagger against them with Foul Play, and it can heal itself with Roost when necessary. Substitute allows Murkrow to avoid status and protect itself from weak attacks, while also being used to fish for confusion; potentially getting a Substitute up for free. Swagger and Foul Play are the key aspects of the set. Swagger is a high-risk high-reward type of move, as if it succeeds in making the target hit itself in confusion, Foul Play—which does damage based off the opponent's Attack stat—will inflict massive damage. However, if the opponent fails to succumb, Murkrow might take a lot of damage. Roost is the final move of the set, healing Murkrow when necessary.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Eviolite and Prankster are mandatory for this set; those two traits are what make Murkrow worth using. 248 HP allows Murkrow to switch into Stealth Rock four times at full HP. Thunder Wave can be used to cripple the opponent further, but there isn't enough space in Murkrow's moveset for it.</p>
<p>Because this set is luck-based and self-reliant, Murkrow does not require much support. Murkrow forces a lot of switches with this set, so having entry hazards on the field can severely weaken the foe. Carracosta and Scolipede are good examples of entry hazard setters to use with Murkrow. In addition, Murkrow's main job is to weaken the opponent for its teammates, so sweepers who can clean up the remaining opposition, such as Charizard, Jynx, and Ludicolo, make good partners. Taunt can really hinder Murkrow's usefulness if it hits, so be aware of its users in general; there aren't any specific partners to have to defeat them. Finally, Liepard can be used with Murkrow if you want to annoy the opponent even more, as it plays a very similar role to Murkrow.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>With Mean Look, Perish Song, and Prankster, Murkrow can play the role of a perish trapper to net a free KO against a Pokemon or two. However, opponents will often switch in Pokemon that can handle Murkrow before Mean Look can even be used, so it will often fail. Taunt alongside Prankster and Roost can make Murkrow a good stallbreaker, however it faces heavy competition with Mandibuzz, who has superior bulk and is generally fast enough to outspeed walls regardless. A great base 91 Speed, along with powerful offensive moves such as Brave Bird, Heat Wave, and Sucker Punch, gives Murkrow the option of running a successful Life Orb set. However, Murkrow is very frail without an Eviolite and thus easy to KO. Confuse Ray is another move to consider that can cripple the opponent further, but Murkrow rarely finds the space to run it. With a weather rock, Murkrow can be a useful weather inducer, but without Eviolite, it is KOed with ease, and there are many other Pokemon who can fulfill the role better than Murkrow could. Tailwind can be used to further support the team through Speed, but Murkrow has difficulty fitting it into a moveset. A set centered around FeatherDance can be used to cripple physical attackers, but in most cases, using both Calm Mind and FeatherDance produces the best results, as it gives Murkrow better overall defenses. While Murkrow has many other options to consider, very few of them are worth deviating from its standard sets.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Taunt users can ruin Murkrow, as it often relies on non-attacking moves, so Pokemon such as Samurott and Skuntank are good checks. Even with Eviolite, Murkrow is still rather frail, so Pokemon with powerful or super effective moves to use against it, such as Rotom-F, Eelektross, and Piloswine, are good as well. Carracosta, Gigalith, and Golem also fit into this category, as they can tank Murkrow's hits and KO it with their Rock-type STAB moves. Golem in particular can also break Murkrow's Substitutes with Rock Blast. Specially bulky Pokemon, such as Flareon and Lickilicky, are good counters to the Calm Mind set, as Murkrow cannot do a thing to them, even with Calm Mind boosts. However if Flareon and Lickilicky lack Roar and Dragon Tail, respectively, Murkrow has the ability to set up on them without much trouble. In Lickilicky's case, if Murkrow has Substitute it can avoid being phazed by Dragon Tail. It is difficult to inflict status onto Murkrow due to Prankster and Substitute, and setting up against it or attacking it might be challenging because of its plethora of non-attacking moves. However, Murkrow cannot switch into very many attacks, so hitting it on the switch is a great tactic to defeat it.</p>
Skeleton said:[Overview]
- Access to Prankster allows Murkrow to fully utilize its large range of non-attacking moves, specifically Calm Mind and FeatherDance.
- Eviolite - raises its mediocre defenses to usable heights.
- Access to recovery move in Roost.
- Even with Eviolite, Murkrow is still easy to get past, as it takes a lot of damage from the majority of the Pokemon in the tier and having a SR weakness doesn't help.
- Subpar defensive typing; it's weak to the common Ice- and Rock-type attacks, as well as taking a lot of damage from Fighting-types.
- Taunt weak. Without Prankster's priority, it has to rely on its less-than-par Speed to threaten anyone.
- Can work well on your team if it is used properly and with caution.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Roost
move 3: Dark Pulse
move 4: FeatherDance / Substitute
item: Eviolite
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
First thing I've ever written in C&C so LGI ^-^- With Prankster and recovery, Murkrow can make use of its decent Special Attack with CM.
- With Eviolite, Murkrow has a much easier time setting up CM and lasting longer.
- Can deal with Psychic-types, such as Gardevoir, much easier, but cannot switch in against them.
- It can come in whenever it gets a free opportunity to begin setting up using Calm Mind and FeatherDance to make it harder for Murkrow to be weakened.
- CM - setup move, allows Murkrow to hit harder with Dark Pulse while resisting special attacks much easier.
- Roost - allows Murkrow to heal itself in a pinch, which almost always goes first thanks to Prankster.
- Dark Pulse - STAB move, increases power with every CM boost.
- FeatherDance is great for dealing with Fighting-types, such as Sawk, as well as many physical attackers in general. Not only does it cripple the opponent and may force a switch, it works well with CM, covering its defenses we'll while making it easier for Murkrow to set up. However, Substitute can be used to avoid status conditions.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
- Eviolite - vital to this set, allows Murkrow to tank hits for an extended amount of time.
- 248 HP EVs - SR number, allows Murkrow to switch into Stealth Rock four times. 252 Defense EVs + Bold nature is for physical bulk, balanced out with potential Calm Mind boosts.
- Prankster is a key factor to this set as well, as it gives priority to almost all of Murkrow's attacks.
- Not many alternative move options for Murkrow, but HP Flying can be used as a alternate STAB move against Fighting-types. However, in the long run, it is not as strong as Dark Pulse.
- Clerics: If Murkrow isn't using Substitute, status conditions can really hinder its sweeping capabilities. Lickilicky, Vileplume, and Musharna can fit that role well, as they are also bulky enough to tank hits Murkrow cannot survive. Musharna in particular can handle Fighting-types that threaten Murkrow, such as Primeape and Sawk. Additionally, Lickilicky does well against Zangoose and Braviary, two Pokemon that can severely injure Murkrow.
- Sawk can deal with Rock-, Steel-, and opposing Dark-types that Murkrow cannot touch. It also has nice synergy with Musharna.
- While Jynx cannot switch into a Dark Pulse, it can easily dispose of Murkrow if it hasn't started setting up Calm Mind. Metang and Choice Scarf Charizard can defeat Jynx before it becomes an issue.
- Pokemon that can phaze Murkrow, such as Eelektross and Serperior, can stop Murkrow before it can set up CM. Dragonair works well to handle Eelektross while Sap Sipper Miltank and Swellow can nail Serperior. Miltank also offers Heal Bell support for Murkrow.
- Toxic Spikes support is great for weakening the adversary before / while Murkrow is on the field. Garbodor and Scolipede are both good selections for Toxic Spikes users.
[SET]
name: SubSwagger
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Swagger
move 3: Roost
move 4: Foul Play
item: Eviolite
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
ivs: 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
- Haxy set that relies heavily on luck.
- Uses Prankster to Murkrow's advantage, as Murkrow will nearly always go first when using a non-attacking move.
- The strategy is to get behind a Substitute safely, then use Swagger to raise the opponent's Attack stat and inflict confusion. While the foe struggles to attack, Murkrow can use Swagger's Attack boost against the opponent with Foul Play and heal itself with Roost.
- Because of this strategy, Murkow can force a lot of switches,
- Substitute - allows Murkrow to protect itself against status while giving it a temporary shield.
- Swagger + Foul Play: Swagger is a pretty risky move; if the opponent succeeds in hitting Murkrow, it can severely harm it. However, the Attack boost Swagger offers is what makes Foul Play so strong, as it turns the adversary's Attack boost against it for additional power.
- Roost - allows Murkrow to last longer throughout the match.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
- Eviolite - vital for Murkrow, as it raises its defenses to useable heights.
- Prankster - mandatory ability.
- 248 HP EVs allows Murkrow to switch into SR four times at full HP. The defensive EVs + Bold raise Murkrow's defenses to physical attacks easier. 0 IVs in Attack allow Murkrow to minimize confusion and opposing Foul Play damage.
- T-Wave - can cripple the opponent even further, but Murkrow doesn't really have a space for it in its set.
- Pretty luck-based self-reliant, so not a lot of partners are truly recommended for this set.
- Since Murkrow will force a lot of switches, having entry hazards on the field would be benefiticial. Carracosta and Scolipede are examples of entry hazard-setting Pokemon that are good partners to Murkow.
- Taunt users - the majority of them can inflict Murkrow with Taunt easily, so Murkrow should be wary of those users.
- Liepard - great partner to use when you wish to annoy the opponent further with Prankster.
- Murkrow is really there to weaken the opponent from constant switching and Foul Play, so having sweepers who are ready to clean up the mess (Charizard, Jynx, Ludicolo, etc) are good partners.
[Other Options]
- Perish Trapper - With Mean Look, Perish Trap, and Prankster, Murkrow can run a gimmicky Perish Trapper set to score a couple of kills. However, with many Pokemon in the tier able to switch into Murkrow before it can trap them with Mean Look, so it oftentimes fail.
- Life Orb - Along with having a great base 91 Speed, Murkrow has plenty of attacks to make use of a Life Orb set, such as Brave Bird, Heat Wave, and Sucker Punch. Its strength with a Life Orb also makes this a valid option; however, Murkrow is rather frail without an Eviolite, and is thus very easy to defeat.
- Confuse Ray and Thunder Wave can be used as a parafusion combination to cripple (setup) opponents, such as Gorebyss.
- Can act as a weather inducer as well with Prankster and the respective weather rock, but without the Eviolite, Murkrow can be KOed with ease.
- Tailwind - further support its teammates.
- A set solely for FeatherDance can be used to allow Murkrow to function as a physical wall. However, with FeatherDance being used in the Calm Mind set with Calm Mind, Murkrow oftentimes has better overall defenses when both are used together, not just one alone.
- While Murkrow has many options to choose from, most of them aren't as successful as its standard CM set.
[Checks and Counters]
- Taunt - completely ruins Murkrow, so Pokemon who can utilize it against Murkrow (Serperior, Skuntank) are good checks against it.
- Even with Eviolite, Murkrow still has weak defenses, so Pokemon who have super effective attacks against it (Rotom-F, Eelektross, Piloswine, Jynx- cant switch into Murkrow) are great users against it. Other powerful Pokemon, such as CB Sawk and Choice Specs Charizard, can easily weaken Murkrow as well.
- Carracosta, Gigalith, and Golem are also good Pokemon to counter Murkrow; Golem in particular can use Rock Blast to break Murkrow's Substitute (if it has it). They can also use Stealth Rock, but because of priority Roost, it isn't much of a threat to Murkrow.
- Specially bulky Pokemon Murkrow cannot really touch (Lickilicky, Flareon) are also good users against Murkrow.
- It is difficult to inflict status conditions on Murkrow due to a priority Substitute, and setting up can be rather challenging due to FeatherDance and Calm Mind. However, Murkrow cannot switch into a variety of attacks, so hitting it on the switch is a great tactic to weakening it.
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