Pawniard (PU Swords Dance) @ Eviolite
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
I'd like to introduce Pawniard as an offensive
counter to Skuntank.
While Pawniard being a Steel/Dark Type holding an Eviolite has little to nothing to fear from Skuntanks STAB-Moves, it still has to be wary of Aftermath + Rocky Helmet from Skuntank, as all of its moves make contact.
Other than that Skuntank becomes setup fodder for the little knight.
Pawniard has pretty much a free switch in, being immune to Poison Jab, Skuntanks moves powerful STAB-Move, and Defog, claiming a free +1 due to Defiant, while also being able to avoid Sucker Punch until OHKO is guaranteed with Sword Dance Setup in the back, Skuntanks most reliable move to hit Pawniard with is the base 40 Pursuit.
Or in most cases Skuntank gets forced to switch out/press sucker punch until it dies.
Therefore Pawniard gets into the position of wreaking havoc, opening doors for the rest of the team with Knock Off Support or ending games lategame with the +2/+3 sucker punch for faster threats and Knock Off/Iron Head for bulkier ones.
+2 252+ Atk Pawniard Iron Head vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Skuntank: 298-352 (85.6 - 101.1%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery
252 Atk Skuntank Sucker Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Eviolite Pawniard: 41-48 (17.7 - 20.7%) -- possible 5HKO
252 Atk Skuntank Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Eviolite Pawniard: 24-28 (10.3 - 12.1%) -- possible 9HKO
So worst case scenario: Pursuit 12% + Sucker 21% + Aftermath 25% + Rocky Helmet 12% = 70% (Still living after Rocks Damage)