Scales are for Balance
Hi I'm LoveHate and welcome Smogonites to my RMT. This team is the product of the the new UU metagame. It has had great success on the ladder breaking 1500 in only 2 days. The team still holds strong but I wanted to get any feed back I can.
INTRODUCTION:
The original concept for this team was the same as all my other teams balance. So as always when the new tier list began I started to make my balanced team. After battling on the ladder I found that the metagame had become more "bulky" then the others as the bulk was needed to take the heavy hits each pokemon could dole out while the speed tiers decreased signifcantly from the lack of roserade and yanmega. So what I decided to do was adapt my play style accordingly to have both the balance that I find order in and have the bulk to keep up in this new metagame. It was then type to ask the right questions to lead me to the best team I could. "What new moves were available for new strategies? What new pokemon were available? What types were a must to be covered for the balance?"
Note: The the team name is a reference to Libra which is a constellation resembling a scale. In turn trying find balance. Which this is a balanced team.
At a Glance:
TEAM-BUILDING PROCESS:
Now the key to balanced team is the correct distribution of stats and types. So I begun wanting to find an elemental core that could work efficiently. Luckily for me Arcanine had been a stable to my teams long before his gift of Morning Sun. With great stats, a 120 base stat move, intimidate and a healing move Arcanine was the first member place onto the team.
Now the next type needed was grass. As roserade had abandoned the top grass UU pokemon Venusaur was forced to take her place. Like Arcanine, Venusaur got a gift from HG and SS that has made the loss Roserade not such a big deal. With natural bulk good typing plus being able to get rid of toxic spikes Venusuar was an obvious addition.
The last element was water. My first thought was Azumarill. Amazing attack, priority, and good bulk. However; while browsing through the thread of HG and SS additions I found that Poliwrath also had a useful addition in the form of encore. With a great ability, typing and bulk he would fit in well with the team.
With the elemental core taken care of I took a look at what types were giving me trouble. The big weakness I saw was psychic. So obviously I needed a dark pokemon. Without question I added umbreon as she is a solid stable to my balance teams while providing a tank that can sweep teams.
Next I needed a reliable way to get up hazards as they are extremely important to UU as most of the pokemon there are there because of there stealth rock weakness...cough moltres. However I also wanted something that could deal some damage himself. Regirock was my first choice however after seeing Rhyperior I knew I wanted this rock behemoth. His biggest advantage over Regirock was roar. Roar allowed him to scout and phaze. Furthermore his typing came in handy while drawing in water and grass attacks which bearly hurt Wrath and Saur respectively. Rhyperior furthermore added a physical wall to the team. As umbreon already had the specail attacks taken care of.
Looking at the team I was heavily favering the physical side. As such I had all the specail walls covering so it was time to add a specail attacker that could come in and finish off what was left as the walls like chansey and regirock are devoured by any member of the elemental core. Mismagius joined the team providing great coverage for the team. While sporting good speed and special attack mismagius finished off the team.
Now I made a questionable call here. I traded Mismagius out for Alakazam. By doing so I lost the great typing but gained a monstrous specail attack without a boost while also gaining the speed to sweep through the meta once weakened. Alakazam almost always comes out last and has saved me numerous times. Although at times I miss the coverage I really enjor the ability to kill off and outspeed the entire metagame except swellow and electrode who are not getting past rhyperior.
The last change I made after reading 031ap's RMT was to make Rhyperior the lead over Arcanine. Rhyperior consistantly got up rocks while putting some nice damage on almost every in the UU. Furthermore Rhyperior had the great move of Rock Blast which allowed it to prevent Frosslass from getting more then one layer of spikes. This inturned allowed arcanine to stay unknown until he is absolutely needed.
Scales are for Balance
The Rock Hard Core
Megaliths (Rhyperior) (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 244 HP / 184 Def / 80 SpD
Impish nature (+Def, -SpA)
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Blast
- Earthquake
- Roar
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 244 HP / 184 Def / 80 SpD
Impish nature (+Def, -SpA)
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Blast
- Earthquake
- Roar
Why this Pokémon?
With horrible typing and rather poor stats as far as specail defense and speed go; why would I use Rhyperior?
Because the stats that he is good at he is the best at. It can consistantly get rocks up in such a physical metagame. While being able to hit back with some force. Rock Blast allows it to kill off the top spiker of UU. This aids my team as spikes are a big issue with no spinner. Furthermore Roar allows for scouting. With scouting predicting becomes much easier. Yes it does have poor specail defense however it lacks a magnet for water and grass attack. Which allows free switches for Poliwrath and Venusaur respectively. In addition to this the heavy defense allows him to take the physical hits barr water and grass in the tier walling such top threats as Swellow or Arcanine.
Because the stats that he is good at he is the best at. It can consistantly get rocks up in such a physical metagame. While being able to hit back with some force. Rock Blast allows it to kill off the top spiker of UU. This aids my team as spikes are a big issue with no spinner. Furthermore Roar allows for scouting. With scouting predicting becomes much easier. Yes it does have poor specail defense however it lacks a magnet for water and grass attack. Which allows free switches for Poliwrath and Venusaur respectively. In addition to this the heavy defense allows him to take the physical hits barr water and grass in the tier walling such top threats as Swellow or Arcanine.
Why these moves?
Stealth Rock is an obvious choice, and its utility in this, or any, metagame is undeniable. Rock Blast is anti frosslass / sub breaking STAB attack, and with naturally high attack it still leaves somes dents. Earthquake provides secondary STAB while having good coverage along side Rock Blast. NOTE After reading 031ap's RMT I am interested in trying out hammer arm to guarentee the KO on Ambipom. Roar as mentioned earilier provides a way of scouting and phazing.
Why the EVs, Nature, and Item?
Rhyperior is a tank and I EVd him as such. I gave him good defense, he is the physical wall of this balanced team. HP boosts derability while the few evs in Specail Defense allow him to take hits like Frosslass' Ice Beams better. The attack really doesn't need any boost as it is already rediculous. The Impish Nature further increases his physical durabilty. Leftovers was an obvious choice to stay alive with the lack of recovery.
Why the name?
Megaliths -A stone of great size, esp. in ancient construction work, as the Cyclopean masonry, or in prehistoric Neolithic remains, as dolmens or menhirs.
The Fire Power
Vanguard (Arcanine) (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 22 HP / 252 Atk / 236 Spe
Naughty nature (+Atk, -SpD)
- Flare Blitz
- ExtremeSpeed
- Morning Sun
- Hidden Power Grass
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 22 HP / 252 Atk / 236 Spe
Naughty nature (+Atk, -SpD)
- Flare Blitz
- ExtremeSpeed
- Morning Sun
- Hidden Power Grass
Why this Pokémon?
Arcanine has been a stable for my UU career, even before Morning Sun. However with Morning Sun Arcanine has been able to become one of the most popular UU pokemon. With great stats, a powerful stab, priority, intimidate, and now healing Arcanine has the power and the stamina to beat down the tier. His main purpose is hitting hard which he does quite well. While having intimidate to counter several UU threats. While sporting as decent specail attack Hidden Power Grass allows Arcanine to beat up several so called counters such as Omnistar.
Why these moves?
Flare Blitz was an obvious choice taking advantage of STAB, Arcanine's high attack, and having amazing base power. ExtremeSpeed provided priority to pick off weaken foes and overall a great way to revenge. Morning Sun his newest addition was a way to recover from the rocks and recoil to keep the fire dog going. Hidden Power Grass was picked over Toxic as honestly Toxic was useless and I hated being forced out by the likes of omnistar or rhyperior. With Grass these pokemon are hit hard if not killed off.
Why the EVs, Nature, and Item?
The Spread is to maximize Attack, out speed plus base 80s, with the rest put into HP for even a slight amount of bulk. The Naughty nature was picked as not to hinder Hidden Power Grass but also allowing him to run max attack. Life Orb allows for a final boost of attack claiming several OHKOs in the tier.
Why the name?
Vanguard-The foremost division or the front part of an army; advance guard; van.
The Bruteroot
Grama (Venusaur) (F) @ Life Orb
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 6 HP /252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly nature (+Spe, -SpA)
- Power Whip
- Earthquake
- Sleep Powder
- Synthesis
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 6 HP /252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly nature (+Spe, -SpA)
- Power Whip
- Earthquake
- Sleep Powder
- Synthesis
Why this Pokémon?
Following banning of Roserade, Venusaur rose to fame do to similar typing only to become more popular with the addition of Power Whip from HG and SS. With great typing adding to the elemental core while having the ability to rid of toxic spike Venusaur aids the team tremendously. Furthermore with good bulk and a base 120 move Venusaur is able to check top threats and bulky waters. Furthermore he packs the ability to put a pokemon to sleep, which effectively removes them from the match. Good bulk, stats, typing and moves help the team tremendously.
Why these moves?
Power Whip is here as the STAB move, able to beat down most Bulky Waters, and 2HKO the rest. Earthquake is for coverage move. It is used mostly for fire types thinking they can come in and set up on her. Synthesis increases her longevity. This becomes easy as Venusuar is able to force a few swtiches. Sleep Powder is a fantastic move as it allows Venusuar to scare off things that would other wise run through her.
Why the EVs, Nature, and Item?
The spread is a simple max Attack and max Speed. Even still Venusaur has good bulk. Jolly and max Speed to tie if not beat the Speed hot spot of base 80. While max attack is used to hit Bulky Waters and anything else as hard as possible. Life Orb increases the attack power.
Why the name?
Grama-any grass of the genus Bouteloua, of South America and western North America, as B. gracilis (blue grama). And it sounds cool
The Hydrogen Bond
Maj.Amphi (Poliwrath) (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 154 HP / 252 Atk / 104 Spe
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SpA)
- Substitute
- Focus Punch
- Ice Punch
- Encore
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 154 HP / 252 Atk / 104 Spe
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SpA)
- Substitute
- Focus Punch
- Ice Punch
- Encore
Why this Pokémon?
After browsing the HG and SS additions I found this guy. And I knew that he was perfect. The perfect ability to beat Azumarill and other Water types. While also finishing off the elemental core. Poliwrath was the tadpole for the job. Furthermore he possessed the great move of encore which is amazing when you think of how many stat boosting, substitute, and healing moves are used. This makes set up really easy. Although he lacks the raw power of Azumarill he does possess STAB on Focus punch which aides in that debate. Furthermore Poliwrath is so helpful agianst rain dance teams.
Why these moves?
Encore is an amazing move allowing for set up to become rediculously easy. Substitute is to protect from status, scout and allow his focus not to be broken when he hits with Focus Punch. Ice Punch provides coverage over the Venusaurs coming in.
Why the EVs, Nature, and Item?
Adamant is to maximize the hitting potential. The spread maximizes Attack while allowing him to outspeed Defensive Milotic. The rest is put into HP for bulk. The Leftovers allow him to recover from the damage of Substituting.
Why the name?
Maj.Amphi- The major shows his military or fighting expertise. While Amphi is latin for both as in amphibian both land and water. Fights on any terrain.
The Mischievous Fox
Penumbra (Umbreon) (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Syncronize
EVs: 252 HP/ 6 Atk/ 252 SpD
Careful nature (+SpD, -SpA)
- Curse
- Moonlight
- Payback
- Heal Bell
Ability: Syncronize
EVs: 252 HP/ 6 Atk/ 252 SpD
Careful nature (+SpD, -SpA)
- Curse
- Moonlight
- Payback
- Heal Bell
Why this Pokémon?
Umbreon has remained one of my favorite pokemon since I played through gold when I was young. And since then has become a stable to my balance playing style. Being able to take Specail Attacks almost as well as Chansey is no laughing matter. Especailly when she then has the ability to boost up and hit back hard. With fantastic defense and a healing move her longevity is near unquestioned. In addition to this she packs the addition of Heal Bell to prevent Toxic from hindering her. Furthermore she can take the psychics that hinder Venusaur and Poliwrath with no problem. On her spare time she is one hell of a ghost buster
Why these moves?
Moonlight is used as there was no room for protect and without it wish is hard to pull off. Heal Bell heals off the status that is omnipresent in UU. Curse is to boost up on weak non fighting attacks. While Payback provides a powerful STAB attack.
Why the EVs, Nature, and Item?
The Careful nature and spread or Max HP and Specail Defense maximizes her ability to take specail attacks, as curse boosts defense. Leftovers increases durability.
Why the name?
Penumbra-the partial or imperfect shadow outside the complete shadow of an opaque body, as a planet, where the light from the source of illumination is only partly cut off.
The Thinker
Prophet (Alakazam) (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 6 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Substitute
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 6 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Substitute
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball
Why this Pokémon?
Last but not least is the Cleaner. With perfect coverage, near unmatched Speed and amazing Specail Attack Alakazam can finish finish off the game. Odd for a bulky balance team to have such a frial offensive pokemon but he just works. Unlike the others there is no new move here simply the old RBY strategy of beat down.
Why these moves?
Substitute allows him to play around status and priority that really mess him up. Psychic provides stab while Focus Blast and Shadow Ball already create perfect coverage.
Why the EVs, Nature, and Item?
The EVs are made to tie with the other base 120s while hitting as hard as possible. Timid ensures the tie if not win. The Leftovers allow him to heal up from his Subs.
Why the name?
Prophet- a person who foretells or predicts what is to come. AKA Prophet of Doom
Anyways, thanks for taking the time to read through all of this. If I made any errors please tell me. Well thats the team Rate / Hate / Steal. All suggestions will be appreciated.
Testing Priorities:
Should I change Alakazam back to Mismagius for improved typing and immunities?Should I change Arcanines ability to abuse core?
Should I change rhyperior to Steelix for better coverage? (Still brings out water, fire, grass pokemon)
