I’ve been in a bit of a testing frenzy lately. I took a hiatus from competitive battling when my computer went on the fritz, but ever since I got my situation settled, I’ve been trying out some different things to get my feet wet, again. I could just use Obi’s stall team for all of my Shoddy battles and I’d be happy, but all the teams I’ve ever made have been stallish and generally slow. I wanted something more mainstream, as I had indicated in my most recent RMT. Thus, I made more of a standard team and have been testing that for a while now.
This testing consists entirely of ladder matches. Why not? It’s the most reliable way to get battles, and a test account makes sure the rating of your main account won’t be affected. (Still, the team is winning roughly 4 out of every 5 matches, so the main account could use that ratings boost. XD) Of course, anyone that has any degree of success on Shoddy knows this, already. When I’m in a ladder match, I often get challenges for standard battles, but I always turn them down because my past experiences with simultaneous battles have been… regrettable.
However, one day I had just gotten out of a ladder match where I had 5-0’d a Hail team when someone happened to make a challenge. (I’m not disclosing his name because I had no time to get permission for a warstory.) Being in a rare chipper mood after a battle, I quickly accepted the challenge and was thrust into battle…
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Notes:
Since I couldn’t ask for warstory permission, my opponent’s name is just “Opponent.”
Anything in terms of Leftovers recovery and stuff like that will be mentioned once for each Pokémon and then omitted.
The battle is Bolded, while the commentary is not.
Everything related to me will be labeled in my favorite color, Blue, and my opponent in Red.
Changes in a Pokémon’s condition will be noted after each turn.
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Here’s my team:
My opponent’s team will be revealed as we go along and as a whole when his last Pokémon is revealed.
Clauses: Evasion, OHKO, Sleep, Species – Timed Battle
COTH - test sent out Spiritomb ♂.
Opponent sent out Registeel.
Spiritomb is exerting his Pressure!
I’ve always loved Spiritomb, especially for his potent defensive typing, but I typically keep him out of the lead spot to not spoil the surprise. However, I moved Spiritomb to the lead shortly before this battle because of those Wobbuffet leads that some people will use. I was screwed once by a Wobbuffet lead and wasn’t about to let that happen again.
Now for my opponent. This is the first Registeel I’ve come up against in a long time, but there’s no doubt in my mind that a status move is coming. Also, this particular Spiritomb is the standard Will-o-wisp / Sucker Punch / Pain Split / Pursuit set, and none of those moves are worth taking a status from Registeel. Now where’s my status absorber?
COTH - test switched in Hariyama ♂.
Registeel used Thunder Wave, paralyzing Hariyama.
Hariyama: Paralyzed
There we go. Not only is my Hariyama a ResTalker, but he is also packing Brick Break. He may not be able to do a whole lot to Registeel, but there’s no way Registeel can do much of anything to him, so why do anything else?
Registeel used Iron Defense, sharply raising its Defense.
Hariyama used Brick Break.
It's super effective! (24% damage)
Registeel's Leftovers restored its health a little!
Hariyama: Paralyzed
Registeel: 82%, +2 Def
Oh shoot. Iron Defense really screws things up here. Brick Break isn’t going to do a thing to Registeel, now, and I can’t let it keep setting that up.
Fortunately, my Hariyama has many talents. In addition to being my ResTalker and primary Tyranitar counter, he can PHaze, too!
Registeel used Iron Head. (23% damage)
Hariyama used Whirlwind, ejecting Registeel from the battle and dragging out Tentacruel ♂.
Hariyama's Leftovers restored his health a little!
Hariyama: 83% Paralyzed
Registeel threat averted. But now Hariyama has come across something that Brick Break really won’t be able to dent no matter what. I guess I better PHaze again.
Tentacruel scattered COTH - test’s field with a layer Toxic Spikes.
Hariyama used Whirlwind, ejecting Tentacruel from the battle and dragging out Zapdos.
Zapdos is exerting its Pressure!
Hariyama: 89% Paralyzed
I could care less that my opponent got some Toxic Spikes in, but now we’ve got something else that Brick Break can’t really hurt. Well, second verse, same as the first.
Zapdos used Thunderbolt. (61% damage)
Zapdos took Life Orb recoil.
Hariyama used Whirlwind, ejecting Zapdos from the battle and dragging out Tentacruel ♂.
Hariyama: 34% Paralyzed
Zapdos: 90%
Zoinks! That did a little more than I had hoped. Hariyama’s tired and in need of sleep. Good night, Hariyama! (Whatever you do, Tentacruel, please don’t Surf…)
Tentacruel scattered COTH - test’s field with a second layer of Toxic Spikes.
Hariyama used Rest, falling asleep. (66% healing)
Hariyama: Asleep
One layer of Toxic Spikes becomes two. Okay. I may not have a Spinner, but with a Flyer, a Levitater, a Steel type, and a ResTalker, Toxic Spikes mean almost nothing to me.
As for Hariyama, he says things in his sleep; that’s part of his job as a ResTalker. It’s time to find out if he can say anything useful for the next two turns…
Tentacruel used Surf. (24% damage)
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Rest, but it failed!
Hariyama: 82% Asleep
Darn it. From my experience, that seems to happen roughly half of the time, contrary to what statistics say. Also, now it makes sense why Tentacruel didn’t Surf before Hariyama took a nap; I wasn’t exactly aware that it would do so little. It doesn’t really matter now.
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Okay, Hariyama: Sleep Talk, take two.[/FONT]
Tentacruel used Surf. (24% damage)
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Whirlwind, ejecting Tentacruel from the battle and dragging out Gallade ♂.
Hariyama: 64% Asleep
Alright, I get to see more of my opponent’s team! However, the appearance of Gallade now presents a Psycho Cut threat, and Hariyama is just low enough on health that I don’t believe that he can take one. Don’t I have something that can take a Psycho Cut? Oh, yeah!
COTH - test switched in Spiritomb ♂.
The Toxic Spikes badly poisoned Spiritomb!
Gallade used Bulk Up, raising his Attack and Defense.
Spiritomb took 6% Poison damage!
Spiritomb: 94% Poisoned badly
Gallade: +1 Atk, +1 Def
Naturally, my opponent uses the opportunity to set up. Still, I take that as a message that Gallade is in there for the long haul. This will give Spiritomb a chance to mess with him.
Gallade used Shadow Sneak. (27% damage)
Gallade took Life Orb recoil.
Spiritomb used Will-o-wisp, burning Gallade.
Gallade took 12% Burn damage!
Spiritomb's Leftovers restored his health a little!
Spiritomb took 12% Poison damage!
Spiritomb: 61% Poisoned badly
Gallade: 78% Burned, +1 Def
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']However, Spiritomb is also going to be in there for the long haul. Reminder: I’ve seen Registeel, Tentacruel, Zapdos, and Gallade. The team has means of easily dealing with the other three, and the two unknowns were of no concern to me, thus Spiritomb had no second thoughts of taking Gallade with him.[/FONT]
Gallade used Bulk Up, raising his Attack and Defense.
Spiritomb used Pain Split. (11% healing, 10% damage)
Spiritomb took 19% Poison damage!
Spiritomb: 59% Poisoned badly
Gallade: 56% Burned, +1 Atk, +2 Def
Right, just keep thinking that setting up will help. You’re screwed, Gallade.
Gallade used Bulk Up, raising his Attack and Defense.
Spiritomb used Pursuit. (7% damage)
Spiritomb took 25% Poison damage!
Spiritomb: 40% Poisoned badly
Gallade: 37% Burned, +2 Atk, +3 Def
Okay, almost there…
Gallade made a Wish!
Spiritomb used Pursuit. (8% damage)
Spiritomb took 31% Poison damage!
Spiritomb: 15% Poisoned badly
Gallade: 17% Burned, +2 Atk, +3 Def
A Wish? Interesting. I’m not exactly sure what to do, now.
At the time, I was thinking that my opponent would switch to something else to receive the Wish—something like Registeel. I’ll switch something in that can dent Registeel and apply the pressure. But then…
COTH - test switched in Metagross.
Gallade used Shadow Sneak. (18% damage)
Gallade’s wish came true! (50% healing)
Metagross: 82%
Gallade: 45% Burned, +2 Atk, +3 Def
What… the heck… was I thinking? I was regretting this move soon after I had made it. Well, now that I think about it, had Spiritomb stayed in and tried to Sucker Punch (my plan B), he wouldn’t have stood a chance. Remember this move. Don’t ask me why, right now. Just do it.
Anyway, since Metagross is here, it may as well do its thing. What is its thing? It’s an Agiligross.
Metagross used Agility, sharply raising its Speed.
Gallade used Drain Punch. (39% damage, 21% healing)
Metagross: 43%, +2 Spe
Gallade: 43% Burned, +2 Atk, +3 Def
Drain Punch? Well, it makes sense with Life Orb. Looking back, the idea that Drain Punch was his strongest attack is a TAD disturbing to me. Well, I’m not worried too much.
Metagross used Earthquake. (19% damage)
19%?! I know he’s been bulked up, but what the heck?! Pokémon need to stop taking steroids…
Gallade used Drain Punch. (35% damage, 18% healing)
Metagross: 8%, +2 Spe
Gallade: 20% Burned, +2 Atk, +3 Def
I’ll tell you right now that I used Earthquake because I somehow thought that Fighting types resisted Steel; Metagross had Meteor Mash. Yeah, but then again, I couldn’t afford to have Meteor Mash miss…
Still, the end is near for Metagross. Fortunately, the end is near for Gallade, as well.
Gallade used Shadow Sneak.
A critical hit! (35% damage)
COTH - test's Metagross was knocked out by a needless critical hit!
Opponent's Gallade passed out from his Burn!
Score: 5 – 5
The first casualties of the battle—and a double kill. I never can figure out just which Pokémon to send out after a double kill. At the very least you have to choose something your opponent has already seen, right? Well, the only ones I’ve revealed are Spiritomb, who is really weak, and Hariyama, who is sleeping. I couldn’t send either of them out, in my opinion. Here’s who I did send out:
COTH - test sent out Azelf.
Opponent sent out Registeel.
Shoot! Bad move. This Azelf has Nasty Plot / Psychic / Grass Knot / Thunderbolt, and again, none of them are worth taking a Thunder Wave. Hariyama! Get your fat butt out here! (I can call him fat because he has Thick Fat. XD)
COTH - test switched in Hariyama ♂.
Registeel used Thunder Wave, but it failed!
Hariyama: 70% Asleep
Registeel: 88%
Okay, here’s one thing I don’t really know: I switched out while I was Resting; does that reset the sleep count? I didn’t know if it did or not, but I assumed it didn’t, as you can see in my next move…
Hariyama woke up and used Brick Break.
It's super effective! (46% damage)
Registeel used Iron Defense, sharply raising its Defense.
Hariyama: 76%
Registeel: 48%, +2 Def
Oh boy. This is gonna take a while. Tell you what: I’m going to omit the next five turns. I hate walls of log as much as the next Smogon user. Here’s a synopsis of what happened:
Hariyama used two Brick Breaks for a total of 46% damage.
Registeel used three Iron Heads for a total of 71% damage, one Iron Defense, and one Thunder Wave.
Hariyama was fully paralyzed two turns and flinched on one turn.
After those five turns:
Hariyama: 35% Paralyzed
Registeel: 32%, +4 Def
Now, the flinch was on the last turn. Until then, Hariyama was desperate to get off Brick Breaks. With that flinch, not only did I see that Iron Head was a flinching move (I had forgotten; idiot me. ><), but also I gained an urgency to put Hariyama to sleep. (No, not euthanasia!) Would the RNGs allow Hariyama to shrug off the paralysis and flinching?
Registeel used Iron Head. (23% damage)
Hariyama used Rest, falling asleep. (88% healing)
Hariyama: Asleep
Registeel: 38%, +4 Def
They did, thank goodness. I know it doesn’t have Togekiss-like potency, but ParaFlinching Registeel looks to be pretty effective nonetheless.
Now I have to look to the RNGs for more assistance so I can remove that thing from the field. No way Hariyama is touching it with +4 Def…
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Rest, but it failed! (Figures…)
Registeel used Iron Head. (24% damage)
Hariyama: 82% Asleep
Registeel: 44%, +4 Def
Don’t tell me we’re doing this dance AGAIN? Well, last time Hariyama spoke in his sleep, he did start with Rest and then went to Whirlwind. He started with Rest here…
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Whirlwind (Yes!), ejecting Registeel from the battle and dragging out Dugtrio ♂. (No!)
Hariyama: 88% Asleep
Oh come on! Every time Hariyama has used Whirlwind, something that he has an issue with one way or another has been dragged out! Now Dugtrio’s appearance gives us a possible (make that PROBABLE) Aerial Ace to deal with; shoot!
It’s a good thing that Dugtrio only has a base 80 Attack to screw things with or I would’ve been cursing my luck more. Hariyama should easily take any Aerial Ace he can dish out.
Still, the trap is too much of a burden on Hariyama’s plans, so Dugtrio has got to go.
Dugtrio used Aerial Ace.
It's super effective! (40% damage)
Hariyama woke up and used Whirlwind, ejecting Dugtrio from the battle and dragging out Tentacruel ♂.
Hariyama: 54%
It’s nice to know that Hariyama is that bulky, but it’s not like Dugtrio is known for taking out walls, anyhow. It was still a sizeable chunk, though, and though Hariyama would like to blow Tentacruel away like all the others, he’s just a little too weak to get the job done without exposing himself to whatever comes in. It’s bed time!
Tentacruel used Surf. (26% damage)
Hariyama used Rest, falling asleep. (72% healing)
Hariyama: Asleep
I wonder sometimes exactly what Hariyama would say when he’s sleeping. (Wait, too creepy?) Well, I’ll just have to settle for a Sleep Talk, then.
Tentacruel used Surf. (23% damage)
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Whirlwind, ejecting Tentacruel from the battle and dragging out Swampert ♂.
Hariyama: 83% Asleep
Oh? Hariyama STARTED with the Whirlwind? This may be a good Sleep Talk exchange, after all.
Ah, that’s right, I’ve seen my opponent’s entire team now, as well. Hmm… wait, wasn’t I going to do something here? … … Oh yeah! I was going to show you the entire team. Here’s my opponent’s team:
Okay, that little excursion is over. Back to the battle.
Swampert used Earthquake. (37% damage)
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Brick Break. (30% damage)
Swampert's Leftovers restored his health a little!
Hariyama: 51% Asleep
Swampert: 76%
Not bad. I usually don’t get Brick Break off of a Sleep Talk. What a refreshing change.
That was the good news. Hariyama is going to have to Rest again, however. Don’t worry; I won’t let him get as big or lazy as Snorlax.
Swampert used Earthquake. (38% damage)
Hariyama woke up and used Rest, falling asleep. (87% healing)
Hariyama: Asleep
Swampert: 82%
Seriously, talking in his sleep better not develop into a nasty habit. I’ve heard Hariyama sleep—it’s worse than someone snoring!
Swampert used Earthquake. (34% damage)
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Whirlwind, ejecting Swampert from the battle and dragging out Dugtrio ♂.
Hariyama: 72% Asleep
…This can’t be happening. Hariyama could’ve pulled out anything with Whirlwind, yet he arguably got out the WORST Pokémon for the situation! That’s just my luck.
Dugtrio used Aerial Ace.
It's super effective! (45% damage)
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Rest, but it failed!
Hariyama: 33% Asleep
Oh my God. This sucks big balls. What the heck am I supposed to do?
Hariyama is trapped! I’m aware of that! … So I got desperate and tried to switch. You can’t tell me I’m the only one that’s done that! But, what do I do? Crap!
…
…
…
Sorry, Hariyama; I tried.
Dugtrio used Aerial Ace.
It's super effective!
A critical hit! (81% damage)
COTH - test's Hariyama was knocked out by a needless critical hit! (Hold up! Didn’t something like this happen already?)
Score: 4 – 5
That was quite a run, Hariyama. I don’t remember if I’ve ever had a Pokémon last that long. Good work. Your sacrifice won’t be in vain. (Too cheesy?)
Okay, time to send in something to take a bite out of Dugtrio… or something like that.
COTH - test sent out Salamence ♂.
Salamence's Intimidate cut Dugtrio's Attack!
There! That should scare it away. Time to set up and sweep! I love my DDMixMence. :D
Opponent switched in Swampert ♂.
Salamence used Dragon Dance, raising his Attack and Speed.
Salamence: +1 Atk, +1 Spe
Swampert: 88%
Darn it. It looks like his Swampert has an Ice attack. Salamence, run! But to who? My two Ice resists (Hariyama, Metagross) are out of commission. Let me think…
Oh! I still have Spiritomb! If he hadn’t switched out on Gallade, I wouldn’t have him to sacrifice now! Nevertheless, he is dead to me. Besides, I can get more insight into my opponent’s thought processes.
COTH - test switched in Spiritomb ♂.
Swampert used Ice Punch.
A critical hit! (42% damage)
COTH - test's Spiritomb was put out of its misery by a needless critical hit!
Swampert: 94%
Score: 3 – 5
Death by needless critical hit, again? That’s not going to be a trend, is it? At least the critical hits have been mostly pointless to this point.
Okay, where’s my Swampert counter?
COTH - test sent out Azelf.
Hungry, Swampert? Eat my Grass Knot!
Opponent switched in Tentacruel ♂.
Azelf used Grass Knot. (19% damage)
Tentacruel's Black Sludge restored his health a little!
Tentacruel: 87%
I got greedy; what can I say? Besides, my predictions are a lot better when I actually know how my opponent thinks. Keep in mind: I’ve dictated the majority of the battle with Hariyama and Whirlwind. Most of what my opponent has done to this point has taken very little thought. I have no idea if he’s going to do the obvious thing every single time. Perhaps I should have assumed that…
Regardless, Azelf can deal with Tentacruel with little trouble. Tentacruel is going down pretty quickly.
Azelf used Psychic.
It's super effective! (72% damage)
Tentacruel used Surf. (41% damage)
Azelf: 59%
Tentacruel: 21%
You would think that my experiences with Obi’s stall team would’ve enlightened me on how much of a Special Wall Tentacruel can be. Its Expert Belt just didn’t give Azelf’s Psychic enough kick.
I don’t really care at this point. Tentacruel’s out of here!
Opponent switched in Registeel.
Azelf used Psychic.
It's not very effective... (12% damage)
Registeel: 38%
Crap, now I’m the one getting predictable! No time to worry about that, though. I gotta get Azelf away from that darn Thunder Wave!
COTH - test switched in Swampert ♂.
The Toxic Spikes badly poisoned Swampert!
Registeel used Thunder Wave, but it doesn't affect Swampert...
Swampert took 6% Poison damage!
Swampert: 94% Poisoned badly
Registeel: 44%
Okay. Now there’s no way Registeel is staying in on the threat of an Earthquake; that much I have been able to gather from my opponent’s switching patterns. Also, I’ve let my opponent switch far too freely for my liking; Hariyama could’ve been a lot more effective during his time on the battlefield.
So, what do you think I’m going to do?
Opponent switched in Swampert ♂.
Swampert scattered Opponent’s field with Stealth Rock.
Swampert's Leftovers restored his health a little!
Swampert took 12% Poison damage!
Swampert: 88% Poisoned badly
Swampert: 100%
Well, it’s not like I’ve got any other walls left to switch into all of his Swampert’s attacks. I might as well go all the way.
Swampert used Earthquake. (25% damage)
Swampert used Hydro Pump. (28% damage)
Swampert took 19% Poison damage!
Swampert: 50% Poisoned badly
Swampert: 78%
Well, it’s nice to see that his Swampert isn’t a MixPert in any way—not that that’s any consolation for my Swampert…
Swampert used Earthquake. (27% damage)
Swampert used Hydro Pump. (37% damage)
Swampert took 25% Poison damage!
Swampert: 4% Poisoned badly
Swampert: 47%
If my Swampert was just fine, I could’ve taken it on far easier than I did, but as it stands now, things are only going to get worse before they can get better.
Swampert used Ice Punch. (14% damage)
COTH - test's Swampert fainted!
Swampert: 53%
Score: 2 – 5
Azelf and Salamence; that’s all I have left. Super. Salamence is just fine at the moment (and needs to be to get the most out of his Life Orb), but Azelf is a little tired. Because Mence has that Life Orb, it’s up to Azelf to get me through this as much as it can.
COTH - test sent out Azelf.
During the first Azelf-Swampert encounter, Swampert switched out on the threat of a Grass Knot. To stay in when you know that a Grass Knot is out there would be not only out of character, but also suicide. Quite frankly, I’m not about to make the same mistake twice.
Opponent switched in Registeel. (6% Stealth Rock damage)
Azelf used Nasty Plot, sharply raising its Special Attack.
Azelf: 59%, +2 SpA
Registeel: 44%
This next move had to have been the easiest decision my opponent had to make all battle long. You could tell that Registeel was just looking to cripple Azelf the first chance it got. With the demise of my Electric-immune Pokémon, there was nothing left to ruin its opportunity.
Azelf used Thunderbolt. (35% damage)
Registeel used Thunder Wave, paralyzing Azelf.
Azelf: 59% Paralyzed, +2 SpA
Registeel: 15%
It was bound to happen. My opponent was in complete control; he could do no wrong. Once again, I had to look to the RNGs for guidance in these dark times. Please help me.
Registeel used Iron Head. (36% damage)
Azelf used Thunderbolt. (Yes!!!!!) (34% damage)
Opponent's Registeel was struck down!
Azelf: 23% Paralyzed, +2 SpA
Score: 2 – 4
Though the situation remained somewhat bleak, with the slaying of Registeel, a ray of hope shined onto my field.
Opponent sent out Dugtrio ♂. (6% Stealth Rock damage)
Of course, the executioner then showed up to try to bring me down. Azelf, you’re just gonna have to accept your fate and take one for the team. There’s nothing else I can do.
Dugtrio used Night Slash.
It's super effective! (78% damage)
COTH - test's Azelf was cut down!
Dugtrio: 94%
Score: 1 – 4
COTH - test sent out Salamence ♂.
Salamence's Intimidate cut Dugtrio's Attack!
Well, this is it. It’s up to the LO DDMixMence with Dragon Claw / Earthquake / Flamethrower to finish what Spiritomb, Swampert, Hariyama, Metagross, and Azelf started. Here we go.
Opponent switched in Tentacruel ♂. (12% Stealth Rock damage)
Salamence used Dragon Dance, raising his Attack and Speed.
Salamence: +1 Atk, +1 Spe
Tentacruel: 15%
The plan is in place. All that’s left to do is to trust in the power of the 553 Attack and the 456 Speed.
Salamence used Earthquake.
It's super effective! (160% damage)
Opponent's Tentacruel was no more!
Salamence took Life Orb recoil.
Salamence: 90%, +1 Atk, +1 Spe
Score: 1 – 3
Opponent switched in Swampert ♂. (6% Stealth Rock damage; 47% health)
One down, three to go.
Salamence used Dragon Claw. (72% damage)
Opponent's Swampert was cast aside!
Salamence: 80%, +1 Atk, +1 Spe
Score: 1 – 2
Opponent switched in Dugtrio ♂. (6% Stealth Rock damage; 88% health)
So far, so good. But now the executioner is back for another go. The appearance of Night Slash seemed to indicate that Dugtrio did not possess Sucker Punch, but I was weary nonetheless.
Dugtrio used Sucker Punch.
Oh crap!
A critical hit!
Oh no!!!
(85% damage)
Salamence was slain!
Opponent wins 2 – 0!
Oh… my God. How… the heck… did I lose? Ohhh, I was so close…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
Psyche!
Salamence used Dragon Claw. (246% damage)
Opponent's Dugtrio blacked out!
Salamence: 70%, +1 Atk, +1 Spe
Score: 1 – 1
Opponent switched in Zapdos. (25% Stealth Rock damage; 65% health)
From 1-4 to 1-1; it all comes down to this. We learned earlier in the battle that Zapdos was holding a Life Orb, thus there’s no way Zapdos is faster. It’s all of matter of whether Salamence’s Dragon Claw will be enough to take it down.
Salamence used Dragon Claw.
Okay, here we go.
Will Salamence’s Dragon Claw be enough?
Will Zapdos survive it and Hidden Power [Ice] Salamence to oblivion?
Whose cuisine reigns supreme? (Sorry, wrong show. My bad.)
…
…
Okay, the numbers are coming in…
…
(92% damage)
Opponent's Zapdos was slain!
COTH - test wins 1 – 0!
Yes!!! I did it! Sure, I’ve had bigger and more unlikely comebacks, but this one’s still pretty good! Even my opponent acknowledged it as we exchanged pleasantries:
COTH - test: gg
Opponent: wow nice come back
Opponent: gg
Opponent has left the room.
And with that, the battle was over. Whew!
Okay, props and slops time!
Props:
Salamence for his four DD-assisted Dragon Claw kills
Hariyama for lasting so long and creating so much havoc on the battlefield
Azelf for getting the kill on Registeel in the face of danger
Spiritomb and Metagross for teaming up to take down Gallade
My opponent for putting together a nice team
Slops:
Spiritomb and Metagross for HAVING to team up to take down Gallade
Hariyama’s luck with Whirlwind; Dugtrio effectively became Hariyama’s Jack Kevorkian
Me for not making a more concentrated effort to put up Stealth Rocks
Okay, hope you enjoyed the story and battle!
This testing consists entirely of ladder matches. Why not? It’s the most reliable way to get battles, and a test account makes sure the rating of your main account won’t be affected. (Still, the team is winning roughly 4 out of every 5 matches, so the main account could use that ratings boost. XD) Of course, anyone that has any degree of success on Shoddy knows this, already. When I’m in a ladder match, I often get challenges for standard battles, but I always turn them down because my past experiences with simultaneous battles have been… regrettable.
However, one day I had just gotten out of a ladder match where I had 5-0’d a Hail team when someone happened to make a challenge. (I’m not disclosing his name because I had no time to get permission for a warstory.) Being in a rare chipper mood after a battle, I quickly accepted the challenge and was thrust into battle…
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Notes:
Since I couldn’t ask for warstory permission, my opponent’s name is just “Opponent.”
Anything in terms of Leftovers recovery and stuff like that will be mentioned once for each Pokémon and then omitted.
The battle is Bolded, while the commentary is not.
Everything related to me will be labeled in my favorite color, Blue, and my opponent in Red.
Changes in a Pokémon’s condition will be noted after each turn.
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Here’s my team:
My opponent’s team will be revealed as we go along and as a whole when his last Pokémon is revealed.
Clauses: Evasion, OHKO, Sleep, Species – Timed Battle
COTH - test sent out Spiritomb ♂.
Opponent sent out Registeel.
Spiritomb is exerting his Pressure!
I’ve always loved Spiritomb, especially for his potent defensive typing, but I typically keep him out of the lead spot to not spoil the surprise. However, I moved Spiritomb to the lead shortly before this battle because of those Wobbuffet leads that some people will use. I was screwed once by a Wobbuffet lead and wasn’t about to let that happen again.
Now for my opponent. This is the first Registeel I’ve come up against in a long time, but there’s no doubt in my mind that a status move is coming. Also, this particular Spiritomb is the standard Will-o-wisp / Sucker Punch / Pain Split / Pursuit set, and none of those moves are worth taking a status from Registeel. Now where’s my status absorber?
COTH - test switched in Hariyama ♂.
Registeel used Thunder Wave, paralyzing Hariyama.
Hariyama: Paralyzed
There we go. Not only is my Hariyama a ResTalker, but he is also packing Brick Break. He may not be able to do a whole lot to Registeel, but there’s no way Registeel can do much of anything to him, so why do anything else?
Registeel used Iron Defense, sharply raising its Defense.
Hariyama used Brick Break.
It's super effective! (24% damage)
Registeel's Leftovers restored its health a little!
Hariyama: Paralyzed
Registeel: 82%, +2 Def
Oh shoot. Iron Defense really screws things up here. Brick Break isn’t going to do a thing to Registeel, now, and I can’t let it keep setting that up.
Fortunately, my Hariyama has many talents. In addition to being my ResTalker and primary Tyranitar counter, he can PHaze, too!
Registeel used Iron Head. (23% damage)
Hariyama used Whirlwind, ejecting Registeel from the battle and dragging out Tentacruel ♂.
Hariyama's Leftovers restored his health a little!
Hariyama: 83% Paralyzed
Registeel threat averted. But now Hariyama has come across something that Brick Break really won’t be able to dent no matter what. I guess I better PHaze again.
Tentacruel scattered COTH - test’s field with a layer Toxic Spikes.
Hariyama used Whirlwind, ejecting Tentacruel from the battle and dragging out Zapdos.
Zapdos is exerting its Pressure!
Hariyama: 89% Paralyzed
I could care less that my opponent got some Toxic Spikes in, but now we’ve got something else that Brick Break can’t really hurt. Well, second verse, same as the first.
Zapdos used Thunderbolt. (61% damage)
Zapdos took Life Orb recoil.
Hariyama used Whirlwind, ejecting Zapdos from the battle and dragging out Tentacruel ♂.
Hariyama: 34% Paralyzed
Zapdos: 90%
Zoinks! That did a little more than I had hoped. Hariyama’s tired and in need of sleep. Good night, Hariyama! (Whatever you do, Tentacruel, please don’t Surf…)
Tentacruel scattered COTH - test’s field with a second layer of Toxic Spikes.
Hariyama used Rest, falling asleep. (66% healing)
Hariyama: Asleep
One layer of Toxic Spikes becomes two. Okay. I may not have a Spinner, but with a Flyer, a Levitater, a Steel type, and a ResTalker, Toxic Spikes mean almost nothing to me.
As for Hariyama, he says things in his sleep; that’s part of his job as a ResTalker. It’s time to find out if he can say anything useful for the next two turns…
Tentacruel used Surf. (24% damage)
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Rest, but it failed!
Hariyama: 82% Asleep
Darn it. From my experience, that seems to happen roughly half of the time, contrary to what statistics say. Also, now it makes sense why Tentacruel didn’t Surf before Hariyama took a nap; I wasn’t exactly aware that it would do so little. It doesn’t really matter now.
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Okay, Hariyama: Sleep Talk, take two.[/FONT]
Tentacruel used Surf. (24% damage)
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Whirlwind, ejecting Tentacruel from the battle and dragging out Gallade ♂.
Hariyama: 64% Asleep
Alright, I get to see more of my opponent’s team! However, the appearance of Gallade now presents a Psycho Cut threat, and Hariyama is just low enough on health that I don’t believe that he can take one. Don’t I have something that can take a Psycho Cut? Oh, yeah!
COTH - test switched in Spiritomb ♂.
The Toxic Spikes badly poisoned Spiritomb!
Gallade used Bulk Up, raising his Attack and Defense.
Spiritomb took 6% Poison damage!
Spiritomb: 94% Poisoned badly
Gallade: +1 Atk, +1 Def
Naturally, my opponent uses the opportunity to set up. Still, I take that as a message that Gallade is in there for the long haul. This will give Spiritomb a chance to mess with him.
Gallade used Shadow Sneak. (27% damage)
Gallade took Life Orb recoil.
Spiritomb used Will-o-wisp, burning Gallade.
Gallade took 12% Burn damage!
Spiritomb's Leftovers restored his health a little!
Spiritomb took 12% Poison damage!
Spiritomb: 61% Poisoned badly
Gallade: 78% Burned, +1 Def
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']However, Spiritomb is also going to be in there for the long haul. Reminder: I’ve seen Registeel, Tentacruel, Zapdos, and Gallade. The team has means of easily dealing with the other three, and the two unknowns were of no concern to me, thus Spiritomb had no second thoughts of taking Gallade with him.[/FONT]
Gallade used Bulk Up, raising his Attack and Defense.
Spiritomb used Pain Split. (11% healing, 10% damage)
Spiritomb took 19% Poison damage!
Spiritomb: 59% Poisoned badly
Gallade: 56% Burned, +1 Atk, +2 Def
Right, just keep thinking that setting up will help. You’re screwed, Gallade.
Gallade used Bulk Up, raising his Attack and Defense.
Spiritomb used Pursuit. (7% damage)
Spiritomb took 25% Poison damage!
Spiritomb: 40% Poisoned badly
Gallade: 37% Burned, +2 Atk, +3 Def
Okay, almost there…
Gallade made a Wish!
Spiritomb used Pursuit. (8% damage)
Spiritomb took 31% Poison damage!
Spiritomb: 15% Poisoned badly
Gallade: 17% Burned, +2 Atk, +3 Def
A Wish? Interesting. I’m not exactly sure what to do, now.
At the time, I was thinking that my opponent would switch to something else to receive the Wish—something like Registeel. I’ll switch something in that can dent Registeel and apply the pressure. But then…
COTH - test switched in Metagross.
Gallade used Shadow Sneak. (18% damage)
Gallade’s wish came true! (50% healing)
Metagross: 82%
Gallade: 45% Burned, +2 Atk, +3 Def
What… the heck… was I thinking? I was regretting this move soon after I had made it. Well, now that I think about it, had Spiritomb stayed in and tried to Sucker Punch (my plan B), he wouldn’t have stood a chance. Remember this move. Don’t ask me why, right now. Just do it.
Anyway, since Metagross is here, it may as well do its thing. What is its thing? It’s an Agiligross.
Metagross used Agility, sharply raising its Speed.
Gallade used Drain Punch. (39% damage, 21% healing)
Metagross: 43%, +2 Spe
Gallade: 43% Burned, +2 Atk, +3 Def
Drain Punch? Well, it makes sense with Life Orb. Looking back, the idea that Drain Punch was his strongest attack is a TAD disturbing to me. Well, I’m not worried too much.
Metagross used Earthquake. (19% damage)
19%?! I know he’s been bulked up, but what the heck?! Pokémon need to stop taking steroids…
Gallade used Drain Punch. (35% damage, 18% healing)
Metagross: 8%, +2 Spe
Gallade: 20% Burned, +2 Atk, +3 Def
I’ll tell you right now that I used Earthquake because I somehow thought that Fighting types resisted Steel; Metagross had Meteor Mash. Yeah, but then again, I couldn’t afford to have Meteor Mash miss…
Still, the end is near for Metagross. Fortunately, the end is near for Gallade, as well.
Gallade used Shadow Sneak.
A critical hit! (35% damage)
COTH - test's Metagross was knocked out by a needless critical hit!
Opponent's Gallade passed out from his Burn!
Score: 5 – 5
The first casualties of the battle—and a double kill. I never can figure out just which Pokémon to send out after a double kill. At the very least you have to choose something your opponent has already seen, right? Well, the only ones I’ve revealed are Spiritomb, who is really weak, and Hariyama, who is sleeping. I couldn’t send either of them out, in my opinion. Here’s who I did send out:
COTH - test sent out Azelf.
Opponent sent out Registeel.
Shoot! Bad move. This Azelf has Nasty Plot / Psychic / Grass Knot / Thunderbolt, and again, none of them are worth taking a Thunder Wave. Hariyama! Get your fat butt out here! (I can call him fat because he has Thick Fat. XD)
COTH - test switched in Hariyama ♂.
Registeel used Thunder Wave, but it failed!
Hariyama: 70% Asleep
Registeel: 88%
Okay, here’s one thing I don’t really know: I switched out while I was Resting; does that reset the sleep count? I didn’t know if it did or not, but I assumed it didn’t, as you can see in my next move…
Hariyama woke up and used Brick Break.
It's super effective! (46% damage)
Registeel used Iron Defense, sharply raising its Defense.
Hariyama: 76%
Registeel: 48%, +2 Def
Oh boy. This is gonna take a while. Tell you what: I’m going to omit the next five turns. I hate walls of log as much as the next Smogon user. Here’s a synopsis of what happened:
Hariyama used two Brick Breaks for a total of 46% damage.
Registeel used three Iron Heads for a total of 71% damage, one Iron Defense, and one Thunder Wave.
Hariyama was fully paralyzed two turns and flinched on one turn.
After those five turns:
Hariyama: 35% Paralyzed
Registeel: 32%, +4 Def
Now, the flinch was on the last turn. Until then, Hariyama was desperate to get off Brick Breaks. With that flinch, not only did I see that Iron Head was a flinching move (I had forgotten; idiot me. ><), but also I gained an urgency to put Hariyama to sleep. (No, not euthanasia!) Would the RNGs allow Hariyama to shrug off the paralysis and flinching?
Registeel used Iron Head. (23% damage)
Hariyama used Rest, falling asleep. (88% healing)
Hariyama: Asleep
Registeel: 38%, +4 Def
They did, thank goodness. I know it doesn’t have Togekiss-like potency, but ParaFlinching Registeel looks to be pretty effective nonetheless.
Now I have to look to the RNGs for more assistance so I can remove that thing from the field. No way Hariyama is touching it with +4 Def…
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Rest, but it failed! (Figures…)
Registeel used Iron Head. (24% damage)
Hariyama: 82% Asleep
Registeel: 44%, +4 Def
Don’t tell me we’re doing this dance AGAIN? Well, last time Hariyama spoke in his sleep, he did start with Rest and then went to Whirlwind. He started with Rest here…
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Whirlwind (Yes!), ejecting Registeel from the battle and dragging out Dugtrio ♂. (No!)
Hariyama: 88% Asleep
Oh come on! Every time Hariyama has used Whirlwind, something that he has an issue with one way or another has been dragged out! Now Dugtrio’s appearance gives us a possible (make that PROBABLE) Aerial Ace to deal with; shoot!
It’s a good thing that Dugtrio only has a base 80 Attack to screw things with or I would’ve been cursing my luck more. Hariyama should easily take any Aerial Ace he can dish out.
Still, the trap is too much of a burden on Hariyama’s plans, so Dugtrio has got to go.
Dugtrio used Aerial Ace.
It's super effective! (40% damage)
Hariyama woke up and used Whirlwind, ejecting Dugtrio from the battle and dragging out Tentacruel ♂.
Hariyama: 54%
It’s nice to know that Hariyama is that bulky, but it’s not like Dugtrio is known for taking out walls, anyhow. It was still a sizeable chunk, though, and though Hariyama would like to blow Tentacruel away like all the others, he’s just a little too weak to get the job done without exposing himself to whatever comes in. It’s bed time!
Tentacruel used Surf. (26% damage)
Hariyama used Rest, falling asleep. (72% healing)
Hariyama: Asleep
I wonder sometimes exactly what Hariyama would say when he’s sleeping. (Wait, too creepy?) Well, I’ll just have to settle for a Sleep Talk, then.
Tentacruel used Surf. (23% damage)
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Whirlwind, ejecting Tentacruel from the battle and dragging out Swampert ♂.
Hariyama: 83% Asleep
Oh? Hariyama STARTED with the Whirlwind? This may be a good Sleep Talk exchange, after all.
Ah, that’s right, I’ve seen my opponent’s entire team now, as well. Hmm… wait, wasn’t I going to do something here? … … Oh yeah! I was going to show you the entire team. Here’s my opponent’s team:
Okay, that little excursion is over. Back to the battle.
Swampert used Earthquake. (37% damage)
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Brick Break. (30% damage)
Swampert's Leftovers restored his health a little!
Hariyama: 51% Asleep
Swampert: 76%
Not bad. I usually don’t get Brick Break off of a Sleep Talk. What a refreshing change.
That was the good news. Hariyama is going to have to Rest again, however. Don’t worry; I won’t let him get as big or lazy as Snorlax.
Swampert used Earthquake. (38% damage)
Hariyama woke up and used Rest, falling asleep. (87% healing)
Hariyama: Asleep
Swampert: 82%
Seriously, talking in his sleep better not develop into a nasty habit. I’ve heard Hariyama sleep—it’s worse than someone snoring!
Swampert used Earthquake. (34% damage)
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Whirlwind, ejecting Swampert from the battle and dragging out Dugtrio ♂.
Hariyama: 72% Asleep
…This can’t be happening. Hariyama could’ve pulled out anything with Whirlwind, yet he arguably got out the WORST Pokémon for the situation! That’s just my luck.
Dugtrio used Aerial Ace.
It's super effective! (45% damage)
Hariyama is fast asleep and used Sleep Talk.
Hariyama used Rest, but it failed!
Hariyama: 33% Asleep
Oh my God. This sucks big balls. What the heck am I supposed to do?
Hariyama is trapped! I’m aware of that! … So I got desperate and tried to switch. You can’t tell me I’m the only one that’s done that! But, what do I do? Crap!
…
…
…
Sorry, Hariyama; I tried.
Dugtrio used Aerial Ace.
It's super effective!
A critical hit! (81% damage)
COTH - test's Hariyama was knocked out by a needless critical hit! (Hold up! Didn’t something like this happen already?)
Score: 4 – 5
That was quite a run, Hariyama. I don’t remember if I’ve ever had a Pokémon last that long. Good work. Your sacrifice won’t be in vain. (Too cheesy?)
Okay, time to send in something to take a bite out of Dugtrio… or something like that.
COTH - test sent out Salamence ♂.
Salamence's Intimidate cut Dugtrio's Attack!
There! That should scare it away. Time to set up and sweep! I love my DDMixMence. :D
Opponent switched in Swampert ♂.
Salamence used Dragon Dance, raising his Attack and Speed.
Salamence: +1 Atk, +1 Spe
Swampert: 88%
Darn it. It looks like his Swampert has an Ice attack. Salamence, run! But to who? My two Ice resists (Hariyama, Metagross) are out of commission. Let me think…
Oh! I still have Spiritomb! If he hadn’t switched out on Gallade, I wouldn’t have him to sacrifice now! Nevertheless, he is dead to me. Besides, I can get more insight into my opponent’s thought processes.
COTH - test switched in Spiritomb ♂.
Swampert used Ice Punch.
A critical hit! (42% damage)
COTH - test's Spiritomb was put out of its misery by a needless critical hit!
Swampert: 94%
Score: 3 – 5
Death by needless critical hit, again? That’s not going to be a trend, is it? At least the critical hits have been mostly pointless to this point.
Okay, where’s my Swampert counter?
COTH - test sent out Azelf.
Hungry, Swampert? Eat my Grass Knot!
Opponent switched in Tentacruel ♂.
Azelf used Grass Knot. (19% damage)
Tentacruel's Black Sludge restored his health a little!
Tentacruel: 87%
I got greedy; what can I say? Besides, my predictions are a lot better when I actually know how my opponent thinks. Keep in mind: I’ve dictated the majority of the battle with Hariyama and Whirlwind. Most of what my opponent has done to this point has taken very little thought. I have no idea if he’s going to do the obvious thing every single time. Perhaps I should have assumed that…
Regardless, Azelf can deal with Tentacruel with little trouble. Tentacruel is going down pretty quickly.
Azelf used Psychic.
It's super effective! (72% damage)
Tentacruel used Surf. (41% damage)
Azelf: 59%
Tentacruel: 21%
You would think that my experiences with Obi’s stall team would’ve enlightened me on how much of a Special Wall Tentacruel can be. Its Expert Belt just didn’t give Azelf’s Psychic enough kick.
I don’t really care at this point. Tentacruel’s out of here!
Opponent switched in Registeel.
Azelf used Psychic.
It's not very effective... (12% damage)
Registeel: 38%
Crap, now I’m the one getting predictable! No time to worry about that, though. I gotta get Azelf away from that darn Thunder Wave!
COTH - test switched in Swampert ♂.
The Toxic Spikes badly poisoned Swampert!
Registeel used Thunder Wave, but it doesn't affect Swampert...
Swampert took 6% Poison damage!
Swampert: 94% Poisoned badly
Registeel: 44%
Okay. Now there’s no way Registeel is staying in on the threat of an Earthquake; that much I have been able to gather from my opponent’s switching patterns. Also, I’ve let my opponent switch far too freely for my liking; Hariyama could’ve been a lot more effective during his time on the battlefield.
So, what do you think I’m going to do?
Opponent switched in Swampert ♂.
Swampert scattered Opponent’s field with Stealth Rock.
Swampert's Leftovers restored his health a little!
Swampert took 12% Poison damage!
Swampert: 88% Poisoned badly
Swampert: 100%
Well, it’s not like I’ve got any other walls left to switch into all of his Swampert’s attacks. I might as well go all the way.
Swampert used Earthquake. (25% damage)
Swampert used Hydro Pump. (28% damage)
Swampert took 19% Poison damage!
Swampert: 50% Poisoned badly
Swampert: 78%
Well, it’s nice to see that his Swampert isn’t a MixPert in any way—not that that’s any consolation for my Swampert…
Swampert used Earthquake. (27% damage)
Swampert used Hydro Pump. (37% damage)
Swampert took 25% Poison damage!
Swampert: 4% Poisoned badly
Swampert: 47%
If my Swampert was just fine, I could’ve taken it on far easier than I did, but as it stands now, things are only going to get worse before they can get better.
Swampert used Ice Punch. (14% damage)
COTH - test's Swampert fainted!
Swampert: 53%
Score: 2 – 5
Azelf and Salamence; that’s all I have left. Super. Salamence is just fine at the moment (and needs to be to get the most out of his Life Orb), but Azelf is a little tired. Because Mence has that Life Orb, it’s up to Azelf to get me through this as much as it can.
COTH - test sent out Azelf.
During the first Azelf-Swampert encounter, Swampert switched out on the threat of a Grass Knot. To stay in when you know that a Grass Knot is out there would be not only out of character, but also suicide. Quite frankly, I’m not about to make the same mistake twice.
Opponent switched in Registeel. (6% Stealth Rock damage)
Azelf used Nasty Plot, sharply raising its Special Attack.
Azelf: 59%, +2 SpA
Registeel: 44%
This next move had to have been the easiest decision my opponent had to make all battle long. You could tell that Registeel was just looking to cripple Azelf the first chance it got. With the demise of my Electric-immune Pokémon, there was nothing left to ruin its opportunity.
Azelf used Thunderbolt. (35% damage)
Registeel used Thunder Wave, paralyzing Azelf.
Azelf: 59% Paralyzed, +2 SpA
Registeel: 15%
It was bound to happen. My opponent was in complete control; he could do no wrong. Once again, I had to look to the RNGs for guidance in these dark times. Please help me.
Registeel used Iron Head. (36% damage)
Azelf used Thunderbolt. (Yes!!!!!) (34% damage)
Opponent's Registeel was struck down!
Azelf: 23% Paralyzed, +2 SpA
Score: 2 – 4
Though the situation remained somewhat bleak, with the slaying of Registeel, a ray of hope shined onto my field.
Opponent sent out Dugtrio ♂. (6% Stealth Rock damage)
Of course, the executioner then showed up to try to bring me down. Azelf, you’re just gonna have to accept your fate and take one for the team. There’s nothing else I can do.
Dugtrio used Night Slash.
It's super effective! (78% damage)
COTH - test's Azelf was cut down!
Dugtrio: 94%
Score: 1 – 4
COTH - test sent out Salamence ♂.
Salamence's Intimidate cut Dugtrio's Attack!
Well, this is it. It’s up to the LO DDMixMence with Dragon Claw / Earthquake / Flamethrower to finish what Spiritomb, Swampert, Hariyama, Metagross, and Azelf started. Here we go.
Opponent switched in Tentacruel ♂. (12% Stealth Rock damage)
Salamence used Dragon Dance, raising his Attack and Speed.
Salamence: +1 Atk, +1 Spe
Tentacruel: 15%
The plan is in place. All that’s left to do is to trust in the power of the 553 Attack and the 456 Speed.
Salamence used Earthquake.
It's super effective! (160% damage)
Opponent's Tentacruel was no more!
Salamence took Life Orb recoil.
Salamence: 90%, +1 Atk, +1 Spe
Score: 1 – 3
Opponent switched in Swampert ♂. (6% Stealth Rock damage; 47% health)
One down, three to go.
Salamence used Dragon Claw. (72% damage)
Opponent's Swampert was cast aside!
Salamence: 80%, +1 Atk, +1 Spe
Score: 1 – 2
Opponent switched in Dugtrio ♂. (6% Stealth Rock damage; 88% health)
So far, so good. But now the executioner is back for another go. The appearance of Night Slash seemed to indicate that Dugtrio did not possess Sucker Punch, but I was weary nonetheless.
Dugtrio used Sucker Punch.
Oh crap!
A critical hit!
Oh no!!!
(85% damage)
Salamence was slain!
Opponent wins 2 – 0!
Oh… my God. How… the heck… did I lose? Ohhh, I was so close…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
Psyche!
Salamence used Dragon Claw. (246% damage)
Opponent's Dugtrio blacked out!
Salamence: 70%, +1 Atk, +1 Spe
Score: 1 – 1
Opponent switched in Zapdos. (25% Stealth Rock damage; 65% health)
From 1-4 to 1-1; it all comes down to this. We learned earlier in the battle that Zapdos was holding a Life Orb, thus there’s no way Zapdos is faster. It’s all of matter of whether Salamence’s Dragon Claw will be enough to take it down.
Salamence used Dragon Claw.
Okay, here we go.
Will Salamence’s Dragon Claw be enough?
Will Zapdos survive it and Hidden Power [Ice] Salamence to oblivion?
Whose cuisine reigns supreme? (Sorry, wrong show. My bad.)
…
…
Okay, the numbers are coming in…
…
(92% damage)
Opponent's Zapdos was slain!
COTH - test wins 1 – 0!
Yes!!! I did it! Sure, I’ve had bigger and more unlikely comebacks, but this one’s still pretty good! Even my opponent acknowledged it as we exchanged pleasantries:
COTH - test: gg
Opponent: wow nice come back
Opponent: gg
Opponent has left the room.
And with that, the battle was over. Whew!
Okay, props and slops time!
Props:
Salamence for his four DD-assisted Dragon Claw kills
Hariyama for lasting so long and creating so much havoc on the battlefield
Azelf for getting the kill on Registeel in the face of danger
Spiritomb and Metagross for teaming up to take down Gallade
My opponent for putting together a nice team
Slops:
Spiritomb and Metagross for HAVING to team up to take down Gallade
Hariyama’s luck with Whirlwind; Dugtrio effectively became Hariyama’s Jack Kevorkian
Me for not making a more concentrated effort to put up Stealth Rocks
Okay, hope you enjoyed the story and battle!
