#and having psychic type Pokemon with you would boost the strength of the link and provide extra stability

[sonicasura]

Ok so I am doing this too get Phos/Frobtier Decks sorted for each Crossover along with potential additions too the entourage so let's get thing set up!

Original Yu-Gi-Oh

Phos/Frontier - Charmer - Familiar/ Rescue-Ace/ War Rock

Special 3 Dragon Cards: Titanomakhia, Darkest Diabolos, Black Hole Dragon

Dark Magician - Nickname Silva

Wields Pegasus's Toon Deck for the Orichalcos Saga

Will Update

GX

Phos - Fulffal and Frightfur/ Nightmare Magician and Chimeras Archetype

Will Update as story goes on

Frontier - Fluffal and Frightfur

The second Archetype they should attain I have a couple ideas

1. Gem-Knights - A Variet of Duel Monsters of Different Elements that can used for powerful Fusion and on ocasion the Fulfal and Frightfur Monsters if need be. Like Fightfurs the Gem-Knights focus on fusing fairly quickly so could have good synergy with getting heavy hitters on the field quick. Would also like Rock, Steel and Ground types due too a lot of them having similarities or being made of ores like them.

2. Melodious - Duel Monsters that have great fusions and would make for strong Monsters alongside the Frightfurs. Plus with how many musical Pokemon there are I thought it would be cute too have them interacting together.

3. Gladiator Beasts - A myriad of Fusions Monsters with a unique way of being summoned through shuffling the neccessary cards back into the Deck, which saves Fusions Spells for the Frightfurs. Also Incineroar, Annihilape, Kubfu and other Pokemon would like too spar with the Battlin' Beasts

5D's

Phos - Ursarctic/ Magicians

Will Update as story goes on

Frontier - Swordsoul

1. Dinowrestler - I love this Archetype, it's just so cool too me and wanted too add it for awhile but of course one of the main Monsters Dinowrestler Chimera T Wrextle requires a Dinowrestler Link Monsters, so that was out. However there is also a Synchro Monster! Dinowrestler Giga Spinosavate so I am still in this! I think these would work well for Frontier and well the Dinowrestler sparring against Incineroar, Pangoro, and Koraidon

2. Mayakashi - I like a lot of the designs especially the Synchros Yoko, Tengu, and Tsuchigumo so why not put them on the board, plus there very strong cards that sync well with each other.

3. Overmind Archfiend - I like there design and make for a good heavy hitter, only thing is that for Overmind Archfiend they need a Psychic Tuner and Psychic Monsters too Synchro Summon. Still I like them very much.

Zexal

Phos/Frontier: Magikey/ Goblin Biker

Potential Allies

1. Geargia - Goofy Gears that transform into a Megazord from Power Rangers with there Xyz summom! What's not too like!?

2. Sprights - I like these fashionable energy beings! Strength is not what I call theee strong suite but they hold potential for great power especially if the double attack boost conditions is met with there Xyz Summon Gigantic Spright

3. Ryzeal - I like there design and the Ryzeal's alongbwith there Xyz Summons are very strong and can be tough too take out with all there Overlay Units. Tough Duel Monsters for tough battles

4. Wind - Up: Another really cool Archetype. I like all the Wind - Up designs, I think they have a lot of strength with there Xyz Summons. Also for Phos if this is choosen I imagine the Wind -Ups come across Phos spending time with there old toy robots that survived there Planet's destruction. Repairing and cleaning the percious items of there long gone home.

Arc - V

Phos/ Frontier - Vendread/ Dual Avatar

Will Update

OK! This took a bit too put together but here is the current deck lists and the options I have presented for new Duel Monsters too join Phos/Frontier's entourage. Choose which ever one you think is best also of course if you want too change around or add one that is not on the list than go ahead. Thank you!

This is a pretty great list.

For GX, Gladiator Beasts honestly sound like a neat combination especially if you look at their Story Gate in Master Duel. Though Melodious would be better overall since a good chunk of their Fusions only need any Fairy monster so Fluffals can substitute.

Dinowrestlers could work as there are some good Dinosaur related Synchros that can help out. I can also recommend Jurracs if you want to try a Dinosaur Synchro archetype.

Wind-Ups sound like a perfect fit for Phos especially with the toy repair idea. I looked up Ryzeal and they look pretty cool so Frontier gets them. Geargia could work for both archetypes ad Duodrive alongside the Windup XYZ don't require certain monsters. Plus both archetypes have a few usable XYZs.

[kaztial-does-art]

My mind to your mind

[yessu]

I am once again having lore thoughts. have some magic system/gimmick adaptation spaghetti. I’ve mentioned some of these things briefly before but I need my thoughts in one place

There’s two forms in the world- natural energy, which powers Types and is magic only in the sense of “idk, cartoon magic” re: how gijinkas use moves and have abilities in the first place; and then there’s Actual magic, which *sorta* matches up to typing but doesn’t. It’s like how the TCG had/has its own reduced set of types and pokemon that might exist in one type canonically ingame get set as something completely different- like poison types just kind of vaguely land between the grass, psychic, and dark categories. these aren’t so much schools of magic, but what we’d consider schools (like dnd terms) tend to fall under certain types, like enchantments tend to be psychic, fairy, normal type witches. me and dan workshopped these a little bit i need to find it again

ANYWAY so that magic is also what powers the Various Fuckery of the world. (Stealing the idea from my own original world lmao) It condenses into crystal formations, and location does change its effects a Little bit- it’s purest and most concentrated in Paldea (tera crystals) without doing much but being Raw Elemental Magic (changing types temporarily). Otherwise, you have to match up to its type to use it (it being refined into a Booster like mega stones and z-crystals) but it also comes with a *lot* of radiation. Galar sees this as power spots and dens specifcally, it’s also why Dyna/Gigantamaxing and Mega evolutions tend to go beserk and/or hurt the user (unless they’re using a suppression tool that focuses it down safely, like the apparatus that people plug their mega stones Into) This radiation is also what influences certain regions to manifest their powers differently, like my headcanon of Orre having more “superhero” types and north of Galar having outright monsters.

Ley lines of this magic create deposits which create mystery dungeons, where the space is always changing and you can often tap into abilities you wouldn’t have outside (emeras, if anyone else was unfortunate enough to play super pmd LMAO) and with things being so Fucky there it can produce ‘treasures’— like how items popped up around you in the distortions in Legends— which is how treasure hunters keep their work ;)

Anyway! back to the magic itself- i think legendaries utilize Both in very high amounts, which is why they HAVE otherworldly power and influence and are inherently stronger than civilian pokemon. Witches Also feel stronger than civilians because this is what they’re tapping into. Legendaries aren’t necessarily witches themselves, but they Could practice that way (not every rectangle is a square etc) Also, witches aren’t by definition cut off from natural energy, they can still use normal moves if they wanted to/don’t Know they’re a witch/don’t want to be one/it takes a while for the potential for magic in their genes to wake up. It depends if they’re Practicing or not- magic just lets them have powers that are not Moves. It does still have to sort of line up to their actual types, like a fire witch isn’t going to be a grass type pokemon (use their learnpools as a guideline), but hidden powers are kind of an exception! Heinrich is an example of this; he’s still just grass/ghost as a Gourgeist, but his HP type is fire, so his ghost attacks look and feel like fire. Some people are just more in tune with theirs than others, and when it’s especially prominent it can flavor their other attacks, even without being a witch.

HP types are linked to Tera types too, I think- Terastilizing just boosts a type, so the norm is to have a type that matches your natural strengths, but “unusual” tera types happen in those people with prominent HPs. Going out of your way to change your tera type to something that ISN’T your HP I think would then change that type too because you’re taking in a Lot of magic to influence it. — OH! and gems, the hold items that boost an attack of their type? Those are extremely diluted tera crystals (naturally or deliberately). The sparkling water flavor of tera crystal.

I think that’s everything off the dome so if y’all have questions/feedback anytime let me know B)

[askkrenko]

Krenko’s Guide to Pokemon: Tauros

That’s a load of bull.

DESIGN:

Tauros is a beefalo or cattalo, a hybrid of a bison and cattle. It has a few non-standard features, but the only real stand-out one is its whiplike tail. Otherwise, it’s just an angry bull. Yes, it’s got a few specific features to be recognized as Tauros, but overall it’s probably the most unoriginal, standard, straightforward design at least of the first generation of Pokemon.

I find I don’t have much to say about the design. It’s not a bad design, because it’s still a badass bull, but it is a bland and unoriginal one. Tauros exists, and that’s about my entire feelings on it.

But how DO Tauros exist? Tauros is a 100% male pokemon, which means it shouldn’t have any way to breed without the help of DItto. But what’s this? A cow pokemon, right over there, with the same total stats as Tauros and suspiciously appearing in literally every location you can catch a Tauros outside of Kanto? Miltank is so obviously the female Tauros that it’s honestly absurd that there’s no mechanical link between the two yet. A shared baby form that evolves based on gender seems like the obvious way, but they could also just go the route they did with Illumise and let Miltank produce eggs that have a chance to have a Tauros inside.

Art by RtRadke

TYPING:

Normal is a decent type to have defensively, with a weakness only to fighting, and Normal types tend to be harder to take down as a result. Offensively, though, Normal isn’t super-effective against anything, and it has difficulty with Rock, Steel, and Ghost, meaning Normal pokemon just aren’t getting the benefits from STAB that many other types are.

STATS:

100 Attack, 110 Speed. Good at swinging, but not the best. Tauros’ HP is average and while its special defense is a smidge low, its physical defense is 95, making it sturdier than average.  All in all, it’s a solid stat spread, though still a bit on the low side overall.

Art by TsaoShin

ABILITIES:

Tauros’ main ability is Intimidate, and I’m never going to speak ill of it. By now you should know how great Intimidate is and how much I love it, which means you’ll understand how big a deal it is that this isn’t Tauros’ best ability.

Tauros’ second ability is Anger Point. It’s useless. Anger Point immediately raises Tauros’ Attack to +6 if it gets hit with a critical hit, and while this is super cool, there’s no way to force critical hits from your opponent, and most of the time when your Tauros takes a critical hit you don’t have a Tauros anymore.

Tauros’ hidden ability is its real power, Sheer Force. Sheer Force removes beneficial secondary effects of attacks to make them deal +30% damage. As long as you’re careful with move selection, this is a serious boon to Tauros’ strength and turns it from a decent attacker to a serious hitter. Intimidate will never be bad, but Sheer Force is what makes Tauros scary.

Yeeehaw!! by SundaeLee

MOVES:

Against most opponents, Tauros’ best attack will be Body Slam. It’s Tauros’ strongest move that can use Sheer Force, bringing its power up to 110 before adding STAB. While there are a few normal attacks that are still stronger, such as Thrash and Giga Impact, those all come with significant drawbacks.

Tauros is a beatstick and doesn’t get any particularly interesting tech, so from here it’s all coverage. Zen Headbutt, Iron Tail, Rock Slide, and Throat Chop are Tauros’ strongest options for benefitting from Sheer Force. Earthquake, Megahorn and Close Combat are also great options even though they don’t get the boost.

For well-rounded coverage, Throat Chop is super-effective against Ghosts, picking up coverage for Psychic types as well, and either Close Combat or Earthquake works against Rock and Steel, as well as three other types each. For a final move it’s just a question of what you want a super-effective option against.

Or for your fourth move you can take Substitute, to dodge status moves. It’s not really important: Body Slam, Throat Chop, and (Earthquake or Close Combat) should let you threaten anything.

One weird thing about Tauros’ moves is that because Gen 1 gave a lot of random TMs to things, Tauros has a lot of special attack options that it really shouldn’t be using under normal circumstances… But Fire Blast has a base power of 110, meaning with Sheer Force it’s working at a power of 143, and even with Tauros’ frankly abysmal special attack of 40, sometimes that’s a reasonable option.

Hatch the Eggie by Aer0Hail

OVERALL:

Back in Red and Blue, Tauros was one of the best Pokemon- possibly THE best after Mewtwo. Unfortunately, as time marched on its simplicity made it fall by the wayside. It’s still a decent beatstick, but it suffers the same issue that a lot of Pokemon have where its best attacks are Special while its a Physical attacker.  Sheer Force helps, but Tauros is still pretty average overall these days, and Normal’s just not the best type for offense.

There’s a few things Tauros really needs- not too much because it’s already decent, but a few things. First off, we need a baby Tauros/Miltank. There’s a clear lore connection that needs fixing, and a pre-evolved form would allow players to start using one early game and level it up into Tauros, making it more usable in actual gameplay. Second, Tauros needs something it can really impress with when using Sheer Force. Bringing 80 power moves to 104 is fine, but Flare Blitz would be great and punch through Steel Types, even while beating the hell out of Tauros in return. Tauros gets a lot of Fire attacks, and none of them are physical. This is mostly just due to gen 1 TM weirdness, but still. 

Of course, an answer of ‘bigger numbers’ could work, too, and of course a Mega Evolution wouldn’t be out of the question, though I think a regular evolution would be a bit much. Until then, Tauros just disappears into the pile of perfectly serviceable but mostly uninteresting Pokemon.

[edelgoth]

pokemon team commission

@seaweedsallyandhercacklingturtle hello! sorry this took so long; it required a lot of research ahaha but i hope this is what you were looking for! let me know if there’s anything you’d want me to expand upon or change! 

Ryoma: I think he’d go for a combination of fire and water types, which reflects not only his aesthetic, but also his personality. His team also has a lot of pokemon with mega evolutions, which feels fitting for the king of Hoshido. 

Volcanion: as the ruler of Hoshido, it feels only natural that he should have a legendary at his side. His Volcanion would have a quiet nature, which’d buff it’s special attack while lowering it’s already below-average speed.  

As for it’s move-set, it would have: 

Steam Eruption [Water || Special]

Scald [Water || Special]

Flamethrower [Fire || Special]

Haze [Ice || Status]

Rapidash: with it’s flowing mane of pure fire, Rapidash seems like a fitting visual accompaniment for Ryoma. It would serve as a worthy mount for him, should he want to. It would be adamant in nature, buffing his attack but lowering his special attack. 

It’s move-set would be: 

Flare Blitz [Fire || Physical]

Stomp [Normal || Physical]

Mega Horn [Bug || Physical]

Agility [Psychic || Status]

Gyrados: both a fitting visual contrast and a powerful offensive Pokemon, Gyrados is another staple of Ryoma’s team. Like Rapidash, it has an adamant nature, making it’s power even stronger. It’s key move is Earthquake, which lets it take out Electric types before they have the chance to take advantage of his x4 weakness. 

It’s move-set would look like: 

Outrage [Dragon || Physical]

Waterfall [Water || Physical]

Dragon Dance [Dragon || Status]

Earthquake [Ground || Physical]

Tyrantrum: Physically imposing, with good move coverage, Tyrantrum fills a similar role as Gyrados. And, like Gyrados, it has an adamant nature, resulting in it specialising in powerful attacks.

Crunch [Dark || Physical]

Earthquake [Ground || Physical]

Dragon Tail [Dragon || Physical]

Rock Polish [Rock || Status]

Blaziken: a great mixed attacker, with a boost to his speed from his ability, Speed Boost (no kidding). Ryoma’s Blaziken would have a naughty nature, buffing it’s attacks and lowering it’s special defense. He’d also be the most playful Pokemon on the team, adding some diversity into what is otherwise quite the driven, serious group. 

Blaze Kick [Fire || Physical]

Swords Dance [Normal || Status]

Sky Uppercut [Fighting || Physical]

Flamethrower [Fire || Special]

Swampert: quite bulky, Swampert makes a good defensive wall. He’s not a strong attacker, but he can put on the hurt. His serious nature has no effect on his stats, but he doesn’t really need them. He balances out It’s Ground-typing alleviates it’s electric weakness, and just like Gyrados, Earthquake will deal with that potential threat before it’s even a problem. 

Waterfall [Water || Physical]

Earthquake [Ground || Physical]

Scald [Water || Special]

Hidden Power [Flying || Special]

Hinoka: as expected, Hinoka’s team has a strong flying-type bias. For the most part, she has some good attack units, while having two Pokemon devoted to wearing the enemy down. 

Braviary: with it’s Brave Bird, Hinoka’s Braviary is a real threat to opponents with high powered attacks. Easily taking the position of her lead Pokemon, Braviary’s speed is it’s asset. It’s adamant nature sets it up with a good attack stat, helping this Pokemon be something of a powerhouse. I also see it being her partner Pokemon! 

Brave Bird [Flying || Physical]

Tail Wind [Flying || Status]

Super Power [Fighting || Physical]

Steel Wing [Steel || Physical]

Skarmory: Hinoka would definitely make sure she had a defensive powerhouse on her team, and Skarmory would be the perfect fit. Her Skarmory would have a impish nature, to raise it’s defense and make it even more of a wall.

Drill Peck [Flying || Physical]

Toxic [Poison || Status]

Iron Head [Steel || Physical]

Roost [Flying || Status]

Toucannon: with it’s ability Skill Link, Hinoka’s Toucannon covers it’s rock weakness and hits incredibly powerfully with the move Beak Blast. It’s brave nature boosts it’s attack while lowering it’s speed, but that’s not really a concern here. Another strong attacker. 

Beak Blast [Flying || Physical]

Bullet Seed [Grass || Physical]

Feather Dance [Flying || Status]

Pluck [Flying || Physical]

Salamence: the only member of her team who can Mega Evolve, Hinoka’s Salamence is the team’s sweeper. His already high attack is buffed by his naughty nature, and his naturally high speed makes him a force to be reckoned with. 

Draco Meteor [Dragon || Special]

Dragon Claw [Dragon || Physical]

Fly [Flying || Physical]

Crunch [Dark || Physical]

Gliscor: with it’s HP and defense stats, Gliscor is there to annoy the opponent. With Bulldoze to slow enemies, and U-Turn to inflict damage while escaping, Gliscor is an absolute nuisance. This fits well with his impish nature, which increases his defence while taking down his special attack. But, as all of his moves are physicals, that’s not a problem.  

U-Turn [Bug || Physical]

Night Slash [Dark || Physical]

Acrobatics [Flying || Physical]

Bulldoze [Ground || Physical]

Mandibuzz: this Pokemon won’t deal much damage, but they’d be extremely annoying to deal with. More of a support Pokemon, this Mandibuzz boasts a careful nature, which ups it’s special defense while lowering special attack. 

Brave Bird [Flying || Physical]

Whirlwind [Normal || Status]

Bone Rush [Ground || Physical]

Defog [Flying || Status]

Takumi: his team would comprise primarily of fire and dark types; not only does it reflect his brash personality, but it also hints at the tragedy to befall him. 

Talonflame: this’d be Takumi’s ace, with his physical power being boosted by his adamant nature. Furthermore, Talonflame is absurdly quick, with an ability that gives +1 priority for flying attacks. It serves a further support function, too, with the move Tailwind. 

Brave Bird [Flying || Physical]

Roost [Flying || Status] 

Flame Charge [Fire || Physical]

Tailwind [Flying || Status]

Houndoom: this Pokemon has a mild nature, which buffs it’s special attack at the expense of it’s defence. Houndoom is very tactfully useful, with it’s Nasty Plot to set up it’s alreafy insanely high special attack, while Roar removes unfavourable matchups. Essentially, it’s good in a pinch!  

Nasty Plot [Dark || Status]

Flamethrower [Fire || Special]

Dark Pulse [Dark || Special] 

Roar [Normal || Status]

Silvally: This’d be a Dragon Type Silvally! It’s lonely nature boosts it’s attack and lowers it’s defence, making it a heavy-hitter that covers multiple bases. It’s moveset makes it quite flexible, too! 

Multi-Attack [Dragon || Physical] 

Explosion [Normal || Physical]

Thunder Wave [Electric || Status] 

Psychic Fangs [Psychic || Physical]

Umbreon: with it’s jolly nature, Umbreon is there to bother the opponent. The boost to it’s speed helps them slow down their opponent and weaken them before they have a chance to attack. It’s not so much of an offensive powerhouse, but it’s an excellent support for the team. 

Foul Play [Dark || Physical]

Toxic [Poison || Status]

Protect [Normal || Status]

Heal Bell [Normal || Status]

Arcanine: with Sunny Day, it boosts fire moves for the rest of the team, and it’s Extreme Speed is a powerful priority move. It’s boosted by it’s naughty nature, which raises it’s attack. It’s good to start a match with, specifically so it can use Sunny Day. 

Extreme Speed [Normal || Physical]

Flare Blitz [Fire || Physical]

Play Rough [Fairy || Physical]

Sunny Day [Fire || Status]

Noctowl: It’s modest nature boosts it’s special attack, which helps ensure some reliable power in Moonblast. It can also use a combination of moves to ensure good recovery, which makes it a strong player on Takumi’s team.  

Moonblast [Fairy || Special]

Air Slash [Flying || Special] 

Hypnosis [Psychic || Status] 

Dreameater [Psychic || Special]

Sakura: soft and gentle as she is, Sakura does not prioritise attack power when it comes to building a team. Instead, she focuses both on cute, pretty fairy types, and Pokemon that have a natural aptitude for healing. 

Chansey: with it’s special defense raised by it’s calm nature, Sakura’s Chansey is a defensive wall. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent support for it’s team. 

Heal Bell [Normal || Status]

Soft Boiled [Normal || Status]

Toxic [Poison || Status]

Flamethrower [Fire || Special]

Blissey: much like Chansey, Blissey is a wall. It’s just an even bigger wall. It also serves as a good support for her team, but it’s modest nature improves it’s special attack. That means it has a few more offensive capabilities that come through in a pinch. 

Soft Boiled [Normal || Status]

Calm Mind [Psychic || Status]

Ice Beam [Ice || Special]

Thunderbolt [Electric || Special]

Clefable: this Pokemon’s biggest strength is that it raises the team’s defense while dealing a considerable amount of damage with Moonblast. This is emphasised by it’s mild nature, which gives it a boost to it’s special attack.  

Moonblast [Fairy || Special]

Healing Wish [Psychic || Status]

Metronome [Normal || Status]

Light Screen [Psychic || Status]

Togekiss: easily the team’s heaviest hitter, Togekiss possesses a timid nature which boosts it’s speed while lowering it’s attack. It also has some reliable recovery with Life Dew and Draining Kiss. I can easily see this being the Pokemon Sakura is most fond of having around as a companion, too!

Life Dew [Water || Status]

Dazzling Gleam [Fairy || Special]

Air Slash [Flying || Special]

Draining Kiss [Fairy || Special]

Milcery: honestly, she has a Milcery mainly because it’s so cute. But, it provides a good buff to the team’s Fairy moves. It’s calm nature helps improve it’s special defense, but at the cost of it’s attack. Another one Sakura would enjoy having out of it’s ball! 

Misty Terrain [Fairy || Status]

Sweet Scent [Normal || Status]

Dazzling Gleam [Fairy || Special]

Attract [Normal || Status]

Alolan Ninetails: this Ninetails would be her ‘bodyguard,’ more or less. Definitely the Pokemon with the strongest offensive capabilities on her team, this Ninetails would be her ace. It’s timid nature would buff it’s speed while lowering it’s attack, but it can use Sheer Cold as a last resort. It is often out of it’s ball, walking at her side.  

Calm Mind [Psychic || Status]

Moonblast [Fairy || Special]

Ice Beam [Ice || Special]

Sheer Cold [Ice || One-Hit KO]

Saizo: his team is primarily built of dark and steel types, which emphasises his role as a ninja and as a retainer. 

Bisharp: Saizo’s ace, this Bisharp has high defence, high attack, and low speed. It’s adamant nature makes it’s attack stat even better. It has excellent offensive capabilities, and Low Kick helps to deal with heavier opponents. 

Swords Dance [Normal || Status]

Iron Head [Steel || Physical]

Night Slash [Dark || Physical]

Low Kick [Fighting || Physical]

Scizor: this is the Pokemon I see being his companion. It’s an excellent all-rounder, and it’s adamant nature boosts it’s attack. It has a good mood combination of Bullet Punch for a powerful attack, and Roost for reliable recovery. 

Bullet Punch [Steel || Physical]

Roost [Flying || Status]

U-Turn [Bug || Physical]

Superpower [Fighting || Physical]

Sableye: admittedly, it’s not the strongest Pokemon out there, and it doesn’t have great utility. But, it can Mega Evolve; and that’s when it becomes useful. It’s a good Pokemon to start a match with, as it’s very capable of wearing it’s opponent down. It has a brave nature, which buffs attack at the expense of speed. 

Fake Out [Normal || Physical]

Will-O-Wisp [Fire || Status]

Recover [Normal || Status]

Knock Off [Dark || Physical]

Drapion: it’s impish nature raises it’s defence while lowering it’s special attack, but that isn’t much of a problem. This Drapion would be quite the heavy hitter, and Toxic Spikes is quite useful for harassing the opponent’s team.  

Cross Poison [Poison || Physical]

Crunch [Dark || Physical]

Toxic Spikes [Poison || Status]

Ice Fang [Ice || Physical]

Empoleon: quite bulky, while providing utility and high damage. Empoleon is a reliable member of the team, and can be relied on at any given point. It’s quiet nature enhances it’s special attack, which is useful for the move Scald (which, in the best case scenario, leaves the opponent with a status effect.) 

Scald [Water || Special]

Stealth Rock [Rock || Status]

Flash Cannon [Steel || Special]

Aqua Jet [Water || Physical]

Absol: the presence of an Absol in his team speaks to Saizo’s true nature. But furthermore, it’s a very effective attack unit. It’s naughty nature raises it’s attack, which can be further improved by Swords Dance.

Play Rough [Fairy || Physical]

Night Slash [Dark || Physical]

Sucker Punch [Dark || Physical]

Swords Dance [Normal || Status]

Kagero: her team is mainly composed of dark and ground types. Like Saizo, the Dark Type represents her job as a ninja. But, the Ground Typing shows her calm, collected mindset and her grounded loyalty. 

Krookodile: this Pokemon can deal out some high damage, and this is only benefited by it’s adamant nature. It can also use Taunt to prevent opponents from setting up, making it a great aid in getting the upper hand. 

Earthquake [Ground || Physical]

Outrage [Dragon || Physical]

Foul Play [Dark || Physical]

Taunt [Dark || Status]

Sandslash: an all-rounder, with Stealth Rock to set up entry hazards for the opponents. It can do a little bit of everything, but focuses on physical attacks. Because of that, the debuff from it’s impish nature isn’t really a problem. 

Drill Run [Ground || Physical]

Stealth Rock [Rock || Status]

Dig [Ground || Physical]

X-Scissor [Bug || Physical]

Kangaskhan: I see this one being her partner Pokemon (it also fits her quite well visually.) It’s capable of Mega Evolving, which makes it an even more powerful unit. It’s adamant nature further enhances it’s offensive capabilities. Usually, it would start the match with Fake Out, and then follow up with powerful hits from its variety of moves.  

Power-Up Punch [Fighting || Physical]

Fake Out [Normal || Physical]

Body Slam [Normal || Physical]

Crunch [Dark || Physical]

Sandaconda: this Pokemon can provide a strong set up, and has powerful utilities to support the team. It’s impish nature helps it’s defence, while lowering its special attack. This is not a problem, however, as it’s main focus is on Status moves. 

Coil [Poison || Status]

Bulldoze [Ground || Physical]

Sandstorm [Ground || Status]

Glare [Normal || Status]

Houndoom: this Pokemon is admittedly quite fragile, but it has some good utility. It can create a powerful set up, and should they manage to get some in, they can land a few powerful hits. It’s modest nature buffs it’s special attack, and Kagero is more than capable of taking advantage of it. 

Nasty Plot [Dark || Status]

Flamethrower [Fire || Special]

Dark Pulse [Dark || Special]

Taunt [Dark || Status]

Donphan: this Pokemon is another good all-rounder, capable of dealing out high damage and providing team support. Sandstorm can create a good environment for the other Ground types on the team, and it’s relaxed nature helps bulk up it’s defensive capabilities. 

Bulldoze [Ground || Physical]

Sandstorm [Ground || Status]

Giga Impact [Normal || Physical]

Stone Edge [Rock || Physical]

Azama: it’s no surprise that Azama’s team is all Psychic Types. He likes getting in people’s heads, and it’s no different when it comes to Pokemon. He likes to tease and rile people up with his team, and leave them wanting to tear their hair out.  

Alakazam: a bit of a glass cannon, this Alakazam possesses a modest nature. The buff to it’s special attack is vital; it has good coverage in Focus Blast and Shadow Ball, and it can mete out some hard damage before collapsing under it’s own fragility. 

Psychic [Psychic || Special]

Recover [Normal || Status]

Shadow Ball [Ghost || Special]

Focus Blast [Fighting || Special]

Hypno: this Pokemon’s quiet nature raises it’s special attack while lowering it’s speed. Hypno focuses on tactical play; incapacitate the opponent with Hypnosis, and then follow up with a powerful special attack move.  

Psychic [Psychic || Special]

Nasty Plot [Dark || Status]

Hypnosis [Psychic || Status]

Dream Eater [Psychic || Special]

Slowbro: this Pokemon is absolutely a wall. It’s hasty nature buffs it’s defense even more, while lowering it’s already poor speed stat. This Slowbro can soak up the hits, while also afflicting the enemy with burns with Scald. 

Scald [Water || Special]

Amnesia [Psychic || Status]

Psychic [Psychic || Special]

Toxic [Poison || Status]

Xatu: a key support Pokemon, but with high offensive capabilities. It’s rash nature raises it’s special attack, helping it deal out some heavy damage. I can see this Pokemon being Azama’s partner Pokemon, even though it is not the most effective member of his team. 

Future Sight [Psychic || Special]

Wish [Normal || Status]

Shadow Ball [Ghost || Special]

Dazzling Gleam [Fairy || Special]

Wobbuffet: the biggest defensive wall on the team, but with the ability to deal out high damage in retaliation. It’s relaxed nature boosts it’s defence even more. Honestly, it’s a really annoying Pokemon to deal with, and it’s very good at wearing the opponent down. 

Destiny Bond [Ghost || Status]

Counter [Fighting || Physical]

Mirror Coat [Psychic || Special]

Encore [Normal || Status]

Mr. Mime: quite similar to Wobbuffet in the sense that it’s very annoying for opponents to face down against. It has a calm nature, and it’s capable of dealing moderate damage while also providing team support. It’s also quite good at harassing the opponent with Teeter Dance. 

Psybeam [Psychic || Special]

Dazzling Gleam [Fairy || Special]

Teeter Dance [Normal || Status]

Light Screen [Psychic || Status]

Hinata: of course, Hinata’s team would be dominated by Fighting Types. At least one of them is based around swords, because would Hinata choose anything else?  

Doublade: now this is a powerful Pokemon. It’s adamant nature raises it’s attack, providing a good buff to it’s physical moves. It is a little on the slow side, but Shadow Sneak provides priority. 

Shadow Sneak [Ghost || Physical]

Sacred Sword [Fighting || Physical]

Iron Head [Steel || Physical]

Iron Defence [Steel || Status]

Hitmontop: a good all-rounded, with Agility to set up it’s speed. It’s docile nature provides no stat changes, but it makes for a good contrast with Hinata’s own hasty personality. 

Sucker Punch [Dark || Physical]

Rapid Spin [Normal || Physical]

Brick Break [Fighting || Physical]

Agility [Psychic || Status]

Lucario: without a doubt, his partner Pokemon. It’s also his ace. It’s hasty nature raises it’s speed at the expense of it’s defence, but that’s not too much of a problem. It has a high special attack variant, and it’s got good type coverage. Overall, a very strong and effective member of his team!  

Aura Sphere [Fighting || Special]

Nasty Plot [ Dark || Status]

Flash Cannon [Steel || Special]

Dragon Pulse [Dragon || Special]

Machoke: it can create a good set up with Bulk Up, and it’s Cross Chop has a high crit ratio. This makes for a good heavy hitter, further supported by it’s adamant nature. Hinata’s team is built up of some good heavy hitters, and his Machoke is certainly one of them.

Cross Chop [Fighting || Physical]

Knock Off [Dark || Physical]

Bulk Up [Normal || Status]

Bulldoze [Ground || Physical]

Infernape: it may be slow, but it hits hard. It’s naive nature helps it’s speed out a little bit, but it’s greatest strength lies in the power of Close Combat. It’s a bit of a risky move to play, as it lowers its already debuffed defense, but it definitely makes for a formidable opponent in a match. 

Close Combat [Fighting || Physical]

Flamethrower [Fire || Special]

U-Turn [Bug || Physical]

Earthquake [Ground || Physical]

Throh: it’s slow, but it’s incredibly bulky. It’s jolly nature makes some attempt to raise it’s speed, and the debuff to special attack doesn’t present a problem. Thunder Punch covers it’s flying weakness, and it’s certainly capable of getting a good few hits in on any opponent. 

Superpower [Fighting || Physical]

Storm Throw [Fighting || Physical]

Bulk Up [Normal || Status]

Thunder Punch [Electric || Physical]

Hana: the theme of her team is ‘cute but deadly.’ Most of her Pokemon are pretty strong hitters, and they’re quite intimidating to face down against. But, they all make you want to pinch their cheeks, consequences be damned.   

Bewear: this one is definitely her partner Pokemon, and they look great together! It has high damage capabilities with STAB, and Drain Punch provides both damage and recovery. It’s attack stat is improved by it’s naughty nature, and it is certainly a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. 

Body Press [Fighting || Physical]

Brutal Swing [Dark || Physical]

Giga Impact [Normal || Physical]

Drain Punch [Fighting || Physical]

Azuramill: now this Azuramill is set up to absolutely wreck shop. It has an adamant nature, buffing it’s attack, as well as the ability Huge Power. It can then buff it’s attack even further with Belly Drum, making this Pokemon one of the hardest hitters on her team. 

Play Rough [Fairy || Physical]

Waterfall [Water || Physical]

Belly Drum [Normal || Status]

Aqua Jet [Water || Physical]

Ampharos: cute, and with a modest nature, Ampharos fills more of a support role than anything else. While it has some good attacks, it’s strength lies in the move Rain Dance. With it, it supports the team, and also ensures Thunder’s accuracy. It may not be a powerhouse like some of her other Pokemon, but it is certainly an asset to the team. 

Thunder [Electric || Special]

Dragon Pulse [Dragon || Special]

Rain Dance [Water || Status]

Cotton Spore [Grass || Status]

Furrett: first of all, it’s adorable! Why wouldn’t she have something so cute on her team? It’s speed is buffed by it’s jolly nature, and it can be bit tricky for opponents to deal with. It can use Coil for a strong set up, and Return to deal some high damage.  

Coil [Poison || Status]

Façade [Normal || Physical]

Sucker Punch [Dark || Physical]

Return [Normal || Physical]

Chandelure: now, this Pokemon is a bit of a glass cannon, but it can use Calm Mind to increase it’s survivability. It’s modest nature boosts it’s special attack, and it can certainly get some good hits in before having to be taken out of the field. Will-O-Wisp is a particularly useful move, as it can help weaken the opponent for other members of the team. 

Shadow Ball [Ghost || Special]

Will-O-Wisp [Fire || Status]

Calm Mind [Psychic || Status]

Fire Blast [Fire || Special]

Altaria: ecapable of Mega Evolving, Hana’s Altaria is capable of having a very high damage output. This is further improved by it’s rash nature, which bolsters it’s special attack. Agility helps increase it’s speed, and it’s offensive moves help create a rather formidable attack unit. 

Agility [Psychic || Status]

Dragon Claw [Dragon || Physical]

Moonblast [Fairy || Special]

Flamethrower [Fire || Special]

[diamond-song42]

The Nonsense Thing in Diamond’s Head Today 4: My Favorite Pokemon

*Lusamine header for no reason whatsoever*

Diamond here with another weird thing. To further expand into Pokemon-related topics, I thought I’d teach you a bit about me and direct your attention to my header photo. That is a grid of my favorite Pokemon of each type. Why did I choose those? What significance do they have? You’re about to find out! I will list these in order by type - I have no real order for which ones I like more than others. Let’s get started!

GRASS: SERPERIOR. Serperior is the final form of Snivy, the Gen 5 Grass starter. I pick Serperior for two reasons. First, its Hidden Ability. Contrary is one of the best abilities in the game. Serperior uses it masterfully. It has access to Leaf Storm, a move that usually lowers the user’s Special Attack. But with a Contrary Pokemon, that Special Attack is going straight up. Yes, each turn a Contrary Serperior uses Leaf Storm, it will only get stronger. If that’s not fabulous I don’t know what is. Reason 2: It just looks so cool. It’s a 10'10 snake. It could literally kill and eat you. So regal and snaky.

FIRE: INFERNAPE. Infernape, the final form of Gen 4 Fire starter Chimchar. Infernape holds special significance to me. I started my Pokemon journey with Pokemon Diamond, knowing nothing about the game or creatures within. Chimchar was my first. Yes, Chimchar is my equivalent to Ash’s Pikachu, Brock’s Steelix, May’s Blaziken, Dawn’s Piplup, Serena’s Braixen, and Lillie’s Vulpix, Snowy. Infernape and I went through a great journey together and I couldn’t ask for a better partner.

WATER: SHARPEDO/MEGA SHARPEDO. Though Infernape might be my first, Water is in fact my favorite type. Sharpedo, Archie’s partner, wasn’t a Pokemon I gave much thought to until Gen 6. Gen 6 gave it a pretty great boost with a Mega Evolution. There’s a combination I like to use with my Sharpedo. First, I protect it for a turn (or two if I’m lucky) and let its Hidden Ability Speed Boost bulk it up a bit. Then I Mega Evolve it and let Jaws tear up the field. It’s a Pokemon that can use Strong Jaw to its advantage! Not to mention the Mega Evolution is sick. It’s super big and has spikes protruding from its nose. You are not safe. I’m still waiting for a Pokemon parody of Sharknado with Sharpedo. It is my first and favorite choice of Mega.

NORMAL: SILVALLY. Here’s another one falling into the “Cool Looks and Ability” category! It’s Gladion’s best buddy and discount Arceus. The discount Arceus factor is part of my reasoning for choosing it. The other is its utter versatility. All its stats are equal, meaning it has ground as a Physical Attacker, Special Attacker, or maybe both. Its signature move, Multi-Attack, will always be STAB, Memory or not. And have you seen Gladion’s Silvally? So cool.

ELECTRIC: LUXRAY. The electric lion of the Sinnoh region takes this slot. I’ve always liked Luxray’s appearance. That jet black fur with the gleaming eyes is really intimidating. Speaking of Intimidate, it has the ability going for it (even if its stats are trash). Not sold on why you should like Luxray? Look at Clemont’s. He’s so cool. He’s Clemont’s war beast that lights up the field with Electric Terrain and jumps on Ash. “A Campus Reunion” is one of my favorite episodes of X and Y, and Luxray is a big part of that.

PSYCHIC: MEOWSTIC. Oh yes, I am choosing the advanced version of demon spawn cat Espurr for this one. Meowstic has a unique concept in that both genders have different appearances, movesets, and abilities. Females go on the offensive (which is awesome in itself), while males stick to defense. The male sticks out here for me because he has access to Prankster, a great ability that gives priority to status moves such as Swagger, Taunt, and Torment. The female has access to Competitive, which is okay but not as great as Prankster. The male also just looks cooler. The vivid blue with white stripes just feels better to me than vice versa.

FIGHTING: LUCARIO. The Pokemon that helped decode the mystery of Mew! I love Lucario. It has reached the iconic state shared by Pokemon such as Pikachu, Charizard, and Mewtwo. While it may not be the best stat-wise, its character makes up for that. It’s a loyal puppo that can throw Aura Spheres and make bones in its hands. I mained it for a while during Smash. And can I add how cool it is in the anime? Maylene’s Lucario takes no shit from her because it knows she can do better. Cameron may be a pathetic rival, but his Lucario is really tough and relatable (seriously… have you seen it eating ice cream?). Korrina’s Lucario is loyal and truly wants to improve when it can’t control its Mega Evolution. Lucario’s Mega is cool, but underwhelming compared to others. I will always stick with my original Fighting-Steel puppo.

ROCK: LYCANROC MIDNIGHT FORME. In case you didn’t get the hint from my Lucario analysis, I love dogs. Lycanroc is an awesome dog. Three forms, all with different strengths and cool links to the elements. None of them are the most superior in competitive play, but they’ve already become infamous among Pokemon fans. I choose the Midnight Form as my favorite because it’s an awesome rock werewolf. It just looks so cool! It also executes its special Z-Move, Splintered Stormshards, the snazziest. Midday Lycanroc is a standard loyal Poke-doggo, but it doesn’t have the same charm as Midnight Lycanroc for me. Dusk Lycanroc is a fusion between the two, but my OCD will not ignore that blue and red do NOT make green. I’ll battle with my loyal, badass lycanthrope any day!

GROUND: MUDSDALE. THE GORGEOUS HORSIE OF THE ALOLA REGION! The minute I laid my eyes on Mudsdale, I knew it would be awesome. I doubt you’re surprised if you read my content. I love how it’s based on the Clydesdale horse, which can get HUMONGOUS. (Google them!) I’m 5'9 and I could ride this if it was real (unlike Charizard)! Its Stamina ability is superb and has helped kick my ass many times. Plus it has cool dreadlocks! Not to mention its connection to Hapu, a perfect cupcake of a Pokemon character. I fully expect that Pokemon theme park that’s opening in 2020 to have a Mudsdale merry-go-round. I NEED TO RIDE MY PONY.

FLYING: DRIFBLIM. Gen Z, a long time ago when we played with Wiis, we had a game called My Pokemon Ranch. The game allowed you to watch Pokemon up to Gen 4 and transfer your own Pokemon from Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. You can also visit other people’s ranches, and when you do, a Pokemon close to you follows you. That Pokemon for me was Drifblim. The dopey-looking balloon thing from Gen 4 was glued to my side when I visited my friends. I’m amused that it’s gaining some viability in tournament play now with Tapu Lele and Unburden. My choice is less about the tournament play and more about how a balloon was my best friend in a cheesy Pokemon spin-off.

BUG: SCOLIPEDE. The largest Bug-type in the Pokeverse. I was still a little naive when I got Pokemon Black. Scolipede was one of my first captures in the game and became a staple of my team. I love its design. Most Bug-types are pretty small and don’t intimidate the opponent too much. Scolipede does this. It’s even larger than Buzzwole and Pheromosa! The stats and abilities got a mild boost in Gen 6, with the Attack gaining an additional 10 points and its Hidden Ability becoming Speed Boost. I do believe my wonderful horror movie beast is underrated and should get more appreciation instead of being delegated to an antagonistic role in the anime.

POISON: MAREANIE. James’s latest crush also has a spot in my heart. Mareanie has a wonderful design. A blue and purple color palette that can poison a person with less effort than Nililego. Mareanie and her evolution, Toxapex, have access to two boss abilities, Merciless and Regenerator. Toxapex is cool, but it’s a theory I have with Mareanie that causes the pre-evolution to win me over. If Mareanie can fully wrap herself around James’s giant head, it could wrap around my torso and carry my necessities in its tentacles. It’s a companion and a backpack! Thank God for Mareanie.

DARK: WEAVILE. Another Pokemon I have fond memories of from my Diamond and Pearl days, Weavile is the long-awaited evolution of Sneasel from Gen 4. I caught a Sneasel and played around with her for a while… AND THEN MY NAIVE BUTT LEARNED HOW YOU EVOLVE IT. I patiently waited until it became dark outside and I leveled Sneasel up and BAM WEAVILE. Weavile became one of my most used Pokemon in that game. For tournament play, its stats are actually pretty good, and both its abilities (Pressure and Pickpocket) do damage in different ways. And it just looks so menacing! That’s what a Dark-type should be.

GHOST: MIMIKYU. I mean… what’s not to love about a Pikachu clone? Okay, it’s not a clone in the essence of Pachirisu or Togedemaru. The concept around it is so heartbreaking and creepy and lovable. Unlike most Ghost-types, Mimikyu just wants to be your friend! It’s super powerful, too. Its Disguise ability is amazing and can change the dynamic of a battle in seconds. Its typing also gives it few weaknesses and THREE immunities. And need I mention the Z-Move? It’s the best Z-Move I’ve ever seen. Splintered Stormshards is cool, but you really need to look out for the dreaded Let’s Snuggle Forever. Mimikyu just wants to do its best for you and you should love it.

ICE: ALOLAN VULPIX. Yes, Snowy is in on this! I’ve always loved the Fire-type Vulpix. But when it gained the Ice-type, it became 10 times fluffier! It’s a walking cotton ball! I’m disappointed Build-a-Bear only has the Fire variant because I want to get the Ice variant and hug it and love it and pet it and squeeze it. And y'all know by now how I feel about Lillie and her family. Snowy is so supportive of her! Even though she’s the youngest Pokemon of the main characters, she clearly understands Lillie’s past and trouble with touching Pokemon. She gives Lillie a nice distance while staying close. One of the most supportive Pokemon I’ve ever seen. And I want one as a pet. (Oh yeah and it and its evolution have access to Snow Warning which is also pretty fab.)

STEEL: EXCADRILL. I have a special relationship with the Subterrene Pokemon. The minute I saw Iris’s Excadrill, I wanted to train one. It looks awesome! A badass drill mole with a ‘tude. And it can hold its own in tournament play! Defensively, its typing is awesome. The Steel-type can resist so much and switch into Toxic without fear. It can learn not one, but TWO OHKO moves (Fissure and Horn Drill). And the three abilities it has access to are all great. You could go for pure power with Sand Force, get the upper hand on speed with Sand Rush, or negate abilities like Levitate and Fur Coat with Mold Breaker! Its small size doesn’t do it justice considering how big of a threat it is.

DRAGON: DRAMPA. FALKOR. At least that’s what I thought when I saw Turtonator’s Moon counterpart for the first time. Believe it or not, Falkor actually has some things going for it! Two out of its three possible abilities are amazing. Cloud Nine removes the effects of weather, while Berserk shoots that Special Attack up after HP is halved. Plus, it’s so fluffy! Lana and Mallow playing with this guy gives me all the feels. You do you, Falkor.

FAIRY: PRIMARINA. I end this list by fawning over the final form of our beloved Popplio. I was hesitant as to what the clown seal would evolve into. But this thing just straight-up Neville Longbottomed. It is beautiful! It looks like it came out of a Disney movie. Its battling skills aren’t too shabby, either. Sparkling Aria hits everyone on the field and heals burns for some reason. But it could help heal a partner with Water Absorb or Dry Skin. The Z-Move this can turn into, Oceanic Operetta, just blows my mind with the animation. If you want a reason to use Sparkling Aria, the Z-Move is a good reason. But let’s get to the best part: Its Hidden Ability, Liquid Voice. HYPER VOICE IS WATER NOW. 'Nuff said.

And now you know my favorite Pokemon. My team and I would love a battle sometime. Diamond out!

[radramblog]

5 Random Pokemon

Had a low energy day today so I’m just going to shit out some bad content, sorry lol

(post-writing this me checking in, haha you thought you weren’t going to put effort into this)

Hitting the ol’ random button 5 times and seeing what pops out is always fun, right? Anyway I’m just gonna do that and give opinions on what pops out.

Kingdra (#230, Water/Dragon)

Kingdra is the only Dragon type introduced in the second generation of pokemon, and since only the Dratini line were Dragons in Gen 1, it meant the type was still absurdly rare. Despite this, the game has not one but two Dragon specialising bosses, and one of them doesn’t even have one.

3 Dragonites does not a balanced team make.

Clair’s Kingdra is actually an interesting bit of game design. It’s unique (until Gen 4) Water/Dragon is an excellent defensive typing, having only one weakness (Dragon) since Water shores up Dragon’s Ice weakness and Dragon resists Water’s Grass and Electric weaknesses. The game is designed such that it is extremely unlikely you are able to hit that weakness- while the area on the way in to Blackthorn is full of Ice types (it’s… Ice Path…), Kingdra of course isn’t weak to those, and it’s exceptionally difficult to get a Dragon type or a Dragon move before fighting her. Without trading, you can’t get a Dratini at all before her in Crystal (in Gold and Silver it’s available in the Game Corner, but it’s fairly pricey), and the only other species to get a Dragon move is Kingdra’s preevolutions, Horsea and Seadra. The Dragon move in question, however, is Twister, the weakest one in the game. These limits effectively mean that Clair’s fight is substantially harder than Kingdra’s solid but not groundbreaking stats would suggest.

After you fight Clair, you get immediate access to tools that would have made the fight easier- she gives you the Dragonbreath TM so at least one of your party can deal with them, and Dragon’s Den is not only home to wild Dratini and Dragonair but also has a Dragon Scale, letting you evolve Seadra into Kingdra. In essence, you’ve proven you can beat Dragons, so now you can play with them yourself.

Vullaby (#629, Dark/Flying)

Vullaby, the preevolution of Mandibuzz, is a ‘mon that doesn’t get a lot of use in the main series games. It’s always a version exclusive and is often only available lategame (Black, Black 2, Shield) or postgame (XY, ORAS). I can’t think of a single major character that uses it or Mandibuzz on their team. I think it’s a shame that it’s so dorky looking, since it’s a neat design idea- a baby vulture with a skull for a diaper- and it’s bulky enough that it was able to briefly see Smogon play (granted, in the lowest non-LC tier, and only in Gen 6, but still). At least Mandibuzz is a genuinely excellent Pokemon in competitive Singles (doubles, less so.) and a fucking excellent design.

Also, it’s female only for some reason? I don’t get it.

Cloyster (#091, Water/Ice)

Cloyster is a great example of an early generation Pokemon that could have been overshadowed by later power creep but was given the tools to remain relevant competitively. It’s yonic design belies a monstrous 180 base physical defence, higher than anything else in the first generation, tying it for 6th highest in the franchise overall (9th including megas and the purposely overpowered Eternamax Eternatus), and decent attacking stats as well, though it’s HP and Special Defense make it quite fragile on that end.

Also, it’s sideways in Red and Blue for some reason. But only on the front sprite?

Despite this glaring weakness, its strengths have let it be relevant in different modes across basically every generation of competitive Singles. In Gen 1 Clamp was an excellent move that only it had access to, and Ice typing made it immune to Blizzard freezes as well as giving it STAB on its own Blizzards, letting it effectively wall most of the viable physical attackers. In Gen 2 it gained access to Spikes, which were incredibly powerful and pretty rare, as well as the one thing that could get rid of them in Rapid Spin, though it competed for slots with the common Suicune. Gen 3 it was mostly doing the same thing, but the addition of Skill Link in Gen 4 and Cloyster getting it gave it a niche all its own. While there are a few Pokemon that get Skill Link, Cloyster is different from all of them in two ways- it isn’t fragile, and it (as of Gen 5) has access to arguably the series’s second best boosting move in Shell Smash (Geomancy is exclusive to a legendary, so). Because of Skill Link letting it hit astonishingly hard with it’s decent but not incredible offenses and what would normally be inconsistent moves, and having enough Defence to live just about any hit from a physical attacker it switches in to, Cloyster has an excellent niche as a lategame sweeper/cleaner, especially since its former Spikes/Spin niche has been largely overshadowed by things like Ferrothorn.

Jolteon (#135, Electric)

Jolteon is probably my second favourite Eeveelution, behind Umbreon. Unlike Umbreon, I don’t have a plushie of it, a fact that I should probably change.

Jolteon is unique in Gen 1 in being the only thing other than Beedrill to get a Bug move that isn’t the completely unusable Leech Life, making it one of the few things able to effectively combat the game’s many broken Psychic types. Unfortunately, said move (Pin Missile) isn’t actually very good, and its Attack is far from stellar either. It’s still pretty decent just spamming Thunderbolt, though, seeing as it’s high base Speed (tied for second best in the first gen behind Electrode with Aerodactyl and Mewtwo) makes its Critical rate very high.

Outside of Sylveon, none of the Eeveelutions are really competitively viable these days, which is a shame. I personally thing they should be given those busted-ass moves from Let’s Go Eevee as signature moves, but that might be a bit much.

Dubwool (#832, Normal)

Since Wooloo being basically a perfect being in every way, Dubwool is sort of painfully disappointing in comparison. It’s like, not particularly cool, a little too angry/gonky to be cute, and it’s like… a soccer ball? I think? Those ugly patches don’t make much sense otherwise, and it somehow looks way worse on the shiny.

ew. Inverting the black and the white looks great on Wooloo, not so much Dubwool.

It’s such a shame too, because there were so many fan designs for a Wooloo evolution before Sword and Shield’s release- Wooloo was, of course, one of the first Generation 8 Pokemon revealed, and was very popular, so there was plenty of time to come up with content ahead of time. I did like that a lot of the ideas were around the idea of a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” theme, but most of those actual fan designs were waaay too edgy.

So what of Dubwool? Well, it’s closely associated with Hop, seeing as it manages to make it to his endgame team- having it sit alongside a fully evolved starter and fucking Zacian in the Galarian Star Tournament is a bit of a trip. And that’s fine, it suits his character. But aside from that, it’s not really noteworthy at all. A rare fate, to be overshadowed by your preevolution- Raichu and Sceptile (thanks PMD2) can surely relate.