Reports

Published on April 16th, 2014 | by JRank

13

A Microwave, a (Thick) Fatty, and Low-Hanging Pants: Kansas City Regional Report

Hello everyone, JRank here again! It’s been a while since I wrote an article (that being my 2013 U.S. Nationals report), but now I’m here to share yet another one! This time I attended the Overland Park (Kansas City) regional on April 6th, 2014. I finished 6-2 in swiss, good enough for 9th place and the first person on the accursed bubble. I definitely felt I was playing a few places higher than that, but through a combination of silly Pokémon and TPCi tiebreakers, I wound up on the outside looking in. Despite that, I thought my team was really solid and fit my style this year really well, so I wanted to share. I’m not discussing my battles this time because I might turn into Lot’s wife as a pillar of salt if I did. I hope you enjoy the team!

Building the Team

The story is weirdly similar to that of how I came up with my Nationals 2013 team. I had been using a Rain/Trick Room hybrid for a while and felt okay about how it would perform. It had the ability to deal massive amounts of damage quickly and steamroll over unprepared players, but it tended to get shut down too often and utilized several Pokémon that weren’t very good at taking repeated hits, including the Talonflame, Ludicolo, and Mawile on my team. After giving up on it and going back to a modified version of my St. Louis team, I read an article called Synthesising Victory, which I loved. The six Pokémon used on Bicho’s team were so similar to the six I had been using (I was using Ferrothorn over Venusaur and Kangaskhan over Garchomp) that I decided to try out his changes.

I was initially skeptical of Garchomp’s usefulness within the team upon first reading the article, and within a few battles my suspicions were confirmed: it was out of place. I lacked strong ways to deal with physical attackers, especially Kangaskhan. With that in mind I tried out Scrafty, who brought two ways to handle Kangaskhan via its Intimidate Ability and its Fighting-type STAB, as well as fitting in with the maxim of the team that was bulky offense. It fit pretty much perfectly and so I decided to take the team and run with it. I was (and am) satisfied with how it turned out, and, in retrospect, the only one Pokémon I would possibly alter is Aegislash.

When you read my explanations for each Pokémon, please don’t look at it through the lens of “how JRank changed the team he copied” because that’s not really what happened. Venusaur WAS inspired by the article, but the rest of the team was really what I had been playing with and just happened that it was almost identical to what Bicho used first. With that in mind, here’s the team!

The Team

salamence venusaur-mega rotom-heat aegislash scrafty azumarill

salamence
Salamence (F) @ Life Orb
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 36 HP / 52 Def / 164 SpA / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
– Draco Meteor
– Flamethrower
– Rock Slide
– Protect
Deployed in 2/8 battles

Salamence was one of the first things I changed from my St. Louis team. While Hydreigon was really good at what it did (sticking around, dishing out damage, and beating other Dragons due to its Haban Berry), I found myself losing against Kangaskhan and sun teams more often than was acceptable, so I went to Salamence. Salamence provided several things that Hydreigon did not, including a higher base Speed, Intimidate, and a way to hit Charizard for super-effective damage with Rock Slide, while also bringing the Dragon STAB and Fire-type move that Hydreigon had.

While most Salamence these days opt for a Choice Scarf, I’ve never really been a fan of it. I feel like you either invites speed ties if you run Modest or you lose out on a lot of power if you go with a Timid nature. I also don’t like the prospect of locking yourself into a stat-reduction move like Draco Meteor or a non-STAB physical move when you run no investment in Attack EVs, which happens with Stone Edge or Rock Slide.

Because of those thoughts, I used a Life Orb and a Modest nature. I wasn’t especially interested in the extra Speed Timid would bring, and really just wanted the power, because I tended to play as if my Salamence was slower than whichever Dragon it was facing, anyway. The moves aren’t anything special: Draco Meteor for a generic nuke/STAB, Flamethrower for coverage on Steel-types, and Rock Slide to take out Charizard and Talonflame. The Life Orb even allowed me to take out either of the previous Pokémon even with the damage reduction from spread moves, which is another reason I like Life Orb more than Choice items. Rock Slide could even be used against Rage Powder or Follow Me users, while potentially getting some delicious flinches. Protect is fairly obvious because I didn’t have a way to guarantee beating other Dragons one-on-one and I didn’t need any extra coverage anyway.

The EV spread is one that I am a big fan of. I maxed Speed because I didn’t feel like losing to ALL other base 100 Speed Pokémon. 36 HP and 52 Defense EVs guarantee its survival against most Garchomp Dragon Claws (provided they were Intimidated beforehand), including Adamant Life Orb users. The remaining EVs went into Special Attack to deal damage, with 4 going into Special Defense so as not to waste any. I never really lacked power, and being able stay in against Garchomp was a great asset to have, so I don’t regret going for the small amount of bulk.

Despite me writing four paragraphs about it already, I only used Salamence twice at the tournament – and once it didn’t even appear on the field. It either had a bad matchup against the teams I played or wasn’t needed as much as something else, so I just didn’t bring it very much. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth its spot, however, because its presence in Team Preview would make opponents think twice about leading with a physical attacker and also made them want to bring a Fairy-type, to which I would respond with my three Fairy resists.

venusaur-mega
Venusaur (M) @ Venusaurite
Ability: Chlorophyll
Level: 50
EVs: 52 HP / 188 Def / 124 SAtk / 92 SDef / 52 Spd
Modest Nature
– Sleep Powder
– Giga Drain
– Sludge Bomb
– Synthesis
Deployed in 6/8 battles

Probably the coolest Pokémon I used. It’s quite ironic that I used it, actually, because in the lead-up to the event I told my friend Aaron Traylor (Unreality) multiple times that I thought that at this point in the season you should only build around the three biggest Mega Pokémon: Kangaskhan, Charizard-Y, and Mawile. I hilariously contradicted myself by going forth with a very uncommon yet very good Mega Evolution in Venusaur.

The moveset was ripped straight from the article previously mentioned, with Sleep Powder to induce status, Giga Drain and Sludge Bomb for STAB, and Synthesis to crush opponents’ dreams when they thought they had it finished. I was originally nervous about forgoing Protect, but after playing with it for a bit I discovered that I wasn’t really using Protect anyway, so I never really regretted it. The EV spread was one that my friend Edward Fan (iss) used, so I’m not especially sure what it does other than take hits, recover more HP with Giga Drain, and outspeed uninvested Rotom formes.

I think it’s a testament to the team’s overall strength that my Mega Evolution was probably only the third-best performer of the day. I brought Scrafty and Rotom more often than Venusaur and they were probably more vital to my success, but Venusaur was no slouch. Often in both practice and the tournament I could keep it in the back, eliminate Flying- and Psychic-types, then send it in, Mega Evolve, and win the game, which is something that you generally want your Mega to be able to do.

rotom-heat
Rotom-Heat @ Safety Goggles
Ability: Levitate
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 180 SAtk / 12 SDef / 60 Spd
Modest Nature
– Thunderbolt
– Overheat
– Will-O-Wisp
– Protect
Deployed in 8/8 battles

If you’re not building around Charizard (and maybe even if you are), I think Rotom-Heat is the best Fire-type Pokémon in this format. Its offensive coverage with just Thunderbolt and Overheat is fantastic, and whatever third move you run (possibly Hidden Power Ice or Will-O-Wisp) is just gravy. It also has great stat distribution; I was able to accomplish just about everything I wanted to with the 510 EVs I had available to me.

As I covered already, the moveset is run-of-the-mill and the item probably is, too. Safety Goggles is incredible on Rotom-H, making it a fairly hard counter to Venusaur/Charizard leads. Safety Goggles also allows Rotom to hit Water-types with Thunderbolt or Will-O-Wisp physical attackers around Rage Powder. The EV spread is pretty neat, too. 60 Speed EVs puts it one point above neutral, max Speed Tyranitar (which has been growing in popularity). 180 Special Attack allows it to always OHKO Ray’s Mawile spread with Overheat and the remaining EVs are placed in HP and both defenses.

Along with Scrafty, Rotom was hands-down the MVP of the tournament (Overheat miss and Rock Tomb problems aside). Its combination of typing, coverage, stats, and strong matchup with almost every team I faced meant that I brought it to every battle I played.

aegislash
Aegislash (M) @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Stance Change
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 180 SAtk / 76 SDef
Quiet Nature
– Shadow Ball
– Sacred Sword
– Hidden Power [Ice]
– King’s Shield
Deployed in 6/8 battles

While Aegislash was the key to my success at St. Louis (I used a Substitute/Leftovers version there that pretty much put me and the rest of the team on its back and carried us to 7-1 and Top Cut), its 6/8 usage statistic lies as to how useful it was in Kansas, too. Its typing and Ability remained stellar for me, but without Substitute or Leftovers it seemed more frail and exposed. While Weakness Policy was a nifty item for picking up surprise OHKOes on Dragon-types, Kangaskhan, and Tyranitar, it didn’t need it all day, and I ironically forgot that it activating would boost my Attack and put me in Foul Play KO range, which lost me my final match.

The EV spread is a common one, surviving Timid Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave. I didn’t want to have to do that if I could avoid it, but the spread felt good and so I didn’t see a need to change it. Shadow Ball was solid as usual because of its buff this generation, as was Sacred Sword. I switched from Flash Cannon to Sacred Sword to help out against Kangaskhan and Tyranitar, because I wasn’t using Flash Cannon very often anyway. Ray Rizzo’s thoughts on it are actually similar to mine when he says:

“I opted for Flash Cannon instead of Sacred Sword because they do the same exact thing except one is better vs some TTars and Bisharp while the other is better vs Mamoswine, Aromatisse and when Intimidated or Burned. I prefer the advantages of Flash Cannon. Another aspect of Flash Cannon that I prefer is that it makes it harder to switch in on Aegislash. Many times you’ll be in a situation where both Shadow Ball and Flash Cannon will do the same damage. When Aegislash is in a threatening position in one of those situations (For example, when facing a Gardevoir that may opt to switch out) you choose which move based on potential switchins. If the opponent for example has no Pokémon that resist steel and one that resists Ghost, Flash Cannon becomes the easy move to make. That way you punish the opponent no matter whether they stay in or switch out. This situation is a lot more frequent than it may seem.”

Despite my agreement with the three-time World Champion, I chose Sacred Sword because of how big of a problem Kangaskhan could be, especially when you consider my lack of Substitute. To be honest, if I could play the tournament again I would not run Hidden Power Ice: its coverage was irrelevant with the Weakness Policy. I actually came very close to switching it to Wide Guard before I registered, but I forgot and so I used Hidden Power Ice anyway.

I’ll start off its final paragraph the same way I started Venusaur’s: I think it’s a testament to Aegislash’s strength that I wasn’t satisfied with the way I ran it, yet I still brought it to 6 of my 8 matches. Its typing is solid and its stats and ability are so good that I couldn’t justify not picking it most of the time.

scrafty
Scrafty (F) @ Lum Berry
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 244 Atk / 12 Def
Adamant Nature
– Fake Out
– Drain Punch
– Stone Edge
– Taunt
Deployed in 8/8 battles

My opinion on Scrafty had soured prior to picking it up, mostly because of the prevalence of Talonflame and Fairy-types. That wasn’t a problem on this team because Talonflame was on the downswing at the time and, as previously mentioned, I have three Fairy resists. With that in mind, I was able to bring Scrafty to all of my games to take advantage of its Fake Out, Taunt, and Intimidate support.

The moveset common, barring Taunt. The EV spread is also common and is able to survive a Choice Band Talonflame Brave Bird at -1. When I considered adding Scrafty to the team, I went to my friend and reigning U.S. National Champion Gavin Michaels (kingofmars) for Scrafty advice. He advised Taunt over Crunch, so I tried it out and it was amazing. Along with the Lum Berry, it stopped Amoonguss and Venusaur cold, while shutting down Meowstic as well. I really only wanted Crunch in my final match, but by the time I needed it I was going to lose anyway, so I wasn’t bothered by not having it.

Although I’ve written the least about it, Scrafty was co-MVP for the day. I could try to list its characteristics that made it so useful, but then I would end up listing everything: it was just that good. I led with it 7 out of the 8 games I played, and four times Rotom-H led by its side.

azumarill
Azumarill @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Huge Power
Level: 50
EVs: 212 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 36 SDef / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature
– Aqua Jet
– Play Rough
– Belly Drum
– Protect
Deployed in 2/8 battles

After writing oodles of words on the previous five Pokémon, I find myself at Azumarill without a strong opinion. It was stronger on the previous version of the team with Kangaskhan to support it, but when Venusaur hopped on board the emphasis shifted from getting Azumarill into advantageous positions to getting Venusaur and Rotom into them. Although it wound up going from shining star to pushed aside in favor of the newest toy (perhaps how I felt when my sister was born), it was solid in the two games I brought it to.

Everything about it is ripped from Daniel Nolan (Zog)’s When the Void Stares Back! report, although it’s really just the standard Azumarill these days. Even without specific support for it I still felt more comfortable with Belly Drum because of how much pressure it could create if I got a chance to get one off. Aqua Jet and Play Rough provided STAB and priority, while Protect is Protect. Not much else to say.

I hate to end on a somewhat down note, but Azumarill just really wasn’t needed during the tournament. However, it still earned its spot through practice and the games I did bring it to, so I am proud of its performance regardless.

Closing Thoughts

I absolutely loved my team and I think I played well all day; it just so happened that luck was not on my side all day. It’s one thing to accept that it’s the game we play, but it is quite another to not be bitter about it, and I obviously need to work on the bitter part. Hopefully you enjoyed the team aspect of my report and perhaps next time I’ll bring a report that ends somewhat happily; although I think that’s what I said last time, too. Thanks for reading!


About the Author

is currently 18 and a freshman at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Known for living in Arkansas, he spends his time eating food with his fingers and saying "y'all" and "ain't".



13 Responses to A Microwave, a (Thick) Fatty, and Low-Hanging Pants: Kansas City Regional Report

  1. Bopper says:

    I love that aegislash set. I was about to run that at regionals but chickened out. Great team, really unfortunate we couldn’t see you in top cut. 

  2. DoppelGengar says:

    It’s funny, but I built a very similar team to this about two months ago, just swapped Venusaur for Amoonguss and Mega-Kanga for Scrafty because in the end they fill the same roles (Sleep and Fake Out support, respectively). 
     
    Considering most of the teams used in the Japan Cup feature at least four of the same pokemon (or similar ones) is just a testament to how good the double core really is. 
     
     
    What I think is funny that you mention Scrafty being your co-MVP and Venusaur not that important, because on my team Mega-Kanga often feels redundant and I just bring it for the Fake Out, while Amoonguss is mostly clutch for setting up a Belly Drum or an Aegislash sub.
    Generally my team plays completely different than you mention about yours, although they are so similar.
     
     
    Why did you opt for the Weakness Policy on Aegislash? To me the Weakness Policy doesn’t capitalize on Aegislash main selling point, it’s natural stayingpower because it has no way to heal back after taking a strong hit. Even if you take out the opposing threat the same turn, you might not be able to survive the next neutral/resisted hit.
     
    Overall nice team and congrats on finishing 6-2.

  3. LPFan says:

    Another really great report! I’m absolutely sorry that you couldn’t make it into the cut this time, as you deserved it. I’m feeling really bad about bailing out against you due to your Overheat missing in round 7 in a great game. Good luck and I’ll see you at nationals.

  4. Sprocket says:

    Nice to see a non-scarfed Salamence for once!

    Nice to see Scrafty get some love too. Curious, why was Scrafty 244 Atk / 12 Def instead of the standard 252/252/4?

  5. JRank says:

    Why did you opt for the Weakness Policy on Aegislash? To me the Weakness Policy doesn’t capitalize on Aegislash main selling point, it’s natural stayingpower because it has no way to heal back after taking a strong hit. Even if you take out the opposing threat the same turn, you might not be able to survive the next neutral/resisted hit.

     
    I was having big trouble with Dragons and Kangaskhan at the time I made the change, so Weakness Policy allowing me to take a super effective hit and OHKO in return was pretty sweet. As I said though I was not a fan of it in the end and I’ll probably change it.
     
    Something I forgot to touch on but wanted to was the style of play. I think the team was about the most defensive one you can make this season without resorting to abusing the timer. I never was able to (nor intended to) start OHKOing things right off the bat (unless I got a Belly Drum up or hit something frail with Overheat or Draco Meteor). I tended to switch more often to take advantage of my great synergy and set up KOes via either whittling something down or correctly predicting a Protect/switch and doubling up on the other Pokemon. Definitely the most defensive way I’ve played before but also probably the most solid, so it’s a path I’ll probably look to go down in the future.
     
    EDIT: Sprocket, I used the 12 Defense EVs to guarantee survival of CB BB from Talonflame at -1

  6. CatGonk says:

    Condolences for bubbling out with such an awesome team ._.

    It’s interesting how the metagame finally seems to be settling, a lot of people have independently come up with very similar teams and I wonder if this is due to looking at the statistics. Rotom-H and Azumarril had two of the highest and most consistent improvement in performance from the Battle Gloria Qualifiers to the collective T16s. Salamence and Aegislash are probably the two best non-Megas in the format, being ridiculously overused yet still improving in representation from the swiss to the TC in several major events.

    Great to see that the war over the 100 speed bracket appears to finally be dying down as well.

  7. sableyemagma says:

    I know how that bubble feels. I played in two regionals this season and bubbled at 9th with both. I think it’s a skill that costs people a nats travel stipend.

  8. iss says:

    Good team, nice to see FWG cores working out in this metagame.
     
    Gotta figure out what the Venu spread does outside of looking cool though…

  9. BlitznBurst says:

    I have a very similar team I’ll post later this week. Venu RotomH is just sooo good.

  10. Kyle says:

    Congrats, you are now one of us… And by one of us, I mean the people who always end up bubbling at a regional. XD good luck with your future tourneys!

  11. Heavyminded says:

    Love this team. Great Article.

  12. LtRated says:

    Hi there, can I use your Salamence? That salamence is just the 6th pokemon I need in my team.

  13. championgold says:

    I’m also wondering about Scrafty. Was it’s speed or defenses ever an issue?

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