Project SV RU Victim of the Week - Week 3 Armarouge (due 20 October, Friday 11:59 +5:30)

[Forest Guardian]

Victim of the Week



Welcome to the SV RU iteration of the "Victim of the Week"!

How it works:

- Each week I will post a "victim" or in this case a Pokemon, with a certain set.

- Users have to nominate a Pokemon as a 'check' or 'counter' to the mon.

- The submission phase will last for 5 days, while the voting phase will last the next two days.

Rules:

- Different sets of the same Pokemon are allowed

- Please follow the Viability Rankings and make sure the Pokemon has a niche.

- You cannot vote for yourself.

- Reservations only work for 24 hours.

- Please avoid toxicity.

(Approved by Feliburn, By Forest Guardian)
​

 

[Forest Guardian]

Hall of Fame

1. by BeTheShadow
2. by Malpheasant

 

[Forest Guardian]

Braviary-Hisui @ Choice Specs
Ability: Tinted Lens
Tera Type: Flying
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hurricane
- Psychic
- Heat Wave
- U-turn
​

Hisuian-Braviary has dropped in the most recent September tier shifts and is quickly proving itself to be incredibly dangerous with its Tinted Lens + Choice Specs combo, coupled with an amazing special attack. It can very easily rip teams not packing apart and the pink blob isn't exactly common. Bulkier teams are wiped clean with hurricane as they are generally slower can pack Pokemon that allow Braviary easy entry. Tho it struggles against faster teams it can always pick a ko with utmost ease if given a chance.
How will you check this menace?

Submissions due Saturday 9 of September, 11:59 pm +5:30

 

[Waruchuu]

Iron Thorns @ Leftovers
Ability: Quark Drive
Tera Type: Dark
EVs: 236 HP / 236 SpD / 36 Spe
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Thunder Wave
- Dragon Tail
- Stone Edge

Now that Tyranitar has left the RU tier, it's little brother Iron Thorns has to fill it's place. It is a great option against Braviary-H since not even Tinted Lens can overcome it's four times resistance to Flying, which means, the Hurricane it loves to press against just everything, is broken down to not even 30% of Iron Thorns Health or less than 39% with Tera active. It's presence in your team alone is enough to deter Braviary from using Hurricane as this interaction would leave Iron Thorns at a momentum advantage. It needs to switch out if if doesn't want to get OKOed by a Stone Edge. But therein also lies this Iron Thorn set's strength! It can punish the switch by using Thunder Wave against the switch in, setting up Stealth Rocks, which make it a lot harder for Braviary to come in again or just Dragon Tail to drag the opposing Team through already existing hazards! While Psychic does more damage caping around 47%, it still cannot two-hit KO Thorns which leads to a similar interaction. The Same goes for Heatwave, which may not be resisted due to Tinted Lens but also lacks the STAB the two other moves provide, leaving it at similar damage numbers to the unteraed Hurricane. Tera Dark doesn't only allow Thorns to rub salt into the wound by completely negating the Psychic it tries to attack you with, after for example having switched in at low percents, it also provides it with the capability to check other common special attackers in the RU tier more easily, like Typhlosion-H, Armarouge or Espeon. This Iron Thorns set really brings a lot more to the table than to just and only beat Braviary-H, Thorns actively punishes Braviary's team for attempting to keep it healthy!​

 

[BeTheShadow]

Brambleghast @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Wind Rider
Tera Type: Dark
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Spikes
- Strength Sap
- Rapid Spin

I've always felt like this Pokemon had a niche in the tier, but since Braviary-Hisui dropped and people now see Killowatrel as a centralizing threat, I think it can shine even more in some Balanced Team. Brambleghast can make Braviary Become a U-turn bot, being immune to 2 moves from his coverage can even make it 3 if it Tera, it can force it to only click turn otherwise you're able to remove opposing entry hazards, stack your own or just pressure it with a shadow ball. Psychic doing an enormous amount w/o tera, so we have to be cautious about it, but it will never Ohko doing 99.6% on the highest roll, pairing with a dark type or a pokemon that runs protect make the breaking potential of the bird dropping near 0%. It can remove entry hazards safely against most bulky rocks setter while setting his own. It can also spin block other rapid spin users like Forretress Tsareena or Toedscruel. All those things make Brambleghast an awesome support/hazard remover on some balanced teams.

​

 

[Rarelyme]

Goodra @ Assault Vest
Ability: Gooey
Tera Type: Steel
EVs: 252 HP / 188 SpA / 68 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Sludge Bomb
- Thunderbolt
- Flamethrower​

It's time to bring back the forgotten dragon: Goodra. This guy is able to tank every special threat in the meta and punish it very badly (bar Gardevoir, which it can't be 2HKO'd by still). This includes this Braviary of course but also Specs Basculegion, Typhlosion-H, Azelf and more. Thanks to its exceptional coverage it is able to retaliate and force progress in many games. I'll link a few calcs below to prove my point and I hope you'll like the attempt to show that Goodra has a solid niche in this meta.

calcs

Braviary-Hisui:
252 SpA Choice Specs Braviary-Hisui Hurricane vs. 248 HP / 68+ SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 99-117 (25.8 - 30.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Tera Flying Braviary-Hisui Hurricane vs. 248 HP / 68+ SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 132-156 (34.4 - 40.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
188 SpA Goodra Thunderbolt vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Braviary-Hisui: 224-264 (61.8 - 72.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Basculegion:
252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Basculegion Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 68+ SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 86-102 (22.3 - 26.5%) -- 14.2% chance to 4HKO

Azelf:
252 SpA Azelf Psyshock vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Goodra: 171-202 (44.6 - 52.7%) -- 23.4% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Expert Belt Azelf Dazzling Gleam vs. 248 HP / 68+ SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 84-101 (21.9 - 26.3%) -- 7.4% chance to 4HKO
188 SpA Goodra Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Azelf: 238-282 (81.7 - 96.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Typhlosion:
252 SpA Typhlosion-Hisui Shadow Ball vs. 248 HP / 68+ SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 51-60 (13.3 - 15.6%) -- possible 7HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Typhlosion-Hisui Eruption (150 BP) vs. 248 HP / 68+ SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 70-83 (18.2 - 21.6%) -- possible 5HKO

Offensively:
188 SpA Goodra Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 108-128 (31.9 - 37.8%) -- 0.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
188 SpA Goodra Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Florges: 114-136 (31.6 - 37.7%) -- 0.2% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
188 SpA Goodra Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Wo-Chien: 98-116 (26.2 - 31%) -- 5.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
188 SpA Goodra Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Bisharp: 148-176 (54.6 - 64.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[carbonlifeform]

Umbreon @ Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Foul Play
- Wish
- Protect
- Thunder Wave

Good ol' Umbreon has been putting in serious work for me lately, and it seriously gives zero effs about Hisuian Braviary -- or any other non-Fairy special attacker I've run into in the tier. I usually run Yawn on Umbreon, but TWave is probably better for the Braviary MU in particular (especially since I suspect most Tinted Lens/Specs sets would be running Esper Wing over Psychic). Similar with Tera Fairy over Tera Poison (my usual go-to).

252 SpA Choice Specs Braviary-Hisui Hurricane vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Umbreon: 145-172 (36.8 - 43.6%) -- 99.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0- Atk Umbreon Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Braviary-Hisui: 212-252 (58.7 - 69.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Forest Guardian]

Sorry I couldn't update this due to a terrible fever.
The nominations are.....

1. by Warucario
2. by BeTheShadow
3. by RarelyMe
4. by carbonlifeform

My vote goes to RarelyMe, Goodra Gang!

 

[carbonlifeform]

BeTheShadow, love that little tumbleweed

 

[BeTheShadow]

Warucario , the set is fire

 

[Waruchuu]

I vote for #2 Brambelghast. The set and mon is the most practical out of these imo

 

[Rarelyme]

I'm going for umbreon, this guy has a pretty good niche now

 

[Forest Guardian]

The winner of this week is Brambleghast by BeTheShadow . Congratulations on winning week 1.
It has been updated in the Hall of Fame; week 2 will be up shortly.

 

[Forest Guardian]

From one Hisuian threat to another, this week we have Hisuian-Typhlosion. With its auspicious Fire-Ghost typing and the STAB combination provided by it, it becomes a massive threat both in the builder and the match. It's signature move Infernal Parade and it's slick design are always a bonus. It has recieved an indirect buff with Tyranitar leaving RU, removing the need for Focus Miss...I mean Focus Blast, allowing it to run other moves like Iron Head for Diancie and Will-O-Wisp for all around excellence. How do you answer this menace? Post it here!

I am so sorry I forgot to post the set....whoops. Due to my stupidity the due date is being extended to 20 September.

Typhlosion-Hisui @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Frisk
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Flamethrower
- Infernal Parade
- Shadow Ball​

Submissions due 20 September, Tuesday, 11:59 GMT +5:30

 

[Malpheasant]

Diancie @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Tera Type: Fire
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Draining Kiss
- Diamond Storm
- Body Press

Calcs

252 SpA Typhlosion-Hisui Eruption (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Diancie: 62-73 (20.3 - 24%) -- 1% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Tera Fire Typhlosion-Hisui Eruption (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Diancie: 83-98 (27.3 - 32.2%) -- 72.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Typhlosion-Hisui Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Diancie: 67-79 (22 - 25.9%) -- 73.5% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Typhlosion-Hisui Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Diancie: 67-79 (22 - 25.9%) -- 74% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

4 Atk Diancie Diamond Storm vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tera Fire Typhlosion-Hisui: 266-314 (92.6 - 109.4%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO

Standard RU Diancie set which easily sponges anything Hisuian Typhlosion can throw, while threatening a OHKO back with Diamond Storm. The halt of the opponent's momentum by switching this in can alternatively be used to set up Stealth Rock for the team, which also makes Typhlosion's Eruption too weak to be worth it at all if it comes back out later.

Tera Fire is an option for this particular set that provides a Burn immunity to preserve the power of its physical attacks, as well as turning its weaknesses to Grass and Steel into resistances, while not giving up the resistance to Typhlosion's Eruption. It doesn't add much in terms of weaknesses as Diancie is already weak to Ground and Water with its base typing anyway.

 

[Forest Guardian]

View attachment 553126

Flareon @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Tera Type: Grass
Careful Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Yawn
- Flare Blitz

This can switch into Hisuian Typhlosion with ease. Fire moves don't touch it at all, Shadow Ball is a laughable 4HKO, and so is Focus Blast. It forces Typhlosion out even with Sp Def drops. The momentum created by walling Typhlosion can be used for supporting teammates with Wish or threatening the incoming mon with sleep by using Yawn, which also discourages setup from other threats. This set only has one attack move that Typhlosion resists, but the fact that Flareon can heal itself means that it always wins the 1v1. Tera Grass is an option that covers its weaknesses to Water and Ground in a tight spot while still absorbing Fire-type moves with its Flash Fire ability.

252 SpA Typhlosion-Hisui Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Flareon: 84-99 (25.1 - 29.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 SpA Typhlosion-Hisui Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Flareon: 84-99 (25.1 - 29.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

It's not weak to any possible coverage that Hisuian Typhlosion can run unless it uses Tera Blast with a different Tera type, which would ruin the raw power of Eruption that it's used for in the first place, and even if it does that, Flareon can scout with Protect and choose whether to Tera accordingly, because no type is super effective against both Fire and Grass.

While this post is nice, the rules clearly state that the 'mon you are going to nominate should have somewhat of a niche, which sadly flareon doesn't have any sort of niche, thus you must either change or delete your post. Sorry for this.

 

[Rarelyme]

nominating as a check:

Oricorio @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Dancer
Tera Type: Ground
EVs: 220 HP / 40 SpD / 248 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Quiver Dance
- Revelation Dance
- Hurricane
- Roost​

Oricorio as been kinda forgotten lately and I think it deserves some visibility as it can effectively check Typhlosion-H (as well as Slither Wing, Gardevoir, Gallade and more). It does what it does since the beginning of the tier really which is check stuff and either set up on them or roost your health back to delay the set up. At the moment, the common presence of Pokemon like Dragalge, Diancie or Heatom hurt Oricorio quite a bit so it likes partners able to threaten them such as Krookodile or Tatsugiri. Otherwise it can be a very interesting pick so yeah here you go for this week.

basic calcs

252 SpA Typhlosion-Hisui Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 40 SpD Oricorio: 87-103 (24.5 - 29%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO
252 SpA Typhlosion-Hisui Infernal Parade (60 BP) vs. 252 HP / 40 SpD Oricorio: 118-139 (33.3 - 39.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Typhlosion-Hisui Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 40 SpD Oricorio: 156-184 (44 - 51.9%) -- 13.7% chance to 2HKO: hence the SpD invests.

0 SpA Oricorio Hurricane vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Typhlosion-Hisui: 135-159 (46.8 - 55.2%) -- 67.2% chance to 2HKO

 

[Malpheasant]

While this post is nice, the rules clearly state that the 'mon you are going to nominate should have somewhat of a niche, which sadly flareon doesn't have any sort of niche, thus you must either change or delete your post. Sorry for this.

I've changed it to Diancie, apologies.

 

[Wellhell]

I nominate a check ( which is possibly a make shift counter judging by the numbers but I nominate it as a check because not only is it practically exploitable with cunning predictions , its also because switching into typhlosion is going to be more of a side gig for it as it has many more important responsibilities for a team so I suggest using this with care and caution)


Vaporeon @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
Tera Type: Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA
Bold Nature
- Flip Turn
- Scald
- Wish
- Protect

While the EV spread seems counter intuitive to its purpose for this thread , I assure you that it will need nary an ounce of spdef EVs to do so without much risk. This pokemon not only switches into either three stab moves with relative safety but also abuses typhlosions presence to wish pass to team mates very effectively ala its recent access to flip turn. This is not to mention you do around 80% with STAB scald so typhlosion would be tacking a massive gamble trying to stay in and make a move on you. In fact I'd make a case for surf with 8 spatk EVs because its a roll to kill ( all be it very unlikely roll but not unreasonable because its merely 8EVs ) .

Numbers never lie

Worst case scenario
252 SpA Typhlosion-Hisui Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Vaporeon: 127-151 (27.3 - 32.5%) -- 60.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Typhlosion-Hisui Infernal Parade (120 BP) vs. -1 252 HP / 4 SpD Vaporeon: 288-339 (62 - 73%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery and burn damage

Standard scenario

252 SpA Typhlosion-Hisui Infernal Parade (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Vaporeon: 192-226 (41.3 - 48.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery and burn damage

252 SpA Typhlosion-Hisui Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Vaporeon: 127-151 (27.3 - 32.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery and burn damage

0 SpA Vaporeon Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Typhlosion-Hisui: 216-254 (75.2 - 88.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

So what the calcs signify are that, worst case scenario, typhlosion gets the spdef drop on your pre burnt vaporeon with shadow ball and hits you with powered up infernal parrade, which by the way even then is a 6/16 chance of knocking out your vaporeon from that range ASSUMING it hit you with its best shadow ball roll, meaning a lot of things must go right if typhlosion needs to have a chance at breaking vaporeon and it also has to hope you wouldn't just switch and come back later . As for the standard scenario , typhlosion does not even do half with its powered up infernal parrade while vaporeon either has the choice of sitting on the field to wish back up to full , threaten typhlosion or both if you switch into any move that isn't a boosted infernal parrade. Oh and lastly if the rest of the team REALLY doesn't enjoy going up against Hyphlosion for whatever reason ( speed issue for example) , you can always pop that tera-fire before getting burnt and permanently sit on typhlosion, which further enables your team. Tera fire isn't the worst as it also fends off grass moves sent your way and also lets you pivot between scary fairy types like florges and sylveon. Happy reading.

 

[Forest Guardian]

The nomination stage is over.....now starts the voting stage.
The nominations are.......
1. by Malpheasant
2. by RarelyMe
3. by Wellhell

My vote goes to Diancie, amazing mon!
Voting ends on 23 September Saturday, 11:59, GMT +5:30

 

[MachJacob]

1

 

[Lime]

diancie

 

[Rarelyme]

3

 

[Forest Guardian]

The winner of this week's 'victim of the week' is by Malpheasant!
Week 3 will be up in some time

 

[Forest Guardian]

Because I am lazy and the drops are coming....The victim of the week will be on a break till the drops!!