National Dex Ineros told me Gallade wasn't viable? How about two @Ineros

The Chinese people have only family and clan groups; there is no national spirit. Consequently, in spite of four hundred million people gathered together in one China, we are, in fact, but a sheet of loose sand.
- Sun Yat-sen

I Hone my Blade for you - Gallade. A Gallade RMT.



Quite sharp isnt it? This is how I felt when Ineros doubted the effectiveness of Gallade in National Dex OU. Naturally, I had to prove him wrong. What did this guy know - Low ladder much? lmfao. Despite the haters, I trawled through the depths of my team builder, going through the archives and I managed to find the needle in the haystack. Busy as a bee, not to be confused with my famous Beedrill team, I rushed to the Smogon RMT forums to post this. They say too many cooks spoil the broth, how about dual Gallade? They said don't put all your eggs in one basket, but I put all mine in Gallade. This is my RMT, hear my voice. Ineros would say:

"Building a Gallade team? You may as well be building castles in the sky"
- Ineros.


But I didn't listen. This is my story, my defiance (my attack raised by 2) of the norm. Such as many great heros I stood against the face of tyranny and came out as the victor: Welcome to my world.

Introduction

Upon Ineros' immediate discouragement, I decided to hit the books. I purchased MrJamvad's e-book on Amazon in an attempt to hone my skills, steadfastly justified in thinking I was the Pokemon master, I was taught I had a lot to learn. Here's a quote from MrJamvad:

"(Inner) Focus on sharpening your skills, always be the puppetmaster"

I sharpened my skills, and again, and again, the sharpest tool in the box would be jealous of the acuteness my skills reached after studying this book... I even failed my exams LOL. If only I had an essay on Pokemon... Anyway, due to MrJamvad charging 2 grand for a private tutoring session I became disillusioned with his capitalist spiel so I discarded my book and I went back to square one. The best way to improve is by action, not by just looking at words on a page. The pen is mightier than the sword, but in Pokemon battling, this is not the case. I got hiccups half way thruogh writing this but anyway, onto the team:

:ogerpon_wellspring: :gallade: :iron_valiant: :manaphy: :grimmsnarl: :gouging_fire:

At the tumultuous genesis; the prolegomenon; Gallade seemed like a diamond amongst the rough. In an expeditious manner, I found myself compelled to formulate a decision with great haste and immediacy, as the urgency of the situation necessitated a rapid and unhesitating determination: what playstyle do I use? Perhaps one could use stall. But stall is like a brisket, It is imperative that the culinary preparation process be conducted at a consistently low temperature, allowing the ingredients to undergo a prolonged and gradual cooking period. Despite the long wait, the results always pay off. Was Gallade, however, an ingredient that could compliment this brisket? Like a Kansas barbeque rub? Or like, I don't know, Texan honey mustard? I wasn't waiting to find out, aint no body got time fo'dat!

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I decided on offense, the question was, bulky or hyper? Bulky offense gave me the idea of security. A bulky sweeper with tanks gave me a safe option, but I had to prove myself to Ineros so I pondered until I could ponder no more: hyper offense was the way to go. Ineros must be shown the offensive capability of Gallade, or I would feel like my efforts would be in vein. After that, the ingredients just came together. This is no brisket, this is a stir fry on a thousand degree of heat, like the sun. Cooking is like composing a symphony; each ingredient is an instrument, and every step in the recipe is a note in the score. With careful timing and harmony, the chef conducts the orchestra of flavors, transforming raw elements into a masterpiece of culinary art. This is how I felt using Gallade. But then I thought: what about two? You can have two Gallades? In the words of Walter White:

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The Team, the final symphony:

yo my slime (Ogerpon-Wellspring) (F) @ Wellspring Mask :ogerpon_wellspring:
Ability: Water Absorb
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Ivy Cudgel
- Power Whip
- Superpower

Ogerpon? Where do I begin. No seriously I don't know lol. Ogerpon fit nicely on the team, it's a good wallbreaker and improves the matchup vs stall since it has no problem walking through fatter builds. Ogerpon is a BEAST (insert 2012 KSI reference). Ogerpon leaves balance destroyed like Tank (RIP).

my blade (Gallade) (M) @ Galladite :gallade:
Ability: Justified
Tera Type: Psychic
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Shadow Sneak
- Close Combat
- Zen Headbutt

Now this, this is it. My raison d etre, my knight in shining armor, my king. Checkmate much? Gallade was the centerpiece of this team, the shining jewel amongst other duds. Why did I choose Shadow Sneak over knock off? Well, I wanted Gallade to be threatening to offensive styles. I mean the proof is in the pudding, look at these calcs:

+2 252 Atk Gallade-Mega Shadow Sneak vs. -4 0 HP / 0 Def Garchomp: 328-386 (91.8 - 108.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and 3 layers of Spikes
+4 252 Atk Gallade-Mega Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 0- Def Corviknight: 167-197 (41.7 - 49.2%) -- 21.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recover
+2 252 Atk Gallade-Mega Shadow Sneak vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Medicham-Mega: 238-282 (91.1 - 108%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and 1 layer of Spikes


Ineros how can you doubt this? I mean the proof is in the pudding, as mentioned. Gallade is the sharpest tool in my shed, the most justified, steadfast, and inner-focused item in my toolbox. Thank god my Ralts was male! I caught it in Gen 3, when I was a wee lad: it has NOT let me down. Gallade, embodying the pinnacle of psychic and fighting prowess, orchestrated a masterful and unwavering onslaught against its foes, demonstrating an unparalleled synthesis of strategic acumen and physical dexterity, ultimately culminating in a resounding and decisive triumph that underscored its exceptional capabilities and supreme dominance in the battlefield.

my blade II (Iron Valiant) @ Booster Energy :iron_valiant:
Ability: Quark Drive
Tera Type: Electric
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Moonblast
- Thunderbolt
- Focus Blast

I looked at Gallade and thought to myself, amongst the river bed, pondering about the qualms I face in my Pokemon battles: why cant we have two Gallades? Oh wait. Yes. We. Can.

Upon learning this I rushed steadfastly to my builder and opened it up and there it was: Iron Valiant. I was curious? This Pokemon wasn't named Gallade, more like a faux-Gallade. However, omg, I mean when I tell you this thing shreds I mean it SHREDS. Look at these egregious calcs:

+1 252 SpA Quark Drive Iron Valiant Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Solid Rock Carracosta: 384-453 (132.8 - 156.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+6 252 SpA Iron Valiant Focus Blast vs. 4 HP / 252+ SpD Tera Poison Blissey: 216-254 (33.1 - 38.9%) -- 99.9% chance to 3HKO


This also fit nicely, as when you have a tier filled with expeditious Pokemon, the Booster Energy comes in super nicely. Plus Calm Mind? It's like a contrast to Gallade, being a physical sweeper, to faux-Gallade, being a special sweeper. Plus the screens support: muh bulk! Calm Mind also represents my philosophy: when Ineros made a pariah of Gallade, I had to look into my mind and maintain calm. For every 12 there's a Judas, says Ineros. For every 12 there's a Gallade, says Riruia.

IfOnlyIWasHappy (Manaphy) @ Normalium Z :manaphy:
Ability: Hydration
Tera Type: Poison
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flash
- Scald
- Acid Armor
- Take Heart

I mean I discovered this set on my pilgramage. What more can I say: revolutionary, but I'm not talking about the Bolsheviks. I'm talking about Ruhollah Khomeini. This set is super shiest. Z-flash boosts your evasion while also lowering your opposition's accuracy. If only I could use this against the IRS. Taxes? Miss me with that bullshit. Scald was better than stored power because dark types much? I didn't want to be walled by a suspicious looking Bisharp, so Scald felt like the better move.

my dark side (Grimmsnarl) (M) @ Light Clay :grimmsnarl:
Ability: Prankster
Tera Type: Steel
EVs: 252 HP / 116 Def / 140 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Reflect
- Light Screen
- Taunt
- Foul Play

As the name suggests, I can have a dark side. No, I mean I know that mere mortals are not toys, but sometimes I feel like a puppetmaster pulling the strings. Like the Jamvad quote. Like my favorite Weezer song, Grimmsnarl has no problem setting up screens. Ironically, dual screens... dual Gallade? I mean it just made a lot of sense. I also hate mons that use status moves, so taunt felt like a good pick. Set up moves? Miss me wit that BS!

my burning passion (Gouging Fire) @ Booster Energy :gouging_fire:
Ability: Protosynthesis
Tera Type: Ground
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Earthquake
- Outrage

It was here in the paradox, that I stumbled upon this: a new Entei form? I mean I was accustomed to faux-Gallade... but Entei? Playing with a legendary lol. I mean okay. But in many ways, I feel like Entei. People always try and catch me, but I always flee. In all the times people have had to capture me, I've always fled. Like a dancer gracefully pushing through a meadowbed, Entei-Gouging-Fire whatever it's called, proved that it could effortlessly slide through a team. It patched a lot of weaknesses you know? I mean, not my inner weaknesses, but the weaknesses of my team. It's a shame really, I started seeing a therapist and she said to be more like Gouging Fire, but I really didn't know what she meant by that. Until now.

In conclusion: Ineros' doubt casted a newfound flame up in my heart to build this. Ineros, I thank you. As if it wasn't for your hatred of Gallade, I wouldn't have had the strength to have built this team. It's funny really, how one's opposing viewpoint can form something great. It's like my favorite philosopher, Fichte, who believed that a thesis and its opposing antithesis can create a synthesis of new ideas. The link to philosophy and the troubling backstory make this my greatest RMT yet, so thank you to everyone who believed in me. I have a few shoutouts:

Lupla: Yo my slime, I remember chatting to you in natdex hella time ago! It's crazy how far we've come, from battling on the ladder to being great friends. You're the best man, keep this shit moving up.

shadowfan22: You're actually one of the greats. You're more than your 1300 natdex elo, you're a representation of your peak on the room tour leaderboard. Don't let your elo drag you down, I've met many a great players with low elos like yours. I know I always say don't fuck with high ladder, but this time, you're the high ladder my friend. Let me know if you ever want to battle again. You're on the watchlist my friend, you may get there one day.

Stads: Your constant support in the OU room really inspired me to speak my mind and to put my pen to the paper. You always told me the pen was mightier than the sword, and I guess you were right. My friend, thank you for the support, and congrats on OU room mod - it's really awesome to see.

Not Using Weavile: I mean I took your advice and I didn't use weavile. Nah but you're one of my day ones on this site man, it's awesome to see us staying connected. I'm really proud of everything you've accomplished. NAMASTE!

Ineros: How I've come full circle. Nah I mean your hatred and dismissal of Gallade did rub me the wrong way, but opinions are just that. I wouldn't want that to get in the way of my respect of you. I think you're a phenominal battler and a great room mod too. Thanks for everything you end up doing for the room.




 
Well, I wanted Gallade to be threatening to offensive styles. I mean the proof is in the pudding, look at these calcs:

+2 252 Atk Gallade-Mega Shadow Sneak vs. -4 0 HP / 0 Def Garchomp: 328-386 (91.8 - 108.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and 3 layers of Spikes
+4 252 Atk Gallade-Mega Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 0- Def Corviknight: 167-197 (41.7 - 49.2%) -- 21.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recover
+2 252 Atk Gallade-Mega Shadow Sneak vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Medicham-Mega: 238-282 (91.1 - 108%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and 1 layer of Spikes
I would like to kindly remind you that your team lacks any of these hazards you mentioned
 
This team has a major issue, that you have no Ground-type switch ins. I have a solution however. I would suggest replacing Mega Gallade with Galarian Zapdos, with Flyinium Z, Bulk Up, Brave Bird, Close Combat and either Substitute or Taunt. This is so that you can easily punish Landorus-T who otherwise walls this team with ease, which Mega Gallade can't do. It also gives you a status blocker, a Defiant user to punish Defog from Gliscor or Lando-T, and synergises well with Iron Valiant. I'd also get rid of Manaphy and run Seismitoad, to have an answer to rain, a Stealth Rock option and a potential late-game cleaner with its powerful Water/Ground coverage.
 
I appreciate the feedback from everyone, here is my response:

I would like to kindly remind you that your team lacks any of these hazards you mentioned

It was a fictitious scenario: what if I could hypothetically get those hazards up? It was a demonstration of the potential offensive capability the aforementioned Pokemon possess.

This team has a major issue, that you have no Ground-type switch ins. I have a solution however. I would suggest replacing Mega Gallade with Galarian Zapdos, with Flyinium Z, Bulk Up, Brave Bird, Close Combat and either Substitute or Taunt. This is so that you can easily punish Landorus-T who otherwise walls this team with ease, which Mega Gallade can't do. It also gives you a status blocker, a Defiant user to punish Defog from Gliscor or Lando-T, and synergises well with Iron Valiant. I'd also get rid of Manaphy and run Seismitoad, to have an answer to rain, a Stealth Rock option and a potential late-game cleaner with its powerful Water/Ground coverage.

Thanks for the feedback, but I think your concerns are misplaced. Looking at my team, I have an Ogerpon-W and the last time I checked grass is a resistance to ground. I consulted Google on this to make sure and here are the results:

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If this is outdated let me know. I know Google can be unreliable sometimes.
 
Looking at my team, I have an Ogerpon-W and the last time I checked grass is a resistance to ground.
+2 252 Atk Tera Ground Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ogerpon-Wellspring: 273-322 (90.6 - 106.9%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO

Meanwhile, Galarian Zapdos is immune and outspeeds Landorus-T.
 
can we just not beef
but seriously having only one ground resist feels risky in a meta ruled by Lando-T and other good Pokémon such as Garchomp and Great Tusk
 
This team is fire! I went 180-0 on the ladder and my ex girlfriend got back with me after watching my replays. Thanks Riruia

I'm glad you got a good record, 180-0 is crazy! Your ex-girlfriend knew she was missing out on you, so I'm glad she realized the error of her ways.

Also, did you know that a 180 degree angle is just two right angles put together? Think about it: 180 divided by two is 90, a right angle is always 90 degrees, thus two together would make 180 degrees.

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(Image not to scale).
 
Hello!

As I'm sure you all know, Gouging Fire was unfortunately banned from Natdex thus rendering this team obsolete. However, I have an update for you! I was able to swap out Gouging Fire for Roaring Moon, which fundamentally serves the same purpose. You can find a pastebin of the team here!

My friend Rojjor also uploaded a montage which features a clip using this new team. If you'd like to check out Rojjor's montage, you can find the link below. Happy laddering!

 
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