PAX Pokemon League

It's time for everyone's favorite post-PAX game... show off your team! Whether you were a Leader or a Challenger, here's your chance to put the spotlight on your Pokemon! I'll kick it off.

[bvc2]Alexander, the Emerald Knight[/bvc2]

So, my gym was the Psychic gym. I also restricted myself to only green Psychic types. Here were this year's Emerald Knights:

[spoilervc2][imgvc2]http://serebii.net/Shiny/XY/122.png[/imgvc2]
Joker
Nature: Timid
Ability: Filter
Item: Sitrus Berry

Psychic
Nasty Plot
Encore
Baton pass

[imgvc2]http://serebii.net/xy/pokemon/178.png[/imgvc2]
Chrono
Nature: Bold
Ability: Magic Bounce
Item: Life Orb

U-turn
Heat Wave
Toxic
Roost

[imgvc2]http://serebii.net/Shiny/XY/196.png[/imgvc2]
Carbuncle
Nature: Timid
Ability: Magic Bounce
Item: Light Clay

Psychic
Reflect
Light Screen
Morning Sun

[imgvc2]http://serebii.net/Shiny/XY/437.png[/imgvc2]
Tocsin
Nature: Sassy
Ability: Levitate
Item: Leftovers

Gyro Ball
Earthquake
Toxic
Stealth Rock

[imgvc2]http://serebii.net/xy/pokemon/475.png[/imgvc2]
Blade
Nature: Careful
Ability: Steadfast
Item: Galladite (Razor Claw for X/Y Challengers)

Drain Punch
Psycho Cut
Stone Edge
Bulk Up

[imgvc2]http://serebii.net/Shiny/XY/561.png[/imgvc2]
Omega
Nature: Bold
Ability: Magic Guard
Item: Flame Orb

Stored Power
Psycho Shift
Cosmic Power
Roost[/spoilervc2]

My battles were conducted as Triple battles. My starting lineup was always Espeon, Bronzong, and Mr. Mime. The plan was to have Espeon set up screens. Bronzong would either poison something that resisted Psychic attacks, Gyro Ball something fast that would be a threat, or set up Stealth Rock is nothing else seemed like a good idea. Mr. Mime would go for a Nasty Plot boost, then either try and catch something slower in an Encore on an unfavorable move or Baton Pass to Sigilyph. Xatu caught some people off guard with Heat Wave. Gallade was my only true physical attacking option and did some scary stuff under the screens. Sigilyph was the MVP of the team. With or without a boost passed from Mr. Mime, it was able carry my team late. With the ability to cripple many physical attackers with Psycho Shift while setting itself up for some heavy Stored Power shots, it really stood out on my team. Generally, I was able to get one or two Cosmic Power boots in before I lost my screens. There were even a few battles where it was my last Pokemon left against 2 or 3 on my opponents and it was able to either pull out a win or at least make my opponent sweat. I was pleasantly surprised with how well this year's version of the Emerald Knights fared.

Garrett's Extraordinary Normals:

[spoilerk3q][imgk3q]http://www.pkparaiso.com/imagenes/xy/sprites/animados/kecleon.gif[/imgk3q]
Kecleon w/Assault Vest (252 Attack, 252 SpDef) Protean
Fake Out
Shadow Sneak
Knock Off
Drain Punch

[imgk3q]http://www.pkparaiso.com/imagenes/rubi-omega-zafiro-alfa/sprites/animados/pidgeot-mega.gif[/imgk3q]
Pidgeot w/Pidgeotite (252 SpAtk, 252 Speed) No Guard
Hurricane
Heat Wave
Defog
Quick Attack

[imgk3q]http://www.pkparaiso.com/imagenes/xy/sprites/animados/exploud.gif[/imgk3q]
Exploud w/Life Orb (252 SpAtk, 252 Speed) Scrappy
Boomburst
Ice Beam
Flamethrower
Surf

[imgk3q]http://www.pkparaiso.com/imagenes/xy/sprites/animados/cinccino.gif[/imgk3q]
Cincinno w/King's Rock (252 Attack, 252 Speed) Skill Link
-Bullet Seed
-Tail Slap
-Rock Blast
-Knock Off

[imgk3q]http://www.pkparaiso.com/imagenes/xy/sprites/animados/ursaring-f.gif[/imgk3q]
Ursaring w/Flame Orb (252 HP, 252 Attack) Guts
Facade
Payback
Brick Break
Earthquake

[imgk3q]http://www.pkparaiso.com/imagenes/xy/sprites/animados/porygon2.gif[/imgk3q]
Porygon2 w/Eviolite (252 HP, 129 Def, 129 SpDef) Trace
Psychic
Toxic
Recover
Protect

[ik3q]Alternate for XY Challengers:[/ik3q]
[imgk3q]http://www.pkparaiso.com/imagenes/xy/sprites/animados/braviary.gif[/imgk3q]
Braviary w/Leftovers (252 Attack, 252 Speed) Defiant
Brave Bird
Rock Slide
Shadow Claw
Defog[/spoilerk3q]

I did straight singles, leading with Kecleon. Fake Out started pretty much every match. Shadow Sneak let her dodge fighting moves except Mach Punch, and she ended up being the lynchpin of the team. Soaking special hits and laying the smack down with her decent attack. I specifically built her such that she could make use of protean to have 4 immunities (Normal>Ghost, Ghost>Fighting, Ghost>Normal, Dark>Psychic). She actually ended up winning Protean duels with many of the Greninjas I faced. Porygon2 was SO MUCH FUN. He was pretty stally at times, but Trace is the best ability ever. Tracing Multiscale, Rough Skin, and Volt or Water Absorb was really fun and could easily turn a match around for me. Pidgeot, Cincinno, and Exploud all performed admirably. Probably the weakest link in the team was Ursaring. She rarely took more than 2 hits, and with her low speed, rarely got a hit off, much less one with Guts. Her best use ended up being a switch in to soak a big hit, especially to eat a Brave Bird from a Talonflame and have the recoil be really high. Normal is a tricky type, but I liked the team, and think it did pretty well, ending at a 50/50 win/loss ratio.

Finally got my act together and brought an IV/EV trained team, as well as a couple alternates who made appearances fighting a few different Leaders, Elites, and even the Champ. I had a really great time meeting all the Leaders, everyone was very friendly, welcoming, and gracious battlers. I was honored to beat the Champ and get the certificate for commemoration. Looking forward to next year!

Challenger Azrael:
[spoilern1m][imgn1m]http://serebii.net/xy/pokemon/645-s.png[/imgn1m]
[bn1m]Landorus-T[/bn1m] ♂ @Assault Vest
Adamant / Intimidate
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- U-Turn
- Superpower
[imgn1m]http://serebii.net/xy/pokemon/376.png[/imgn1m]
[bn1m]Metagross[/bn1m] @Life Orb
Adamant / Clear Body
- Meteor Mash
- Zen Headbutt
- Hammer Arm
- Earthquake
[imgn1m]http://serebii.net/xy/pokemon/637.png[/imgn1m]
[bn1m]Volcarona[/bn1m] ♀ @Leftovers ("the Champ sweeper")
Modest / Flame Body
- Quiver Dance
- Fiery Dance
- Bug Buzz
- Giga Drain
[imgn1m]http://serebii.net/xy/pokemon/230.png[/imgn1m]
[bn1m]Kingdra[/bn1m] ♂ @Scope Lens
Modest / Sniper
- Focus Energy
- Hydro Pump
- Draco Meteor
- Ice Beam
[imgn1m]http://serebii.net/xy/pokemon/681.png[/imgn1m]
[bn1m]Aegislash[/bn1m] ♂ @Weakness Policy
Quiet / Stance Change
- King's Shield
- Flash Cannon
- Shadow Ball
- Sacred Sword
[imgn1m]http://serebii.net/xy/pokemon/248-m.png[/imgn1m]
[bn1m]Tyranitar[/bn1m] ♂ @Tyranitarite
Jolly / Sand Stream
- Crunch
- Ice Punch
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake[/spoilern1m]
Alternates:
[spoilern1m][imgn1m]http://serebii.net/Shiny/XY/212.png[/imgn1m]
[bn1m]Scizor[/bn1m] ★ ♂ @Focus Sash
Adamant / Technician
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite
- Swords Dance
- Superpower
[imgn1m]http://serebii.net/Shiny/XY/500.png[/imgn1m]
[bn1m]Emboar[/bn1m] ★ ♂ @Assault Vest ("the beautiful blue pig")
Adamant / Reckless
- Sucker Punch
- Wild Charge
- Flare Blitz
- Low Kick
[imgn1m]http://serebii.net/xy/pokemon/663.png[/imgn1m]
[bn1m]Talonflame[/bn1m] ♂ @Sharp Beak
Adamant / Gale Wings
- Tailwind
- Will-o-wisp
- Flame Blitz
- Brave Bird
[imgn1m]http://serebii.net/xy/pokemon/445.png[/imgn1m]
[bn1m]Garchomp[/bn1m] ♂ @Choice Scarf
Jolly / Rough Skin
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock
[imgn1m]http://serebii.net/xy/pokemon/448.png[/imgn1m]
[bn1m]Lucario[/bn1m] ♂ @Choice Band
Adamant / Steadfast
- Swords Dance
- Extreme Speed
- Close Combat
- Ice Punch
[imgn1m]http://serebii.net/xy/pokemon/286.png[/imgn1m]
[bn1m]Breloom[/bn1m] ♂ @Toxic Orb ("the old school")
Adamant / Poison Heal
- Spore
- Focus Punch
- Substitute
- Seed Bomb[/spoilern1m]

The items changed around quite a bit, especially the Choice items and the Life Orb. Tyranitar was the main Mega, but Metagross did it once or twice as well. Not the most clever team, but my playstyle is pretty straightforward aggro, and I've got the 'mons to match.

I had two teams that I used, based on the Challenger's level of experience. First up, the primary team.

[spoilerqa5][imgqa5]http://www.pokestadium.com/assets/img/sprites/main-series/6/x-y/6-megax.gif[/imgqa5]
Mako
Charizardite X
Blaze
Jolly
Dragon Claw
Flare Blitz
Dragon Dance
Roost

[imgqa5]http://www.pokestadium.com/assets/img/sprites/main-series/6/x-y/530.gif[/imgqa5]
Mako
Focus Sash
Mold Breaker
Jolly
Iron Head
Rock Slide
X-Scissor
Drill Run

[imgqa5]http://www.pokestadium.com/assets/img/sprites/main-series/6/x-y/658.gif[/imgqa5]
Korra
Life Orb
Protean
Timid
Scald
Ice Beam
Grass Knot
Extrasensory[/spoilerqa5]

Next, we have the back-up team, that I used for most of my repeat Challengers, as well as Challengers who were more casual.

[spoilerqa5][imgqa5]http://www.pokestadium.com/assets/img/sprites/main-series/6/x-y/392.gif[/imgqa5]
Zuko
Muscle Band
Iron Fist
Adamant
Fire Punch
Thunder Punch
Mach Punch
Protect

[imgqa5]http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/es.pokemon/images/7/73/Mega-Steelix_ROZA.gif/revision/latest?cb=20141214145040[/imgqa5]
Toph
Steelixite/Rocky Helmet
Sturdy
Sassy
Earthquake
Rock Slide
Gyro Ball
Protect

[imgqa5]http://www.pokestadium.com/assets/img/sprites/main-series/6/x-y/350-f.gif[/imgqa5]
Katara
Leftovers
Marvel Scale
Calm
Scald
Ice Beam
Recover
Protect[/spoilerqa5]

My Battles were 3 Pokémon Triples. While a lot of people weren't expecting Mega Charizard X, Excadrill was where most if the surprises came from. People weren't expecting Drill Run over Earthquake, and they really weren't expecting the Focus Sash. It always made me smile when they thought they had knocked him out, and then he survived and wrecked one of their Pokémon. Greninja did a wonderful job (when she actually survived) and never lost a speed tie with other Greninja. Charizard did a pretty good job, and was an absolute monster if he got a Dragon Dance off. As for the back-up team, Milotic was hands-down the MVP. Infernape never really hit as hard as I wished he would, although he did nab a few important priority kills. Steelix did a good job, but was surprisingly squishy (I blame lack of proper EV training). Milotic, on the other hand, was pretty awesome. Even with poor EV training (done purposely to make things easier for Casuals), she was surprisingly bulky, and never once got OHKO'd. Any time that team was getting wrecked, Milotic was always the last one standing, and even brought me back from the edge a couple times.

As a side note, I know there were some people who had wanted to challenge me again later on, and I ended up having to leave earlier on Sunday than I had hoped. If anyone wants to challenge the Pro-Bending Ace again, feel free to shoot me a PM and we can set something up

Last year I came in with 13 competitive pokemon. This year I have much more. I'm only going to post the ones I really used a bunch.

[spoilerv8g][imgv8g]http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20141212071602/pokemon/images/d/d1/Nidoking_XY.gif[/imgv8g]
Achernar (male)
This guy gets sheer force, and a great movepool to go with it! Slap a life orb on him and just about anything slower than him will be at his mercy.

[imgv8g]http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140821041427/pokemon/images/c/c9/Braviary_XY.gif[/imgv8g]
Excalibur (male)
I've barely had this guy for a month, and already he's really proven himself. When he doesn't get outsped, anyway

[imgv8g]http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140131072229/pokemon/images/d/d2/Mew_XY.gif[/imgv8g]
Nirvana
Mew is a really neat pokemon. So many things can be done with this 'mon. So many ways to wreck house. This Mew in particular is what I like to call a "dismantler." He has knock off, taunt, and will o wisp, so he's capable of crippling just about any threat.

[imgv8g]http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20141206030315/pokemon/images/3/3a/Rhyperior_XY.gif[/imgv8g]
Tarvos (male)
Rhyperior is a real juggernaut. He's got amazing defense, the ability of solid rock, and a lot of HP. Slap an assault vest on him, and he can survive just about anything thrown his way.

[imgv8g]http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20150201052353/pokemon/images/5/50/Kecleon_XY.gif[/imgv8g]
Otegine (female)
Kecleon is... surprisingly good, actually. I slapped a bunch of priority moves on mine to make up for terrible speed, and invested in attack and defense, while slapping on an assault vest. Not exactly lugia defensive, but she's really proven to hold her own against even some big time OU pokes.

[imgv8g]http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140408104138/pokemon/images/8/8b/Zoroark_XY.gif[/imgv8g]
Fulbright (male)
I love battles with mind games. And if you want mind games, Zoroark is great at those. Pair him up with a pokemon like Crobat or Conkeldurr and you might even get a free turn from your psychic immunity.

[imgv8g]http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140831202252/pokemon/images/6/61/Charizard_MegaX_Shiny_XY.gif[/imgv8g]
Menkar (male)
This guy I had only just gotten ready in time for East last year. He's kind of my MVP. My pride, if you would. I aspire to do everything with him. And I have thus far. I can't even begin to count the battles he's turned around for me. He's the pokemon I treasure most in my collection, and one I plan to always use, no matter how the metagame may change.[/spoilerv8g]

I'll probably post some more later, but for now, this is what you get.

The fluffies
[spoiler1bv][img1bv]http://www.pokestadium.com/assets/img/sprites/main-series/6/x-y/435.gif[/img1bv]
"Stinky fluff" @ Black Sludge
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 16 HP / 252 Atk / 228 SpD / 12 Spe
Careful Nature
- Defog
- Sucker Punch
- Poison Jab
- Taunt

[img1bv]http://www.pkparaiso.com/imagenes/rubi-omega-zafiro-alfa/sprites/animados/altaria-mega.gif[/img1bv]
"Queen Fluff" @ Altarianite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Dragon Pulse
- Fire Blast
- Roost

[img1bv]http://www.pokestadium.com/assets/img/sprites/main-series/6/x-y/573.gif[/img1bv]
Cashmere aka flinchinccino @ King's Rock
Ability: Skill Link
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Tail Slap
- Bullet Seed
- Rock Blast
- Knock Off

[img1bv]http://www.pokestadium.com/assets/img/sprites/main-series/6/x-y/59.gif[/img1bv]
Fuzz Lumpkins @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Morning Sun
- Will-O-Wisp
- Flare Blitz
- Extreme Speed

[img1bv]http://www.pokestadium.com/assets/img/sprites/main-series/6/x-y/547.gif[/img1bv]
Wimsy @ Quick Claw
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Moonblast
- Giga Drain
- Nature Power
- Tailwind

[img1bv]http://www.pokestadium.com/assets/img/sprites/main-series/6/x-y/642.gif[/img1bv]
"Fluff Buff" aka grumpy fluff @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Taunt
- Thunderbolt
- Grass Knot[/spoiler1bv]


I did 6v6 singles, usually leading with thunderus

Here is the team I used to challenge the league this year:

[spoilerm1n][imgm1n]http://pldh.net/media/pokemon/gen6/xy-animated/006-mega-y.gif[/imgm1n]
Charizard Y @Charizardite Y
Ability: Blaze/Drought
Timid Nature
EVs: 4Def /252 Sp Attack/252 Speed
- Fire Blast
- Focus Blast
- Solar Beam
- Dragon Pulse

[imgm1n]https://31.media.tumblr.com/8bdaeb94f6fae21b870492c1ee49c08e/tumblr_mz3uqypu6C1rpn9eno1_250.gif[/imgm1n]
Tallonflame @Choice Band
Ability: Gale Wings
Adamant Nature
EVs: 252 Attack/4 Def /252 Speed
- Flare Blitz
- Brave Bird
- Roost
- U turn

[imgm1n]http://pldh.net/media/pokemon/gen6/xy-animated/662.gif[/imgm1n]
Fletchinder @Nothing!
Ability: Gale Wings
Adamant Nature
EVs: 252 HP/252 Attack/4 Def
- Acrobatics
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- Will-o-wisp

[imgm1n]http://www.pkparaiso.com/imagenes/xy/sprites/animados/moltres.gif[/imgm1n]
Moltres @Power Herb
Ability: Pressure
Timid Nature
EVs: 4 Def /252 Sp Attack/252 Speed
- Flamethrower
- Hurricane
- Roost
- Solar Beam

[imgm1n]http://pldh.net/media/pokemon/gen5/blackwhite_animated_front/637.gif[/imgm1n]
Volcarona @Lum Berry
Ability: Flame Body
Modest Nature
EVs: 4 Def /252 Sp Attack/252 Speed
- Fire Blast
- Bug Buzz
- Giga Drain
- Quiver Dance

[imgm1n]http://pldh.net/media/pokemon/gen5/blackwhite_animated_front/479-heat.gif[/imgm1n]
Rotom-Heat @Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
Modest Nature
EVs: 4 HP /252 Sp Attack/252 Speed
- Overheat
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Dragon
- Trick[/spoilerm1n]

This team ended being quite the glass cannon, winning or losing very quickly. Unfortunately there were only legal 4 Fire/Flyings so I needed to pick 2 others to round out the team.

Fletchinder was not bad, he was really good at revenge killing pokemon with less than half of their HP, but he struggled to KO more than one or two guys or sweep in any capacity. He also struggled to KO anyone at full health even with a swords dance up. He also obviously couldn't really take a hit. He basically functioned as a bad Talonflame, but a bad Talonflame is still quite good. He certainly performed better than Moltres, which was the biggest disappointment of the team.