I would like to announce that Richard Steel is now a returning leader! As such we can now more regularly add new clan members.
For applicants. Here is a list of some examples of things they will be considering when you apply. Again, what they look for will vary since returning leaders will likely be looking for a more classical 'battle me and lets see' approach wheras I might like the newfangled quizzes idea.
Displays knowledge of Pokemon and access to Pokemon related information
Positives
- The presence of Egg / TM moves
- Reacts to pokemon in an informed manner (Ex. – Reacts to Blissey as a special wall.)
- Reacts to battle-specific scenario with informed action (Ex. – Switching in a non-levitating Poison type to absorb Toxic Spikes)
- Knows what EVs and IVs are.
- Knows how nature affects pokemon statistics.
Negatives
- The presence of moves with clear superior alternatives (such as the use of Mega Punch over Return).
- 'Testing' for super effective moves (e.g. using repeated physical or special moves but varying elements in order to find weaknesses. Ex – Surf, then Ice Beam, then Grass Knot, but not Surf then Ice Punch.)
- Does not seem to understand the obvious effects of a move used (ex. Attacking a pokemon which repeatedly uses Calm Mind with special effects, but expresses confusion as the change in damage dealt)
Reasoning
Positives
- Shows correct or intelligent attempted prediction. (Ex. – Applicant's Magnezone uses Surf, predicting that Tester switches in the Dugtrio he used earlier in the battle, but Tester predicts this and switched in Roselia with HP Fire instead.)
- Builds a balanced team (
- Shows adequate consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of a team (Ex – Carrying Thunderbolt to deal with Water weakness on a Sandstorm team.)
Negatives
- Using NFE's with no justifiable reason (Ex. - Building an 'Ash' themed team with Bulbasaur instead of Venusaur. Two obvious examples of justified NFE's are Scyther and Pikachu.)
- Sending in a Pokemon who is slower than the one currently in and has an element / attack type weakness to a recently used move by the Pokemon already in play (Ex – Sending in Donphan against a full health Starmie who used Ice Beam the previous turn). Special cases excluded (Focus Sash - Reversal, Focus Sash – Explosion, etc).
- The presence of multiple moves with overlapping elements but without significant justifiable differences (Ex. – Thunderbolt and Shockwave on Electrode.)
Battle Etiquette
Negatives
- Blatantly fails to observe battle clauses (Ex. – Breaking legendary clause)
- Posts insults or offensive remarks after losing.
- Makes accusations of cheating without reasonable justification for the belief, such as ignorance of your Pokemon's ability or held item.
- Disconnects on purpose (Difficult to determine, I understand. Our leaders will use their best judgement.)
