Can you provide me with your Illumise's set? I've got a soft spot for the lil' cutie and have always wanted to see if I can make one usable, or at the least, a good supporter for a team. I don't care so much if it's outclassed or not, god forbid my Raticate and Abra suffer from this but still blast holes when no one expects them to.
My Illumise is built this way:
-Thunder Wave
-Flatter/Swagger/Confuse Ray
-Rain Dance
-Encore
(Covet also works for removing annoying items)
-EV:
200HP
152Def
152SpD
-Item: Focus Band (or no item if you choose to covet)
Ability: Prankster (All listed abilities will go first regardless of speed. Pokemon that uses speed boosting moves will hate you.)
Tactic: I send my Illumise first, and paralyze opponent before they have the chance to attack or set up. If the opponent sets up, use Encore to disable attacks to give you a chance to switch and KO opponent Pokemon. If Illumise gets hit, Focus Band will allow a second move to be used. Rain Dance allows Thunder/Hurricane to never miss. Also boost water moves by 50%. Great way to assist your other Pokemon. Be careful, cause Rain Dance can boost your Opponent as well. Never forget the Power of Confusion. Paralysis and Confusion reduces the chance you opponent attacks by 75%. If Illumise does not get KO and gets switched, rinse and repeat for the next opposing Pokemon.
Checks and counters:
Taunt naturally. Luckily, Prankster is Priority. Watch out for Magic Bounce. We also cannot forget about Gale Wings.