43. Oddish
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Grass
Poison
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Japanese Name
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Nazonokusa
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During the day, it keeps its face buried in the ground.
At night it wonders about sowing seeds.
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HT: 1'6"
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WT: 12 lb.
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Evolution
L00 Oddish
L21 Gloom
LEAF
Vileplume
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Abilities
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Technique
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Level
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Type
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Absorb
Poison Powder
Stun Spore
Sleep Powder
Acid
Petal Dance
Solar Beam
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-
15
17
19
24
33
46
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Grass
Poison
Grass
Grass
Poison
Grass
Grass
|
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In the Red version of the game, once you reach the fields to
the north of Cerulean City, you're bound to run into an unusual
looking PokΘmon that resembles a small blue radish with legs and
a face. This little turnip, as I call them, is an Oddish.
True, it looks rather shy and weak, but don't let its quiet
misdemeanor fool you- this little turnip packs a punch! Oddish
starts off with its trademark move- absorb. If used against the
right type, this move can be positively lethal! While facing
Misty, where my Bulbasaur failed, my Oddish prevailed. Using its
absorb, it drained Starmie so dry that it hopped up two levels
upon victory.
Summoning forth multiple plant-based attacks, Oddish can
prove to be quite a difficult adversary if trained well enough. I
waited till Oddish learned all of its moves before I evolved it
into Gloom. By that time, it was the best PokΘmon on my team.
Sure, they can take a lot of work, but I guarantee, train an
Oddish to its maximum potential and it won't let you down!
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44. Gloom
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Grass
Poison
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Japanese Name
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Kusaihana
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The fluid that oozes from its mouth isn't saliva; it is a
nectar that is used to attract prey.
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HT: 2'7"
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WT: 19 lb.
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Evolution
L00 Oddish
L21 Gloom
LEAF
Vileplume
|
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Abilities
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Technique
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Level
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Type
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Absorb
Poison Powder
Stun Spore
Sleep Powder
Acid
Petal Dance
Solar Beam
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-
-
-
-
28
38
52
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Grass
Poison
Grass
Grass
Poison
Grass
Grass
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You're walking through a patch of exotic looking flowers one
day, taking time to smell each and every one, when you come upon
one in particular, and you find yourself gagging, "Good God, what
is that smell?" The answer- Gloom.
At level 21, Oddish evolves into foul-smelling Gloom. It
touched our hearts on the TV show during its first appearance in
"PokΘmon Scent-sation" when it saved the angelic Erika from that
horrible Grimer. Since it isn't the world's best hand-to-hand
combat PokΘmon, Gloom relies upon the stench it releases as its
main form of defense- a stench so incriminatingly repulsive that
it even made Koffing pass out! You got to admit- that's strong.
Some people accuse Gloom of being dumb or gross because of
its appearance, not to mention the drool oozing out of its mouth.
Well, those who do should be ashamed of themselves. Gloom is in
fact a very clever hunter, so much so that it doesn't even have
to lift a finger to find prey. As the PokΘdex reveals, the drool
it secretes is actually an intoxicating nectar. Like a siren, it
so subtly woos prey to it that by the time the poor critters know
what's happening, they're hit with Gloom's chemical arsenal.
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45. Vileplume
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Grass
Poison
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Japanese Name
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Rafureshia
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The larger its petals, the more toxic pollen it contains.
Its big head is heavy and hard to hold up.
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HT: 3'11"
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WT: 41 lb.
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Evolution
L00 Oddish
L21 Gloom
LEAF
Vileplume
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|
Abilities
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Technique
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Level
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Type
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Poison Powder
Stun Spore
Sleep Powder
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-
-
-
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Poison
Grass
Grass
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Finally, we come to the last stage in this family's
evolution- my personal favorite, Vileplume. Like its cousins,
Oddish and Gloom, Vileplume isn't exactly prized for its physical
prowess. Hence, it needs another form of protection- chemical
warfare. From its immense bloom, Vileplume can release a series
of poisonous pollen-based attacks, devastating foes.
It's my theory that Vileplume's actually was based upon a
real, living plant dwelling within the Indonesian rain forest.
Rafflesia arnoldi is literally the world's biggest flower.
Measuring four feet across, weighing in at fifteen pounds, and
estimated to contain over a gallon and a half of water in its
inch-thick petals alone, the devil's betal box, as it is called,
is also one of the rarest flowers in the world, lasting only days
before it dies. As you can guess from its name, the betal box
isn't only renown for its size. Aside from its appearance, the
betal box has another relation to the Vileplume family- its
sickening smell. To attract flies for pollination, the flower
will give off an odor so foul that it can literally cause people
to pass out. Sound familiar?
[Slimu's Note: Well, it IS based on the Rafflesia flower.
After all, it's Japanese name is "Rafuresia", which does sound
like Rafflesia, don't it? ^.^ ::Dryad sticks a Gloom in Slimu's
face:: Uggh...wheez...Back to tha analysis...]
With its combination of grass and poison-type attacks,
Vileplume can prove to be quite formidable. By the time I reached
the Elite Four, I relied heavily upon my Vileplume to mop up well
over 75% of their PokΘmon while still at level 58. Outshone by
few, hiding amidst the gentle petals of the Vileplume lies the
heart and power of a warrior.
My Notes:
-Okay, here is a little collection of my thoughts concerning
Oddish/Gloom/Vileplume in battle.
Vileplume's unique grass/poison characteristics make how it
fares in battle interesting. Naturally, it holds an advantage
over water, ground, electric, and rock-type PokΘmon. Its poison
side gives it an edge over other grass PokΘmon and slight defense
against poison and bug-types, though also making it susceptible
to psychic attacks. As well, Vileplume still retains its
weaknesses against fire and flying PokΘmon.
With all these aspects in mind, it's important to use
strategy when battling with or against a Vileplume. I usually
start off with a few disabling attacks, preferably sleep powder.
Then, depending on the kind of foe I'm facing, I engage in either
acid or Vileplume's variety of grass attacks. Being one of the
three species that learn the powerful solar beam naturally and
the only one to master the devastating petal dance, Vileplume's
grass moves are a force to be reckoned with.
Now, grass PokΘmon, despite their disadvantages, can prove to
be extremely valuable members to your team- I usually have two.
^_^ Anywho, somehow, I always pick Vileplume as one because it
seems to outshine the others.
First off, with its poisonous characteristics, Vileplume can
easily best Tangela. As well, Vileplume's poisonous side can
provide defense against Parasect who knows only one bug move by
nature anyway. Then, one or two of Vileplume's acid attacks
should be able to finish off Parasect without a problem.
Next comes Victreebel and Venusaur. Vileplume, Victreebel,
and Venusaur, the three "V"s, share many attributes, so in the
end, it comes down to a simple show of strength. Vileplume's
stats easily dwarf those of Victreebel, giving it an advantage in
battle. As for Venusaur, it's kind of tie. Though Venusaur's
speed is better, Vileplume's special is higher.
Finally, Exeggutor. This is probably the only grass PokΘmon
who can be trouble for Vileplume. Exeggutor's stats are slightly
better and its psychic side grants it defense over poisonous
attacks. Hence, when an Exeggutor arises against your Vileplume,
begin with disabling attacks and then launch an all-out
initiative with grass moves and hope for the best.
Yet, whatever the outcome of battle, I have come to but one
conclusion- never underestimate this floral trio. When things are
their worst, you can always count on them.
Deep within a forest grove
Inside a garden always in bloom
Live the three sprites of ancient yore-
Oddish, Gloom, and Vileplume.
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