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PokΘMon Encyclopedia!
PokΘMon Analyses

A weekly feature of the PokΘDome PokΘDex, the PokΘMon Analyses are in-depth coverage over a certain PokΘMon, and we'll keep doing this until all 150 PokΘMon have been analyzed! By then there'll be perhaps 250...

Odd and Vile!
By Dryad

Erika and the Plants!

043. Oddish
Deep within a forest grove
Far away in an enchanted land
Live three magic creatures of incredible power-
The legendary floral band.
Oddish
43. Oddish
Grass
Poison
Japanese Name Nazonokusa
During the day, it keeps its face buried in the ground. At night it wonders about sowing seeds.
HT: 1'6" WT: 12 lb.
Evolution

L00 Oddish
L21 Gloom
LEAF Vileplume

Statistics
Abilities
Technique Level Type
Absorb
Poison Powder
Stun Spore
Sleep Powder
Acid
Petal Dance
Solar Beam
-
15
17
19
24
33
46
Grass
Poison
Grass
Grass
Poison
Grass
Grass
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!

044. Gloom
Each, in itself, a force of nature,
Summoning unseen powers to come to their aid,
Each as lovely as a rose,
Each as lethal as deadly nightshade.
Gloom
44. Gloom
Grass
Poison
Japanese Name Kusaihana
The fluid that oozes from its mouth isn't saliva; it is a nectar that is used to attract prey.
HT: 2'7" WT: 19 lb.
Evolution

L00 Oddish
L21 Gloom
LEAF Vileplume

Statistics
Abilities
Technique Level Type
Absorb
Poison Powder
Stun Spore
Sleep Powder
Acid
Petal Dance
Solar Beam
-
-
-
-
28
38
52
Grass
Poison
Grass
Grass
Poison
Grass
Grass
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.

045. Vileplume
One but a sprout, beginning to blossom,
One with a stench that sours the breeze,
One with a flower of unseen beauty,
The mystic botanical trio are these.
Vileplume
45. Vileplume
Grass
Poison
Japanese Name Rafureshia
The larger its petals, the more toxic pollen it contains. Its big head is heavy and hard to hold up.
HT: 3'11" WT: 41 lb.
Evolution

L00 Oddish
L21 Gloom
LEAF Vileplume

Statistics
Abilities
Technique Level Type
Poison Powder
Stun Spore
Sleep Powder
-
-
-
Poison
Grass
Grass
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. Rafflesia
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.

Online Since August 31, 1998

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