Done writing. Awaiting proofreads. I removed Modest from the list of viable options on the Choice Set because it's rather pointless to run and doesn't grab any noteworthy KOes (that I'm aware of). I'm also calling the Choice set Choice Scarf and throwing in Choice Specs as an alternate item option since the moveset is the same.
Awaiting proofreads and grammar checks
Edited in Friar's proofread
Edit: Changes for the new format are in whatever the fuck this color is.
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/roserade
[OVERVIEW]
<p>While not as common as Pokemon such as Salamence or Heatran, Roserade fills a niche as the best offensive Toxic Spiker in OU. With above average Speed, high Special Attack, and access to several support moves such as Sleep Powder, Stun Spore, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes, Roserade is a versatile Pokemon capable of being an effective lead, supporter, or revenge killer.</p>
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Sleep Powder
move 2: Toxic Spikes
move 3: Leaf Storm / Grass Knot
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Focus Sash
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>The combination of Toxic Spikes and Sleep Powder makes Roserade an effective lead. Against most other leads, Roserade should start with Sleep Powder and then use Toxic Spikes once its opponent is asleep. While this works best against slower leads such as Swampert and Metagross, Focus Sash allows Roserade to fulfill its duty even against faster leads by surviving the first hit, rendering them immobile, then setting up at least one layer of Toxic Spikes. Hidden Power Fire hits Scizor and Forretress, both of whom are detrimental to Roserade via Bullet Punch or Rapid Spin. Hidden Power Ground and Hidden Power Ice can be used for Heatran and Salamence respectively. While Leaf Storm is initally more powerful, its adverse effect makes it easier to set up on than Grass Knot; however, both are solid choices when using Roserade.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade's partners should be able to effectively utilize Toxic Spikes support. Empoleon and Latias are both ideal teammates for Roserade, as Blissey is unable to effectively wall them while suffering from compounding poison damage. Salamence, Metagross, and Gyarados also appreciate having grounded bulky Water-types weakened.</p>
<p>Roserade has problems with Scarf Jirachi, Fake Out leads, and Lum Berry Metagross. Magnezone can trap and kill Jirachi and Metagross, which Rotom-A and Zapdos also fare quite well against. Rotom-A has the added benefit of keeping the Toxic Spikes from being spun away. Heatran can switch in on a Steel-type attack and force both out. It can also deal with opposing Roserade and Forretress who try to get rid of Toxic Spikes. Bulky Water-types, Latias, and Starmie all fare well against Infernape. Taunt Aerodactyl and Azelf also pose a problem, but both can be easily dealt with. Tyranitar counters Azelf without Grass Knot and Swampert does well against Aerodactyl. A bulky Ghost-type is also a welcome addition to Roserade's team in order to prevent Toxic Spikes from being spun away. Rotom-A is an ideal candidate for this position and also fares well against Scizor and, to an extent, Jirachi.</p>
[SET]
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Grass Knot
move 3: Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Stun Spore / Synthesis / Rest
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 136 SpD / 120 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade's base 105 Special Defense along with its ability to combat most Rapid Spinners allows it to effectively set up Spikes and ensure their longevity. Grass Knot destroys Starmie, Blastoise, Claydol, and Starmie while Hidden Power Fire deals with Forretress. Because Sleep Powder cannot be used with Spikes, Stun Spore stops Pokemon such as Infernape, Heatran, Salamence, Latias, and Gengar from switching in with impunity. Synthesis allows Roserade to set up on the likes of Celebi and Vaporeon, but is ruined by Sandstorm, so Rest is also an option, especially when combined with Natural Cure. Energy Ball can be used over Grass Knot to break Rotom-A's Substitutes, but is generally an inferior option due to the fact that most of the Standard metagame is hit harder by Grass Knot.</p>
<p>The Speed EVs allow Roserade to outpace standard Celebi and Zapdos as well as Jolly Tyranitar while the others are allocated to HP and Special Defense to maximize special bulk. An alternate spread of 252 HP / 56 Def / 80 SpD / 120 Spe can be used to always survive Choice Band Scizor's Bullet Punch, even through Stealth Rock and sand. </p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>In order to use this set to its full potential, Roserade's teammates should be adept at forcing switches. Attackers such as Salamence and Infernape that cause your opponent to constantly switch around attacks work well, as do Pokemon such as Blissey that certain attackers cannot break. Heatran is ideal due to its type synergy with Roserade; it can come in on Fire-, Ice- and Steel-type attacks aimed at it while allowing Roserade to take Water-type hits. Latias and Vaporeon can deal with enemy Heatran and Infernape. Rotom-A is a good choice to prevent Spikes from being spun away once Roserade is gone. As always, Roserade should be used alongside a bulky Ghost-type Pokemon such as Rotom-A in order to prevent Spikes from being removed.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Sleep Powder
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>A Choice Scarf fixes Roserade's Speed problem and allows it to revenge kill many dangerous threats. Leaf Storm is Roserade's most powerful attack and will severely hurt anything that does not resist it. Sludge Bomb compliments Leaf Storm by hitting the Grass-Types that resist Leaf Storm as well as providing a solid secondary STAB move. Hidden Power Ground hits Infernape and Heatran while Hidden Power Ice is useful against Salamence, Dragonite, Flygon, and Gliscor. Sleep Powder provides Roserade with the ability to neutralize any threats that it could not otherwise overcome, and fast sleep is always a boon to any team.</p>
<p>This set can function effectively as a lead due to its ability to incapacitate any other common lead barring Lum Berry Metagross and Choice Scarf Jirachi. Metagross will OHKO with Meteor Mash while Jirachi will outspeed Roserade and use Iron Head or Fire Punch. Shadow Ball can be used over Sludge Bomb or Sleep Powder to hit Gengar and Rotom-A while Energy Ball provides a STAB move with which to sweep. Hidden Power Fire is an option to combat Scizor, but it leaves Roserade at the mercy of Heatran. If you prefer power over celerity, Choice Specs can be used on this set, but the drop in Speed makes Roserade much more vulnerable to being revenge killed.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>As always, Blissey is a problem, but can easily be dealt with by any strong physical attacker. Snorlax also takes very little damage from Roserade's attacks and sometimes carries Sleep Talk to mitigate the effects of Sleep Powder, but it too can be handled by a sturdy Fighting-type Pokemon such as Machamp. Heatran is an excellent partner for Roserade, as it can take care of any Steel-type that Roserade may have a problem with. Infernape can take on Blissey as well as most Steel-types, but its frail defenses lower its longevity. Bulky waters can take on Metagross and Heatran without Hidden Power Grass. Gyarados works well against both Heatran and Scizor and can set up on Blissey with Taunt. Rotom-A counters Metagross and Scizor nicely, but is helpless against Heatran.</p>
[SET]
name: SubSeed
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Sludge Bomb
move 4: Spikes
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade's attributes are well-suited to a SubSeeder set. This Roserade should come in on something that it can force out like Swampert and set up a Substitute. From there, it should Leech Seed any switch-in or take out Grass-types with Sludge Bomb. If the opponent attempts to recover, Roserade can set up a layer of Spikes or use Sludge Bomb to attempt to poison the opponent and inflict even more residual damage on it. If Spikes support is not necessary, Hidden Power Fire can be used to take on the problematic Scizor and Forretress.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Because of this set's ability to force switches, Stealth Rock support is recommended. Azelf, Metagross, and Heatran are all excellent Pokemon to set up Stealth Rock with. Heatran has the added bonus of resisting Fire- and Ice-type attacks that plague Roserade. Paralysis is also helpful so that Roserade can continue setting up Substitutes on otherwise quicker opponents. Zapdos and Rotom-A are good choices for this role. Taunt Gyarados and Tyranitar set up on this set with ease, so Pokemon that can deal with them, such as Rotom-A, Vaporeon, and Scizor, are excellent choices.</p>
[OPTIONAL CHANGES]
<p>Most Roserade sets use a Timid nature alongside max Speed and Special Attack to outspeed neutral base 100 Speed Pokemon such as Salamence and Celebi. The Spikes set uses a more defensive spread to increase staying power while attempting to set up three layers of entry hazards.</p>
<p>In terms of weather support, Roserade has access to both Sunny Day and Rain Dance. Sunny Day powers up Synthesis and Rain Dance somewhat mitigates Roserade's Fire weakness, but these are both generally inferior options to Roserade's other sets. Shadow Ball can be used on the Choice set to hit Ghosts while Aromatherapy provides further team support on other sets. Growth can power up Roserade's already high Special Attack, but it lacks the Speed and Defense to effectively set up and sweep.</p>
Awaiting proofreads and grammar checks
Edited in Friar's proofread
Edit: Changes for the new format are in whatever the fuck this color is.
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/roserade
[OVERVIEW]
<p>While not as common as Pokemon such as Salamence or Heatran, Roserade fills a niche as the best offensive Toxic Spiker in OU. With above average Speed, high Special Attack, and access to several support moves such as Sleep Powder, Stun Spore, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes, Roserade is a versatile Pokemon capable of being an effective lead, supporter, or revenge killer.</p>
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Sleep Powder
move 2: Toxic Spikes
move 3: Leaf Storm / Grass Knot
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Focus Sash
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>The combination of Toxic Spikes and Sleep Powder makes Roserade an effective lead. Against most other leads, Roserade should start with Sleep Powder and then use Toxic Spikes once its opponent is asleep. While this works best against slower leads such as Swampert and Metagross, Focus Sash allows Roserade to fulfill its duty even against faster leads by surviving the first hit, rendering them immobile, then setting up at least one layer of Toxic Spikes. Hidden Power Fire hits Scizor and Forretress, both of whom are detrimental to Roserade via Bullet Punch or Rapid Spin. Hidden Power Ground and Hidden Power Ice can be used for Heatran and Salamence respectively. While Leaf Storm is initally more powerful, its adverse effect makes it easier to set up on than Grass Knot; however, both are solid choices when using Roserade.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade's partners should be able to effectively utilize Toxic Spikes support. Empoleon and Latias are both ideal teammates for Roserade, as Blissey is unable to effectively wall them while suffering from compounding poison damage. Salamence, Metagross, and Gyarados also appreciate having grounded bulky Water-types weakened.</p>
<p>Roserade has problems with Scarf Jirachi, Fake Out leads, and Lum Berry Metagross. Magnezone can trap and kill Jirachi and Metagross, which Rotom-A and Zapdos also fare quite well against. Rotom-A has the added benefit of keeping the Toxic Spikes from being spun away. Heatran can switch in on a Steel-type attack and force both out. It can also deal with opposing Roserade and Forretress who try to get rid of Toxic Spikes. Bulky Water-types, Latias, and Starmie all fare well against Infernape. Taunt Aerodactyl and Azelf also pose a problem, but both can be easily dealt with. Tyranitar counters Azelf without Grass Knot and Swampert does well against Aerodactyl. A bulky Ghost-type is also a welcome addition to Roserade's team in order to prevent Toxic Spikes from being spun away. Rotom-A is an ideal candidate for this position and also fares well against Scizor and, to an extent, Jirachi.</p>
[SET]
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Grass Knot
move 3: Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Stun Spore / Synthesis / Rest
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 136 SpD / 120 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade's base 105 Special Defense along with its ability to combat most Rapid Spinners allows it to effectively set up Spikes and ensure their longevity. Grass Knot destroys Starmie, Blastoise, Claydol, and Starmie while Hidden Power Fire deals with Forretress. Because Sleep Powder cannot be used with Spikes, Stun Spore stops Pokemon such as Infernape, Heatran, Salamence, Latias, and Gengar from switching in with impunity. Synthesis allows Roserade to set up on the likes of Celebi and Vaporeon, but is ruined by Sandstorm, so Rest is also an option, especially when combined with Natural Cure. Energy Ball can be used over Grass Knot to break Rotom-A's Substitutes, but is generally an inferior option due to the fact that most of the Standard metagame is hit harder by Grass Knot.</p>
<p>The Speed EVs allow Roserade to outpace standard Celebi and Zapdos as well as Jolly Tyranitar while the others are allocated to HP and Special Defense to maximize special bulk. An alternate spread of 252 HP / 56 Def / 80 SpD / 120 Spe can be used to always survive Choice Band Scizor's Bullet Punch, even through Stealth Rock and sand. </p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>In order to use this set to its full potential, Roserade's teammates should be adept at forcing switches. Attackers such as Salamence and Infernape that cause your opponent to constantly switch around attacks work well, as do Pokemon such as Blissey that certain attackers cannot break. Heatran is ideal due to its type synergy with Roserade; it can come in on Fire-, Ice- and Steel-type attacks aimed at it while allowing Roserade to take Water-type hits. Latias and Vaporeon can deal with enemy Heatran and Infernape. Rotom-A is a good choice to prevent Spikes from being spun away once Roserade is gone. As always, Roserade should be used alongside a bulky Ghost-type Pokemon such as Rotom-A in order to prevent Spikes from being removed.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Sleep Powder
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>A Choice Scarf fixes Roserade's Speed problem and allows it to revenge kill many dangerous threats. Leaf Storm is Roserade's most powerful attack and will severely hurt anything that does not resist it. Sludge Bomb compliments Leaf Storm by hitting the Grass-Types that resist Leaf Storm as well as providing a solid secondary STAB move. Hidden Power Ground hits Infernape and Heatran while Hidden Power Ice is useful against Salamence, Dragonite, Flygon, and Gliscor. Sleep Powder provides Roserade with the ability to neutralize any threats that it could not otherwise overcome, and fast sleep is always a boon to any team.</p>
<p>This set can function effectively as a lead due to its ability to incapacitate any other common lead barring Lum Berry Metagross and Choice Scarf Jirachi. Metagross will OHKO with Meteor Mash while Jirachi will outspeed Roserade and use Iron Head or Fire Punch. Shadow Ball can be used over Sludge Bomb or Sleep Powder to hit Gengar and Rotom-A while Energy Ball provides a STAB move with which to sweep. Hidden Power Fire is an option to combat Scizor, but it leaves Roserade at the mercy of Heatran. If you prefer power over celerity, Choice Specs can be used on this set, but the drop in Speed makes Roserade much more vulnerable to being revenge killed.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>As always, Blissey is a problem, but can easily be dealt with by any strong physical attacker. Snorlax also takes very little damage from Roserade's attacks and sometimes carries Sleep Talk to mitigate the effects of Sleep Powder, but it too can be handled by a sturdy Fighting-type Pokemon such as Machamp. Heatran is an excellent partner for Roserade, as it can take care of any Steel-type that Roserade may have a problem with. Infernape can take on Blissey as well as most Steel-types, but its frail defenses lower its longevity. Bulky waters can take on Metagross and Heatran without Hidden Power Grass. Gyarados works well against both Heatran and Scizor and can set up on Blissey with Taunt. Rotom-A counters Metagross and Scizor nicely, but is helpless against Heatran.</p>
[SET]
name: SubSeed
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Sludge Bomb
move 4: Spikes
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade's attributes are well-suited to a SubSeeder set. This Roserade should come in on something that it can force out like Swampert and set up a Substitute. From there, it should Leech Seed any switch-in or take out Grass-types with Sludge Bomb. If the opponent attempts to recover, Roserade can set up a layer of Spikes or use Sludge Bomb to attempt to poison the opponent and inflict even more residual damage on it. If Spikes support is not necessary, Hidden Power Fire can be used to take on the problematic Scizor and Forretress.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Because of this set's ability to force switches, Stealth Rock support is recommended. Azelf, Metagross, and Heatran are all excellent Pokemon to set up Stealth Rock with. Heatran has the added bonus of resisting Fire- and Ice-type attacks that plague Roserade. Paralysis is also helpful so that Roserade can continue setting up Substitutes on otherwise quicker opponents. Zapdos and Rotom-A are good choices for this role. Taunt Gyarados and Tyranitar set up on this set with ease, so Pokemon that can deal with them, such as Rotom-A, Vaporeon, and Scizor, are excellent choices.</p>
[OPTIONAL CHANGES]
<p>Most Roserade sets use a Timid nature alongside max Speed and Special Attack to outspeed neutral base 100 Speed Pokemon such as Salamence and Celebi. The Spikes set uses a more defensive spread to increase staying power while attempting to set up three layers of entry hazards.</p>
<p>In terms of weather support, Roserade has access to both Sunny Day and Rain Dance. Sunny Day powers up Synthesis and Rain Dance somewhat mitigates Roserade's Fire weakness, but these are both generally inferior options to Roserade's other sets. Shadow Ball can be used on the Choice set to hit Ghosts while Aromatherapy provides further team support on other sets. Growth can power up Roserade's already high Special Attack, but it lacks the Speed and Defense to effectively set up and sweep.</p>
