[Meta thread] Iron's PokeRole Adventure: The Skull Ruins

[Dragonstrike]

If you didn't notice, Arbok has 11 base HP, and Ekans has 6.  A lot of serpentine pokemon have higher than average HP bases. (this also results in a weird situation where Dragonair has more HP than Dragonite...ummm...)

Given how Pokémon strength functions in this game, if anyone gets a Dratini at some point, they are better off only evolving to its second stage, as its Higher HP will be of a far greater asset in most battles than the moves that Dragonite has/provides for free. Pure Dragon typing is also decent defense wise, having 4 resistence and 3 Weakness (One of which is against itself, so it sort of cancels out) compared to the Weakness to Rock and super weakness to Ice! It will also be far less disobedient, so its would be easier to get a handle on its behavior early on!

That larger movepool is very handy though.  Fire Punch is great for taking out Steel types which would give it trouble otherwise (and is much easier to get than say, a TM for Flamethorwer or Fire Blast), having Dual STAB is great (particularly when one of your STAB options is Hurricane), and Dragonite also has access to easy recovery in Roost (which also negates its flying typing for a round).  There's also Superpower to consider as a tutor move potentially.

In addition, the disobedience isn't too bad in the long run because Dragonair take a loooonnnnngggg time to evolve, like any pseudo legendary line, so there's plenty of time to build up loyalty.  

And as icing on the cake, Dragonite are amazing for transport and mobility, what with their ability to fly.  Of course, Dratini and Dragonair have a much easier time with swimming...