Zak Sterling

Zak Sterling is a character in Dissidia Calamitas Infinita. In Clouds of Judgment, he is Liam's most skilled co-pilot but also his best friend. His hobbies include skirt-chasing and gambling, both of which usually lead to his shortcomings. Despite his preferred use of trinkets and a devil-may-care attitude, Zak's experience working alongside military soldiers leaves him skilled in combat and he is known for his mastery over the element of lightning and water - the latter of which fits with his Deus Leviathan as well as his hometown of Mesi. 
==Personality & Appearance==
Like his best friend, Zak is cheerful and laid-back but also has a devil-may-care cavalier and a child-like personality. He's usually the only who attempts to make a joke to lighten the mood around him - with varying degrees of success, usually depending on a person. He usually tends to avoid almost any form of conflict, preferring to live life the easy way but is easily provoked by cold-hearted comments toward him, usually from either James or Ike. He fancies himself a ladies' man who attempts to impress them every chance he gets and also quite a con artist. But Zak is not out to hurt anybody, more than willing to protect his friends and very loyal to Liam despite his own weaknesses. 
Zak's complexion is of lighter tan and his hair is a bit messy and he also has an athletic build. He usually wears torn jeans, a black belt with a pair of long pale blue-green sashes that hang on opposite sides, a blue plaid shirt only half-buttoned and brown leather boots. Around his neck is a small chain which holds his ring. Besides his aviator gloves, he also wears a light brown leather jacket. Like with the Sanford twins, Zak's Ex Mode has him surrounded with a watery Aura in shape of a sea serpent that resembles his Deus Leviathan and equipped with the Total Eclipse. 
The first alternate attire is Longcoat. His second alt, Red Mech Rider, has Zak in a red uniform with blue streaks. 
Zak's DLC attire is a uniform worn by Viper pilots in the 1978 version of Battlestar Galactica, and therefore aptly named Lieutenant Starbuck, a character he is based off of. His second alt, Bladerang Master, is based on Malik from Tales of Graces. His third alt, Brotherly Desire, is based off of Jin from the BlazBlue series.
File:Zak Sterling.png|Longcoat
File:Mech Pilot Lt Sterling.png|Red Mech Rider
File:Malik.png|Bladerang Master
File:Lieutenant Starbuck.JPG|Lieutenant Starbuck
File:ZakSterling2.png|Rival in Blue
==Story==
=== The 2nd Cycle ===
=== The 3rd Cycle ===
=== The 4th Cycle ===
=== The 5th Cycle ===
=== The 6th Cycle ===
Zak is first seen here rescuing Meagan from Oavyce, unaware that the two have a rocky history on their own world. As a result, she is antagonistic towards Zak throughout their travels. It is until Rutilius Nex ambush that he finally earns her respect and then pursues Nex who unintentionally leads him to Ike, who plans to avenge the rest of the Archfiends through bloodlust before Liam intervenes. Zak arrives to their aid at the last moment and fights Nex to a draw. 
=== The 7th Cycle ===
=== The 8th Cycle ===
==Battle==
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Zak SterlingSplash Slider – Uses water-based attacks to put enemies under pressure.
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Due to many of his attacks being ice or water based, Zak is known as a Splash Slider. His attacks are equally powerful at both long and close-ranges, and he is versatile in the air or on the ground. His HP attacks similarly function at multiple ranges, and all of them crush guards. Zak also is the fastest among all the magic based characters, running at a speed similar to that of Yala's. However, because many of his Brave attacks are projectiles they can easily be blocked, and he has one of the longest recovery times in the game.
===Bravery Attacks===
Move 	Type 	CP (Mastered) 	AP 	Priority 	Effect 	Damage type 	Obtained
Jet Stream 	Ground 	 	 	Ranged Low 	Wall Rush 	Magical 	Initial
Jet Stream 	[Long] Shoots a long stream of water. 	[Long] Shoots a long stream of water. 	[Long] Shoots a long stream of water. 	[Long] Shoots a long stream of water. 	[Long] Shoots a long stream of water. 	[Long] Shoots a long stream of water. 	[Long] Shoots a long stream of water.
Sidewinder 	Ground 	 	 	Ranged Low 	Chase 	Physical 	Level 4
Sidewinder 	[Dodge] Sidesteps before throwing boomerang. Evade at the start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Sidesteps before throwing boomerang. Evade at the start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Sidesteps before throwing boomerang. Evade at the start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Sidesteps before throwing boomerang. Evade at the start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Sidesteps before throwing boomerang. Evade at the start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Sidesteps before throwing boomerang. Evade at the start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Sidesteps before throwing boomerang. Evade at the start of the attack.
Rapid Fist Cuffs 	Ground 	 	 	Melee Low 	Chase 	Physical 	Level 10
Rapid Fist Cuffs 	[Close] Speedy punching attacks. 	[Close] Speedy punching attacks. 	[Close] Speedy punching attacks. 	[Close] Speedy punching attacks. 	[Close] Speedy punching attacks. 	[Close] Speedy punching attacks. 	[Close] Speedy punching attacks.
Tidal Knuckle(ground)	Ground 	 	 	Melee Mid 	Wall Rush 	Magical 	Level 16
Tidal Knuckle(ground)	[Mid] Conjures water to form a giant fist and knock foe away with a powerful punch.	[Mid] Conjures water to form a giant fist and knock foe away with a powerful punch.	[Mid] Conjures water to form a giant fist and knock foe away with a powerful punch.	[Mid] Conjures water to form a giant fist and knock foe away with a powerful punch.	[Mid] Conjures water to form a giant fist and knock foe away with a powerful punch.	[Mid] Conjures water to form a giant fist and knock foe away with a powerful punch.	[Mid] Conjures water to form a giant fist and knock foe away with a powerful punch.
Electric Slide 	Midair 	 	 	Melee Low 	Wall Rush 	Physical 	Initial
Electric Slide 	[Dive] Crashes down with electrified feet. 	[Dive] Crashes down with electrified feet. 	[Dive] Crashes down with electrified feet. 	[Dive] Crashes down with electrified feet. 	[Dive] Crashes down with electrified feet. 	[Dive] Crashes down with electrified feet. 	[Dive] Crashes down with electrified feet.
Blade-A-Rang 	Midair 	 	 	Ranged Low 	Chase 	Physical 	Initial
Blade-A-Rang 	[Dodge] Hurls boomerang to proper foe upwards. Evade at start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Hurls boomerang to proper foe upwards. Evade at start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Hurls boomerang to proper foe upwards. Evade at start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Hurls boomerang to proper foe upwards. Evade at start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Hurls boomerang to proper foe upwards. Evade at start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Hurls boomerang to proper foe upwards. Evade at start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Hurls boomerang to proper foe upwards. Evade at start of the attack.
Liquid Steel 	Midair 	 	 	Melee Low 	Wall Rush 	Magical 	Level 9
Liquid Steel 	[Close] Attack with a sharp jet of water from each hand. 	[Close] Attack with a sharp jet of water from each hand. 	[Close] Attack with a sharp jet of water from each hand. 	[Close] Attack with a sharp jet of water from each hand. 	[Close] Attack with a sharp jet of water from each hand. 	[Close] Attack with a sharp jet of water from each hand. 	[Close] Attack with a sharp jet of water from each hand.
Sabotage 	Midair 	 	 	Ranged Low 	N/A 	Physical 	Level 13
Sabotage 	[Long] Throws a mechanical bomb. 	[Long] Throws a mechanical bomb. 	[Long] Throws a mechanical bomb. 	[Long] Throws a mechanical bomb. 	[Long] Throws a mechanical bomb. 	[Long] Throws a mechanical bomb. 	[Long] Throws a mechanical bomb.
Aqualung 	Midair 	 	 	Melee Mid 	Chase 	Physical 	Level 21
Aqualung 	[Dodge] Flies headfirst towards foe. Evade at start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Flies headfirst towards foe. Evade at start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Flies headfirst towards foe. Evade at start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Flies headfirst towards foe. Evade at start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Flies headfirst towards foe. Evade at start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Flies headfirst towards foe. Evade at start of the attack. 	[Dodge] Flies headfirst towards foe. Evade at start of the attack.
Tidal Knuckle(midair)	Midair 	 	 	Melee Mid 	Wall Rush 	Magical 	Level 26
Tidal Knuckle(midair)	[Mid] Conjures water to form a giant fist and knock foe away with a powerful punch.	[Mid] Conjures water to form a giant fist and knock foe away with a powerful punch.	[Mid] Conjures water to form a giant fist and knock foe away with a powerful punch.	[Mid] Conjures water to form a giant fist and knock foe away with a powerful punch.	[Mid] Conjures water to form a giant fist and knock foe away with a powerful punch.	[Mid] Conjures water to form a giant fist and knock foe away with a powerful punch.	[Mid] Conjures water to form a giant fist and knock foe away with a powerful punch.
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
===HP Attacks===
Move 	Type 	CP (Mastered) 	AP 	Priority 	Effect 	Damage type 	Obtained
Snake Crawl 	Ground 	 	 	Melee High 	Wall Rush 	Physical 	Initial
Snake Crawl 	[Mid] Hits foe with a charging dropkick. Slow start but good range. 	[Mid] Hits foe with a charging dropkick. Slow start but good range. 	[Mid] Hits foe with a charging dropkick. Slow start but good range. 	[Mid] Hits foe with a charging dropkick. Slow start but good range. 	[Mid] Hits foe with a charging dropkick. Slow start but good range. 	[Mid] Hits foe with a charging dropkick. Slow start but good range. 	[Mid] Hits foe with a charging dropkick. Slow start but good range.
Tsunami 	Ground 	 	 	Ranged High 	Absorb 	Magical 	Jet Stream
Tsunami 	[Combo] Keeps opponent off-balance with a huge water column. 	[Combo] Keeps opponent off-balance with a huge water column. 	[Combo] Keeps opponent off-balance with a huge water column. 	[Combo] Keeps opponent off-balance with a huge water column. 	[Combo] Keeps opponent off-balance with a huge water column. 	[Combo] Keeps opponent off-balance with a huge water column. 	[Combo] Keeps opponent off-balance with a huge water column.
Flying Pinwheel	Ground 	 	 	Ranged High 	Wall Rush 	Physical 	Sidewinder
Flying Pinwheel	[Combo] Forms a force pinwheel for a powerful ranged attack. 	[Combo] Forms a force pinwheel for a powerful ranged attack. 	[Combo] Forms a force pinwheel for a powerful ranged attack. 	[Combo] Forms a force pinwheel for a powerful ranged attack. 	[Combo] Forms a force pinwheel for a powerful ranged attack. 	[Combo] Forms a force pinwheel for a powerful ranged attack. 	[Combo] Forms a force pinwheel for a powerful ranged attack.
Tidal Sphere 	Midair 	 	 	Ranged High 	N/A 	Magical 	Initial
Tidal Sphere 	[Long] Conjures a sphere of water. 	[Long] Conjures a sphere of water. 	[Long] Conjures a sphere of water. 	[Long] Conjures a sphere of water. 	[Long] Conjures a sphere of water. 	[Long] Conjures a sphere of water. 	[Long] Conjures a sphere of water.
Storm Tornado 	Midair 	 	 	Ranged High 	Wall Rush 	Physical 	Blade-A-Rang
Storm Tornado 	[Combo] Boomerang flies around like electricity shooting the opponent up in the air.	[Combo] Boomerang flies around like electricity shooting the opponent up in the air.	[Combo] Boomerang flies around like electricity shooting the opponent up in the air.	[Combo] Boomerang flies around like electricity shooting the opponent up in the air.	[Combo] Boomerang flies around like electricity shooting the opponent up in the air.	[Combo] Boomerang flies around like electricity shooting the opponent up in the air.	[Combo] Boomerang flies around like electricity shooting the opponent up in the air.
Spark Spin 	Midair 	 	 	Melee High 	Absorb 	Physical 	Electric Slide
Spark Spin 	[Combo] Rolls forward for a crushing five-kick attack. 	[Combo] Rolls forward for a crushing five-kick attack. 	[Combo] Rolls forward for a crushing five-kick attack. 	[Combo] Rolls forward for a crushing five-kick attack. 	[Combo] Rolls forward for a crushing five-kick attack. 	[Combo] Rolls forward for a crushing five-kick attack. 	[Combo] Rolls forward for a crushing five-kick attack.
===Assist Brave Attacks===
Move 	Type 	CP (Mastered) 	AP 	Priority 	Effect 	Damage type 	Obtained
Earth Flail	Ground 	40 (20) 	170 	Melee Mid 	Wall Rush 	Physical 	Level 38
Earth Flail	Liam slams his axe to the ground to create an earthquake, which then Zak takes advantage of by lifting a flail-like earth weapon to launch a series of lashing strikes.	Liam slams his axe to the ground to create an earthquake, which then Zak takes advantage of by lifting a flail-like earth weapon to launch a series of lashing strikes.	Liam slams his axe to the ground to create an earthquake, which then Zak takes advantage of by lifting a flail-like earth weapon to launch a series of lashing strikes.	Liam slams his axe to the ground to create an earthquake, which then Zak takes advantage of by lifting a flail-like earth weapon to launch a series of lashing strikes.	Liam slams his axe to the ground to create an earthquake, which then Zak takes advantage of by lifting a flail-like earth weapon to launch a series of lashing strikes.	Liam slams his axe to the ground to create an earthquake, which then Zak takes advantage of by lifting a flail-like earth weapon to launch a series of lashing strikes.	Liam slams his axe to the ground to create an earthquake, which then Zak takes advantage of by lifting a flail-like earth weapon to launch a series of lashing strikes.
Bomb Punch 	Aerial 	40 (20) 	170 	Melee Mid 	Chase 	Physical 	Level 38
Bomb Punch 	Liam launches the opponent away before Zak unleashes a barrage of rapid-fire punches. 	Liam launches the opponent away before Zak unleashes a barrage of rapid-fire punches. 	Liam launches the opponent away before Zak unleashes a barrage of rapid-fire punches. 	Liam launches the opponent away before Zak unleashes a barrage of rapid-fire punches. 	Liam launches the opponent away before Zak unleashes a barrage of rapid-fire punches. 	Liam launches the opponent away before Zak unleashes a barrage of rapid-fire punches. 	Liam launches the opponent away before Zak unleashes a barrage of rapid-fire punches.
===Assist HP Attacks===
Move 	Type 	CP (Mastered) 	AP 	Priority 	Effect 	Damage type 	Obtained
Tidal Salvo 	Ground 	60 (30) 	220 	Melee High 	Wall Rush 	Magical 	Level 38
Tidal Salvo 	Liam strikes his axe to the ground, allowing Zak to unleash a fissure of electric water from underneath an opponent.	Liam strikes his axe to the ground, allowing Zak to unleash a fissure of electric water from underneath an opponent.	Liam strikes his axe to the ground, allowing Zak to unleash a fissure of electric water from underneath an opponent.	Liam strikes his axe to the ground, allowing Zak to unleash a fissure of electric water from underneath an opponent.	Liam strikes his axe to the ground, allowing Zak to unleash a fissure of electric water from underneath an opponent.	Liam strikes his axe to the ground, allowing Zak to unleash a fissure of electric water from underneath an opponent.	Liam strikes his axe to the ground, allowing Zak to unleash a fissure of electric water from underneath an opponent.
Rain Down Hell	Aerial 	60 (30) 	220 	Ranged High 	N/A 	Physical 	Level 38
Rain Down Hell	Zak and Liam both fire a plasma cannon from above, creating a powerful blast. 	Zak and Liam both fire a plasma cannon from above, creating a powerful blast. 	Zak and Liam both fire a plasma cannon from above, creating a powerful blast. 	Zak and Liam both fire a plasma cannon from above, creating a powerful blast. 	Zak and Liam both fire a plasma cannon from above, creating a powerful blast. 	Zak and Liam both fire a plasma cannon from above, creating a powerful blast. 	Zak and Liam both fire a plasma cannon from above, creating a powerful blast.
==EX Mode==
Zak's Ex Mode is Water Dragoon. While in EX Mode, Zak gains the abilities Regen and Lancet in addition to the these abilities: Leviathan's Surge makes Zak able to dodge any incoming attack faster and Co-Piloting allows his Assist bar to always be full even when use. 
Zak's EX Burst is Electric Tsunami.
==Equipment==
Zak's Weapons: Swords, daggers, poles, thrown weapons, and guns.
Zak's Armor: Parrying arms, cloaks, bangles, rings, gauntlets, hats, bandanas, clothing, robes, and light armor.
===Exclusive Weapons===
Name 	Level	Description
Skycutter 	50 	Regen +30%.
Ice Claw 	92 	Regen +40%.
Triad's Pyramid	100 	Regen +50%. Major Gambler's Spirit Effect.
===Related Accessories===
Accessory 	Description/Effect 	Description/Effect	Acquired
Hydro-Electric Wrench	This trusty tool is what remains of your home. 	LUK+4 	Shop, Duel Colosseum Lunar Whale Course
Joker's Trump 	Gambling and an easygoing personality combine rather well.	LUK+4 	Battlegen from the Halcon Friend Card
Gambler's Desire 	N/A 	LUK+1 	Battlegen
Gambler's Dream 	N/A 	LUK+2 	Battlegen
Gambler's Hopes 	N/A 	LUK+3 	Battlegen
==Musical Themes==
*Main Theme: Tidal Trump
*World Map Theme: Where the Wings Take Them
*Normal Battle: Unstable Tide
===Boss Battle Themes===
*Vs. any female character:
*Vs. Coatl/Lance Knight/Ritic: Sea Serpents
*Vs. Hale: Frigid Water
==Poses==
Intro (Quick): Raises his bladarang above his head.
Intro (P1): Runs into the scenes, leaving trails of water behind as he draws his bladarang.
Intro (P2): Flies his bladarang around before catching it.
Victory: Flies his bladarang around before it hits him in the head and he starts rubbing it in pain, but gives himself a thumb-up.
Defeat: Falls onto his back with his legs up in the air, then sits up with his head down.
==Quotes==
===Attacks===
*"Drink up!"— when using Jet Stream
*"You first!"— when using Sidewinder
*"Don't drown now!"— when using Tidal Knuckle
*"Going down!"— when using Tidal Slide
*"Try and catch this!"— when using Blade-A-Rang
*"Out of my way!"— when using Liquid Steel
*"Coming through!"— when using Aqualung
*""— when using	
*"You can't stop me!"— when using Snake Crawl
*"No escape!"— when using Aqua Sphere
*"Catch this!"— when using Flying Pinwheel
*"Hit the showers!"— when using Tsunami
*"Up, up and away!"— when using Storm Tornado
*""— when using	
*"Let me lend a hand here."— when used as Assist
*"Hope this works!"— when using HP Attack during Chase Sequence
*"Okay, that's it!"— when using EX Revenge
*"Let's go, Levi!"— when entering EX Mode
*"You ready for this?"— when entering EX Burst
*"Hehe. What do you think of this?"— when performing a failed EX Burst
*"Time to turn the tide!... is that enough for you?"— when performing a perfect EX Burst
===Encounter===
*"Sure you want a beating?"
*"Anytime you're ready!"
*"Time to hit the showers!"
*"I've got it under control...." — If HP is low
*"Okay, I've got nothing to lose, right?" — If HP is low
*"Cut the heroics!" — If opponent is stronger
*"You ain't so tough!" — If opponent is stronger
*"Sure you wanna try your luck?" — If opponent is weaker
*"Let's take it easy, okay?" — If opponent is weaker
*"Cool off!" — Versus 8, Kayle, Lilith, Meagan, Nelo, Taarin, or Valerie
*"You got some nerve, buddy!" — Versus Alix, Bris, Coatl, Gin, Ike, James, Max, Ritic, Ryuu, Uiharu, Vik, or Zane
*"Don't get too excited now!" — Versus Chiharu, Clair, Kasumi, May, or Shanna
*"Time to take out an old man!" — Versus Bolverk, Francis, Lee or Maxwell
*"So, doin' anything after this?" — Versus female characters
*"Oh, it's on!" — When fighting an opponent in a tournament battle.
*"Ready for seconds!" — When fighting a second straight opponent in a tournament battle
*"I have to fight you!?" — When fighting an opponent in a round-robin party battle
*"Gotta see this through!" — When last to fight in a round-robin battle	
===Victory===
*"Better luck next time!"
*"The odds were in my favor."
*"I love it when the plan comes together!"
*"Sleep it off, baby." — If it's against a female character
*"Heh. I knew exactly what I was doing." — If HP is low
*"Uh! I thought I was done for!" — If HP is low
*"That's a big win for me!" — If opponent is stronger
*"Oh yeah! Who's da man!" — If opponent is stronger
*"What did you expect?" — If opponent is weaker
*"Piece of cake!" — If opponent is weaker
===Defeat===
*"You've only delayed the inevitable..."
*"Aw man! Why me!?"
*"Next time, you better steer clear of me!" — If it's against Alix, Ike, James, Max, Ritic, Zane
*"Beaten by a girl? Aw, come on!" — If it's against a female character
*"I was just too selfish..." — If opponent is stronger
*"Wanna play a hand with me sometime?" — If opponent is stronger
*"I don't BELIEVE this!" — If opponent is weaker
*"Eh, I know what went wrong." — If opponent is weaker
===Encounter Quotes (Regular)===
=== Boss Specific ===
*Ragnarok: 
*Genesis:	
*Eris: 
*The Embodiment:	
*Amaterasu:
===Encounter Quotes (DLC)===
===After Battle Victory Quotes===
* "You may be a nice guy but...you're kinda creeping me out rotting like that." ~ To Ryuu.
* "Dude, I may be breaking hearts but at least I don't see them as toys!" ~ To Coatl.
* "And for the record, I don't care what you think of me! In fact, I'm seeing to your sister getting herself a hot date!" ~ To Ike.
* "So, how about it if I use some water to cool you off? You know what I mean?" ~ To Meagan.
* "Instead of staring at your screen, you should be out and about looking for guys who'll treat you right." ~ To Mint. 
* "Hmm... You have Levi and I have Levi. Something's off here..." ~ To Ritic.
==Gallery==
File:Emblem-Zak.png|Zak's Emblem
==Trivia==
*Some of Zak's encounter quotes towards the women (often from either side) allude to his womanizing nature in his original fic.
*One of Zak's victory quotes is based on a famous quote often said by Hannibal in an 80's show, The A-Team.
*Zak's quote when fought by Taarin references the fact that they both use thrown weapons as their weapons of choice.
*Zak's quote when fought by Sam references many similarities between the two of them, including being modeled after Starbuck.
*One of Zak's Bravery Attacks, Aqualung, is named after a Jethro Tull song of the same name.
*Like Rain and Ike, Liam and Zak have special assist attacks that revolve around each other. This is because two of each playable OCs in Cloud of Judgment are created by the same author. In order to differentiate them, though, their attacks lean more towards more physical melee-based attacks. 
*Zak's intro quote when Iocus fights him compares his use of time magic to a famous song 'Time Warp' from the musical movie, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Category:Characters
Category:Clouds of Judgment characters