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Zodiark
Zodiark is a dark-based Esper who looks like an incredibly strange flying serpent. According to in-game lore, Zodiark is the most power of the Espers and so feared by the gods that he was confined to the form of a child. He also did not participate in the divine rebellion that saw the Espers cast down by the gods. Each Esper represents one of the 12 constellations of the Zodiac, but Zodiark is an exception -- he represents Ophiuchus or Serpentarius, a constellation that does not belong to the Zodiac and is only passed through by the Sun once per year. Zodiark previously appeared in "Final Fantasy Tactics" as Zodiac, the ultimate summon magic spell.
Zodiark's Abilities
Zodiark possesses a number of unique abilities and properties that make him a potent combatant. Zodiark naturally absorbs damage from dark magic, but possesses a weakness to holy magic. He also permanently has Protect, Shell, Haste, Faith and Libra buff spells on him. His spells can penetrate Reflect spells and his magic takes no time to charge. He also ignores all effects weather and terrain play in combat.
Zodiark's Stats
Zodiark is not the hardiest of combatants, with limited health compared to other Espers like Ultima. However, his magic attack is obscenely high, topping out at 99 by level 90. Combined with his power spells and abilities, Zodiark is a magical wrecking ball made to hit hard and fast. His vitality will never reach beyond 49 even at level 99, meaning that his health will always be limited to anywhere from 6,290 HP to 6,873 HP. His incredible magic power makes him a spell-casting glass cannon with a little more durability than the traditional "glass cannon" concept.
Zodiark's Spells
Zodiark's spell pool is small, but potent. Zodiark only knows four spells, only one of which is elemental. Flare, Scathe and his ultimate attack Final Eclipse are all non-elemental, while his Banish Ray is a dark elemental attack. Flare has a spell power rating of 163, while Scathe has a rating of 190. Banish Ray is a potent spell with a power rating of 240. Final Eclipse has no set rating, instead doing a set amount of damage. Final Eclipse ignores damage limits and doles out an astounding 50,000 damage to targeted enemies, regardless of magic defense or buffs. Final Eclipse is easily one of the most powerful spells in the game, but like many ultimate moves for Espers difficult to activate.
Zodiark's Gambits
Each character in "Final Fantasy XII" has a set of Gambits that determine their behavior when not being controlled by the computer. Espers are no different, although players can never directly control them. Zodiark is no different, with only five Gambits set to predetermine his attack behavior. When more than one foe is present, Zodiark will use Scathe on as many of them as possible. When foes that absorb dark elemental magic are present, Zodiark will use Flare on them. When any foe, particularly those weak against dark elemental magic are present, Zodiark will cast Banish Ray on them. His highest priority Gambit, Final Eclipse, will only activate and cast the spell if the summoner is petrified. Zodiark never takes action to heal himself or add additional buffs, so the summoner must act as a healer to keep Zodiark healthy in the face of enemy assault.
Getting Zodiark
Zodiark has several key requirements in order to obtain him, making him a difficult find. He also has the distinction of having one of the most difficult areas to pass through in order to reach him. To find Zodiark, complete all of the Giruvegan events and obtain at least 10 Espers, and also complete the hunt "The Mine Flayer." He's located deep within the Henne Mines, as part of the Special Charter Dig. Expect a lengthy trip through the Mines and an extremely difficult time. Many players have reported their parties wiping just on the way to Zodiark, let alone during the battle against him that will ultimately win you this Esper's loyalty.