Black Mages, your history!
This is the official black mages history written by Square Enix. It was sold in Japanese books long ago in 2005. Enioy.
The italic comments are not in the book, but are personal comments.
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These mages are experts at Black Magic, which constitutes numerous enfeebling techniques and attack spells. In order to focus the mind and spirit, they cannot equip heavy, defensive armor, and prefer to attack from long range.
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Wizard's Sabots
These shoes are made of wood and reinforced with leather. Two belts are fixed to the top as shin guards.
Wizard's Gloves
These gloves protect the hands and wrists. Embroidered with gold thread, and accented with a blue gemstone, these gloves are an artistic masterpiece with extreme value.
Wizard's Tonban
Leather protectors around the ankles of these trousers cause them to swell out like a balloon. They are further distinguished by the brown stripes that run up the legs.
Wizard's Coat
This coat is made of cloth and has long cuffs. While the buttons are made of gold, the rest of the outfit uses dark fabrics to make it difficult to be spotted by the enemy.
Wizard's Petasos
The top of this hat folds back and tapers off to a point, while the bottom is a wide brim made of leather. By obscuring the eyes from others, it allows the mage to focus on their spell casting.
Save the Great Star Tree!
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The Great Star Tree stands tall, watching over all of Windurst. Legends say there was a time when the TaruTaru race was on the verge of extinction. The gods then gifted the TaruTaru with a seed, which when raised, became a beacon of hope and source of magical power that flowed across the land. Below the Great Star Tree, in the basement of Heaven's Tower, there is a field of baby Star Trees, but it seems there is something hampering their development.
Now, three sagely representatives of Windurst are burdened with the task of discovering what is affecting the growth of these baby Star Trees. They are Professor Shantotto, Professor Koru-Moru, and Professor Yoran-Oran.
However, rumors of a lost-love during will soon have these diminutive doctors searching far and wide for an answer.
Will the answer lie in events from the war twenty years past? What will be the fate of the Great Star Tree?
(I am unable to find any records of the planting of the Great Star Tree, but apparently it had always been a fairly ordinary tree growing beside Heaven's Tower, since its construction began in 301 (it was completed in 328) Then, in the year 360, the tree suddenly shot up tremendously in growth, destroying parts of the tower. I do not see any particular cause for this event, either. In the year 361, the Star Sybil Debolulu named it The Great Star Tree, and ordered its preservation. Despite this, it has been harvested for parts in the construction of Cardians.)
Shantotto
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Professor Shantotto is a famous Black Mage of Windurst, whose name is known across all of Vana'diel.
A reporter for Magic Paradise Weekly writes, Her pride reaches higher than the volcanoes of Yuhtunga, her temper rockier than the peaks of the Gustaberg mountain range, as he describes her character (or perhaps lack of?) But despite the gossip surrounding her, she is said to be unparalleled as a Black Mage. Certainly, when you witness her unleash her fearsome sorcery, or watch as she exploits high-level transposition spells, you will know the true power of this doctor of destruction is unfathomable.
However, it is The Martial Mages Mortal Mashfest, a group of club and staff wielding mages forbidden to use magic, who are truly ferocious, often times being the catalyst for conflicts with other nations. They rival even the Knights of San d'Oria with their love of battle.
(The Martial Mages Mortal Mashfest is a group headed by Shantotto during her time at the Orastery. In order to temper her mages, she forbid the use of magic and forced them to do battle in close combat with the use of blunt weapons.)
On another note, Black Mages have recently come to acquire some skill with the Scythe, but accounts vary as to whether the Professor had anything to do with this.
(Scythe skill was added to Black Mages in the September 14th, 2004 Version Update. This book was released January 5th, 2005)
Abilities
Manafont
Manafont is a secret technique that allows a Black Mage to awaken the magical power sleeping within their body and cast magic spells without expending MP. While using this ability, magic you cast cannot be interrupted by an enemy attack.
Elemental Seal
By attaching a seal of black sorcery to their next spell, a Black Mage can increase its power.
Conserve MP
This is a phenomenon in which a Black Mage is able to cast a spell for less MP than its original cost. It is a fickle trait that cannot be controlled or used on demand.
Flare
A defining spell in a Black Mage's repertoire, it engulfs a single enemy in fire-based damage. The incantation is very long, and requires an enormous amount of magical power.
Weapons and Armor
Ice Staff
This staff is crafted from ebony wood and infused with the power of ice. Not only will frigid air gush from the tip to freeze one's enemies, but the staff itself will magically enhance anything that shares its elemental status.
Argent Dagger
Excavated from ancient ruins, this dagger is rumored to be made with a shiny silver alloy that resembles mythril. To help mages fulfill their role, those who wield this dagger receive the assistance of the elements.
(Argent Dagger drops in two different BCNMs, both located in the Chamber of Oracles. That explains the ancient ruins, and the Damascus Ingots could possibly be the alloy it is made from)
Zenith Mitts
These specially made gloves are knit together with Siren's Hair. In order for the woman pictured above to wear the gloves, she first had to break the curse placed upon them. Once they are fit upon your hands, the gloves are said to draw out one's latent magical power.
Igqira Tiara
An Igqira Tiara is named for the Oracles who live in the Southern lands where it was designed. It is a traditional hairpiece made of leather and bound with coral and gemstones by hand. It is believed that wearing one gives you the protection of the spirits.
Igqira is from the South African language, Xhosa, and means something similar to Diviner or Oracle. The literal translation of the book's Igqira is someone who can serve as a spirit medium.
Black Cloak
With a base of silk cloth, rainbow cloth and even raxa, this luxurious black cloak is stitched together with gold and silver threads. Those who wear this have their intellect illuminated and their spirits refreshed.
Pictures and translated information are from Final Fantasy XI Life in Vana’diel, published by Enterbrain
http://www.jpbutton.com/ administrator for the in-depth translation.
Original post on Killing Ifrit Forums by SenseiShotokan.
http://killingifrit.com/forums/topic...-your-history/