Quote Originally Posted by Shurrikhan View Post
That's a really good point, and one I'd neglected, for sure.

I can only offer further that the best job for any given expansion will depend on that expansion's settings and novelties. On that note, though, I'm a bit at a loss as to what settings or novelties would really fit a Dancer now that Stormblood -- which between both Kugane and Ala Mhigo had some of the most obviously suitable locales -- has passed without it, especially if that expansion is short on reforms and/or novelties. I'd assume it'd be on the edges of the Garlean empire, likely to give us the likes of a Chemist healer, Soldier DPS, and/or some manner of Magitek tank. A Garlean setting just doesn't shout "Dancer". Something more fringe, with more of a cultural study of places with long-held ties to the empire that has nonetheless held onto old roots, however, might well allow for a Dancer, a Blue Mage, or even some manner of Van Hellsing sword-and-gun class. Maybe? Depending? Who knows?

I hope they do take that ace card, and that they make the most of it. I just hope the community will be willing to deal with a healer that, even while holding the same value in being taken, does not necessarily hold the same toolkit parity -- broadly or specifically -- as the others, and openly and loudly encourages newer, more interesting design, rather than shutting it down before it can begin.

Granted, I could say the say the same of a Dancer tank, of course; there's just as much it can add uniquely to that role's spread of arsenals. Or, the way I imagine it, a DPS. Or a true hybrid. My largest interest is in the change to the design philosophy itself.

But I'll agree that the healer role is probably the most lucrative role in which to make improvement; it's held the most contention, even more than tanks, and the most open discontent. And Dancer is a great candidate for that.

My apologies; I neglected what is practical to an given addition at the time it's added... which I regrettedly only now remember is distinctly not right now, but in the following expansion, or even the one thereafter. My thanks.


On a related note, though:

How would you like Dancer to play?

Not in something as shallow as its role, but, the gameplay? What might be special about it? What kind of pacing? What would Dancer uniquely be mindful of?
Oh there is no need to apologize at all. I respect your views a great deal, and I'm only offering an additional perspective from which to see things. You offered an additional perspective as well, and I had not even considered the setting in which 5.0 would take place. I still have yet to get caught up in Stormblood (haven't actually started it yet), so I have no clue what direction the game is headed, especially in terms of area. It definitely makes sense that the theme match the job which FFXIV has done a pretty job with. But what about Thavnair? From what I know about it, it has a strong theme to it that is quite similar to our Middle Eastern culture as we know it. If this was the setting, I think it would be an absolute perfect stage for both DNC and BLU. I would imagine that like our current expansion, the next will have us leave the old area completely to explore another part of Hydaelyn, but perhaps it is not time yet.

When it comes to how I would like it play, I really can only mention how I envision it and have no idea if such concepts would even work. However, I like the idea of it being a healer/ranged DPS hybrid that focuses on combo execution both with weapon skills and various dances as its gimmick. Offense is primarily through weapon skills, but dances can be performed to enfeeble the enemy. Dances can be performed to also provide utility to the party. These are significant and require the execution of combos in order to make them available to use, however. I like the idea of dance combos and weapon skill combos to function individually. So for example, the DNC would start with a simple dance that provides a buff to the tank (could be a regen, mitigation, skill speed up etc), this then opens the next dance in the rotation, but does not break should the DNC use a weapon skill, and like wise should the DNC have a weapon skill sequence going but chooses to use a dance.

When it comes to how they heal, this is what requires some thought to not make it look like just another caster. ogcds are not an issue here, as all are already quite unique. As a healer though, they still need fundamental utility such as cure, cleanse, raise, etc. On average, a healer cast is about 2.5 seconds. I believe this is plenty of time to give them a dance animation (that differs depending on what is used - I won't say "cast") and then it fires it off.

As far as weapons, I've likened many possible arms such as fans, chakrams, weaponized ribbons, and even whips. Another thing I would like to see though is a performance ability similar to BRDs, but these are elegant dances instead. Obviously, we can't have DNC's performing complex and sophisticated 29-step waltzes in the middle of a fight, so performance will allow them to shine in the best way they know how to. I really love the idea of BRDs and DNCs getting together to do performances across the various areas in the game. It would be so neat!

I also foresee a lot of adjustments to get the job right if it is ever released to us, which it will be. Only a matter of when and what role. Whenever and whichever it is, I do hope that you enjoy it

Also, sorry for long post. I went on a but there, as I know how to.