Quote Originally Posted by Skies View Post
This might be just me misremembering what friends told me, given I did not play at that time but... Wasn't there a thing related to some elements being 'Umbra' type elements and other elements being 'Astral' type elements? (actually just a few minutes ago I was fighting an enemy that got me with the 'Scourge' status which made me weak against 'Umbra' elements)

From what I get, Thaumaturges had always been tied to the Umbra elements and Conjurers to the Astral elements. Which I believe is what the elements they use right now still are. Though yes, I admit that the Thaumaturge as it is is still pretty lacking in 'death' as an element, something that the story seems to hint it's a pretty strong point for them. (at least the Main Quest in Ul'Dah drives that on you pretty fast)

Also I do believe that Conjurers got that name because they are 'elemental summoners', as in, they can call forth and commune with the elementals.

Mind, all that is speculation of a pretty uninformed mind
Not quite. Arzannaeth is tied to the Umbral and Milvaneth is tied to the Astral. Thaumaturgy is tied to both and the two sects of its religion focus on the two aspects. Life and Death. Prosperity and Sacrifice. etc. etc.

Astral = Fire, Wind, Thunder - elements you cannot hold in your hands
Umbral = Ice, Earth, Water - elements you can hold in your hands

But since the ability overhauls they have pushed THM into the blackmage tradition of fire/ice/thunder - go figure.


On the conjurer side of things, yes, they conjure the spirits etc. But their contrast to thaumaturges of elemental magic vs. divine magic has been lost and, to a certain degree, sequested by thaumaturgy leaving enourmous gaps in the lore on both sides. Especially so in Thaumaturgy as the astral/umbral contrast of their sects has been lost.

This may be repaired if white mage become based in Milvaneth to create a destruction/restoration contrast, but this remains to be seen. Likewise, if black mage becomes based in the Twelveswood, it may be able to restore its elemental circle of relevance.