Quote Originally Posted by Connor View Post
I mean, personally I think what ffxiv has done with White Mage has created what’s essentially a ‘ffxiv specific WHM’ that’s not the same thing as ‘traditional ff White Mage’.

A FFXIV WHM is a dps-heavy healer that utilised elemental and light magic to attack enemies and turns healing into dps.

A traditional ff WHM is much more oriented around support, with various buffs, debuffs, status effects and generally very few offensive abilities except from outside sources (i.e subbing Black Magic or Summoning).

Personally, I’d much rather they leaned towards the ‘traditional white mage’ concept than a ‘new ffxiv style WHM’. But then, that’s very clearly not what they’ve done lol.

Basically in terms of FFXIV WHM all the suggestions for changes and dps spells make sense for how the game works. But as someone who’s always playing mainline FF games I just look at WHm and think ‘nooo that’s not right White Mages can’t use that spell that’s not how they’re supposed to beeeee!’ *Soyjack face* lol.
I respect your opinion, as it is hard to define what is true ‘traditional white mage’ is.. it is very subjective and I know that.

For what I believe WHM is a Mage who uses elements to do their job same as black mage which also use element but in a different way.

let's look at what BLM element characteristics:
Blizzard: Restore own MP
Fire: Big damage and consume MP.
Thunder: Dot or could be fire amplifier.

What I imagined WHM element characteristics:
Stone: Mitigation.
Water: Regen.
Aero: Shield.

since WHM already has heals water element could fit more into regen aspect.
this is my perspective on elements in the game.. it give characteristics to mage job

and regarding to debuff and buff.. how could this be unique with 2 other jobs have debuff and buff? it is a challenge to me as I see WHM as you ask can be perfect if it is in another FF game or it will be redundant of what we currently have.