Lets think about the class system/Amoury system...

[Zantetsuken]

To clarify further, here is a breakdown of what changes would be nice:

(This is built with the assumption that jobs don't change)

THM - A crippling magic attacker

• gains: HP and DEF, access to better armor, larger MP pool, large enfeeb boost to spells.
• loses: INT, Magic attack
• class-exclusive Spell: Bio (DoT spell that reduces ATK) - stacks 3x

CNJ - Can go toe-to-toe with foes thanks to defensive spells.

• gains: boost to offensive spells, power, bonuses to buffs cast on self (only).
• loses: healing magic potency, Sanguine Rite (moves to WHM exclusive)
• class-exclusive Spell: Dia (DoT spell that reduces DEF) - stacks 3x

LNC - A relentless attacker that draws power from his foes.

• gains: HP, MP and VIT, enhanced life-surge (drains MP as well)
• loses: DPS, STR, TP generation bonuses
• class-exclusive WS: causes knock-back and stun (single target)

MRD - Counters enemy attacks and lands crushing blows.

• gains: larger MP pool, crit rate bonuses, parry boosts,
• loses: some VIT, HP, Defense
• class-exclusive WS: parry-triggered DEF breaking attack

GLD - A versatile master of blades.

• gains: HP, can dual-wield swords (loses accuracy, but gains DPS boost over shield).
• loses: VIT, Defense, some MP
• class-exclusive WS: Circle Blade (AOE attack - boosted when dual-wield)

ARC - Keeps foes at a distance and cuts them down with a hail of arrows.

• gains: faster TP generation, evasion boost, HP, MP, access to light armor
• loses: Access to all songs, small DPS
• class-exclusive WS: Causes gravity effect.

PGL - An evasive fighter who dodges and counterattacks

• gains: MP and HP, large evasion boost,
• loses: small amount of DPS, access to stances
• class-exclusive WS: Evasion triggered - Causes Blind

[razz]

To clarify further, here is a breakdown of what changes would be nice:

GLD - A versatile master of blades.

• gains: HP, can dual-wield swords (loses accuracy, but gains DPS boost over shield).
• loses: VIT, Defense, some MP
• class-exclusive WS: Circle Blade (AOE attack - boosted when dual-wield)

I really like most of your requested changes, but i'm totally unhappy about GLA. I think this would fit better:

GLD - A versatile master of blades.

• gains: DPS, ACC, can wield 2-handed-swords (loses accuracy, but gains DPS boost over shield).
• loses: VIT/Defense, blocking %
• class-exclusive WS: Circle Blade (AOE attack)
• changes to shield-based skills (shield bash -> bash with different effect when wearing 2h-sword or shield)

[Syrokko]

You guys developing ideas for a new game in here or something...?

[Sol_Aureus]

Wow... finally.... another "let's change Armoury-/Class-System"-Thread.
Yeah we all know how great FFXI was and how stupid FFXIV is bla bla bla... i can't hear it anymore^^

This is NOT FFXI, the Armoury- and Class-System is fine! Maybe some small changes to make classes and jobs more different from each other but nothing more. I think many of you forget that when level cap increase comes, let's say next step is lvl 60: every class gets 2 new skills and 3 new traits, every job 2 new skills. With 2 or 3 more classes (archanist, musketeer) there will be more ways to combine classes for jobs.

Classes are for solo-play and small groups. Jobs are for full-parties. They have a different purpose.

And pls be more creative and don't stick to FFXI that much. E.g. why does DRK need to have a scythe or branch of from gladiator? It doesn't make sense in FFXIV. It could come from a new class, it could be a job for lancer or marauder. Weapon could also be a spiked mace or a Morning Star.

The Class system is not fine is the problem. As it is now it really seems like keeping classes was kind of an afterthought. Jobs are very limited in that they only get a few job-specific abilities and that their identities really aren't that different from classes.

You say that Classes are for solo play and small groups and Jobs are for full parties, but let's be honest here: How many of the classes are ACTUALLY more useful than their jobs for solo or small group play? The only one I can come up with an argument for is THM. Every other job seems to outperform its class pretty easily, with the exception of surviveability for those jobs who do not have access to Cure and Second Wind but the additional abilities they get make up for that.

To each their own I guess, but as it was when 1.0 ended the Classes seemed really out of place. I'm of the opinion that they should either be heavily reformed from the current formula or abolished altogether, I think the game would be much better for it. Unfortunately talking about it now will have little to no effect since by now they'll already have the basis for their reforms (if there are any) in place, else they would not be doing Alpha.