Is there Lore behind the Armoury system?

[JMadFour]

So...I really really like the Armoury system. Probably spoiled by the ability to easily try all the classes without having to reroll or make alts.

Since I cant post to the Lore forum yet I will ask here.

Is there some sort of basic lore that explains how a meatheaded tank can just grab a staff and instantly be able to throw fireballs everywhere? Or a geeky bookworm mage can just grab an Axe and turn into a rugged warrior?

Or is it just Handwavium, "cause MMO"?

I am a lore junkie and I love it when game mechanics have lore justifications.

[Orophin]

I don't have an official link to point towards or anything, but there's this blurb from the 1.0 website linked on Gamerescape:

http://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/wiki/Armoury

Simply put, Adventurers in the realm of Eorzea are versatile enough to take on many of the tasks that everyday people do (gathering, crafting) as well as having the capability of learning the various martial arts found in Eorzea. (Disciples of War/Magic) At least it's not so far fetched in ARR that Adventurers can do all of these different things as you have a guide along the way (usually the Guildmaster) during the various class and job quests. In 1.0 the class quests were more or less designed as mini scenarios and really taught you nothing about your trade.

[faris]

Furthermore, advanced classes require a Soul Gem in order to switch to, crystalised memories of previous members of that class. To become say, a summoner, without one is absolutely impossible.

In XIV lore, it is stated that Eorzeans do have a magical capacity (something Garleans lack) and I'd assume, as Orophin stated, that switching to a conjurer is plausible should the character have adequate training from guilds - as well as the capacity to do it themselves.

[Urthdigger]

It's the same way you can go from nailing two pieces of wood together with a hammer, to slicing up fish with a knife. You'll also note that when your meatheaded tank "picks up a staff", he's initially level 1. It's not like he picks it up and all the information springs into his head. It's more that a staff is the proper tool for slinging fireballs, and he learned how to do so the same way he learned how to swing an axe: By practice with it.

[Niwashi]

Is there some sort of basic lore that explains how a meatheaded tank can just grab a staff and instantly be able to throw fireballs everywhere? Or a geeky bookworm mage can just grab an Axe and turn into a rugged warrior?

Well, it's not like he can instantly become skilled at a new class. It's pretty much like learning a new skill in real life. If your character wants to learn a new skill of a different type than he's learned before, he has to start by getting some instruction and practicing the basics. That's essentially what a level 1 character is, someone who's just starting to learn the most basic use of a new weapon or tool. And it's why you have to start each class at level 1.

[BlueMage]

Gladiators are all about swordplay, so you can only access their abilities when using a sword. Ditto with everything else, including crafting (you need a pick to mine, etc). As far as magic, its because you channel your magic through the weapon. Conjurors use wooden staves (they draw their magic from nature), for example, in comparison to Thaumaturges and their bone/metal staves. Arcanists read and channel magic from their books. Your class level is essentially how skilled you are at that tool/weapon. I heard (not sure if its true) in Japan, the class names are literally called like "Sword User" and "Lance User" instead of Gladiator (like Gladius) and Lancer.

[StarMarmot]

Every class has a storyline where you begin as a greenhorn, go through various trials and get stronger as it progresses. I'd say the classes themselves are presented more to resemble real life professions. I.e. you're not the chosen one or some prodigal child that was foretold to be a mage as you might be presented in other MMOs. You're just a guy with a strong will that is eager to learn. Think it makes perfect sense within the game.

[BlueMage]

you're not the chosen one or some prodigal child that was foretold to be a mage as you might be presented in other MMOs

Uhhhhh... Ummmm...

[VisRalis]

Ahhh.... I see. Point made ^

& Legacy start puts things into more sense.

LEGACY =.=