Simple Solution to BLU

[Darkstride]

I think the easiest way to impliment BLU would be to first start with a base class that can mimic foes' abilities but does not need the RNG mechanic of possibly learning an ability by witnessing it.

For example, something like 'Savage' as a base class, which learns abilities by killing monsters and consuming or absorbing their power to evolve. Once a Savage has killed a certain number of the necessary enemy (like a Hunting Log), they learn to mimic it.

Another idea would be Tactician or Magus, which would be more mage-like and able to study the behaviors of monsters in order to utilize their abilities.

The class would depend on how they want to "theme" Blue Mage as a job as to whether it would be more beastly or more "mage".

Blue Mage as a job would then be the base class learning to harness and control the most powerful and primal of beast abilities withouy becoming a monster themselves. They could also possibly be able to augment of amplify exisiting class abilities.

As for the abilities themselves, the base Class could unlock blank ability slots at the same increments as other classes. Learned abilities could then be attuned to these slots, but would have a level range to limit them. For example, if Bomb Toss is a level 20 ability, it cannot be slotted in a level 2 slot, only in a 20+ slot.

Blue Mage would also have to possibly juggle both MP and TP based on the types of abilities they are using.

Overall, it would be a DPS class but with flexibility in melee/ranged and physical/magical damage output.

[LineageRazor]

Simple Solution to BLU

Apparently, your definition for the word "Simple" is a whole lot different than mine...

[NyneAlexander]

Man... I made this EXACT same suggestion like 3 weeks ago and got crucified for it.

[Asheilin]

its an interesting idea, though I think I rather some of the other thoughts on BLU then this one. BLU should be one soul, DPS with a couple healing/defensive abilities it can set.
I think they should have a "whatever the class is called" special hunt log, that lists ALL learnable abilities (and the level they're usable as well as the earliest you can learn it [ie can only be 3 levels below the level to learn it, can learn it any level higher but if you're closer to the creature's level you'll have a better chance to learn it])

Level 1 [weapon ability] and {trait} can learn abilities from your foes
level 3 [ability slot 1] (level 6 and below abilities)
level 6 [ability slot 2] (level 9 and below abilities)
Level 8 {trait} stat +
Level 10 [Ability slot 3] (level 13 and below)
level 14 [ability slot 4] (level 17 and below)
level 15 (quest) [weapon ability]
level 17 {trait} (can set abilities 1 additional level higher)
level 20 [ability 5] (level 24 and below)
Level 23 {trait}
level 25 [ability 6] (level 29 and below)
level 28 {trait} stat+
Level 30 (class Q) [weapon skill]
level 30 (Job Q) [Ability Buff] the next ability is guaranteed to crit 300s CD
level 32 {trait}
level 34 [Ability 7] (level 38 and below)
Level 35 (job) [Special Ability slot 1] (kinda the higher abilities that we dont want linked to class)
level 37 {trait} can set abilities 4 levels higher
Level 40 (job) [some CD ability]
Level 42 [Ability 8] (level 50 and below)
level 45 (job) [special ability slot 2]
level 47 {trait} stat+
level 50 (job) [Azure Lore] (not sure, but that has to be the name ;p)

[Mimilu]

When I was designing my idea for Blue Mage, I had originally thought about having three separate jobs but then you would have to have a lot of abilities with different effects to cover all necessary things each role needs, which could lead to a lot of unused abilities or some OP combinations, like a Tank with high level healing abilities, a Healer with great DPS, etc.

[Dilu_Bakari]

As I said in a previous post if it can be done in FFXI and that game is 12 years old then I'm quite sure it can easily be done in FFXIV and go the same route.... put limits on what the job can do. If you set certain amount of spells you can gain job traits. I'm pretty sure they won't have him out curing SCH and WHM or putting out more DPS with a single spell. I'm really pushing to see this job come to FFXIV

[DefendPopPunk]

Instead of soul crystals, why not just have various stances like defiance or cleric's stance (but for blue mage). Maybe just make it so it's not something you can change on the fly. If they're gonna go that route with BLU, that is.

Another idea is to just make a decision on what role BLU is ultimately going to fulfill and tailor monster abilities accordingly. For example, white wind is generally a healing spell, but if it seems too OP to give a dps an AOE heal then perhaps change it to a buff (such as healing speed/potency increased for a short time). That's just off the top of my head but I'm sure someone could come up with a better change for it.

[Aussir]

[Dilu_Bakari]

Girl Get out yo feelings and let people voice their opinion

[Amused]

By the way, I would think that the 'class' for Blue Mage would be Mime, or Mimic. They could use a whip I guess?