Samurai & Red Mage cross skills

[Nektulos-Tuor]

If they make Red Mage, a light-armor/robe wearing, spell-based class into a Tank, without damaging the class identity (or making it a Fencer) I'll take my hat off for the devs.
Probably, Red Mage will be either a Healer (with Black Magic for attacking and White Magic for healing, using melee skills for MP management) or a support DPS (like they have always been for the past 13 titles).

Well, a Tank can heal/dps. However it makes sense.

Making them a take makes the most sense, because they are melee/they heal/and use spells. Which role does all 3? Tank.

[Fevelle]

Well, a Tank can heal/dps. However it makes sense.

Making them a take makes the most sense, because they are melee/they heal/and use spells. Which role does all 3? Tank.

They are not melee. A tank is a main-melee role, Red Mages CAN deal melee damage, but they're focused on spellcasting (and we all know from Clemecy that casting while tanking is a pain). Proof of that is their most iconic skill in the series, Dualcast. Also, a Red Mage wearing full-plate armor like the lv25 and lv35 sets is just wrong.

[Nektulos-Tuor]

They are not melee. A tank is a main-melee role, Red Mages CAN deal melee damage, but they're focused on spellcasting (and we all know from Clemecy that casting while tanking is a pain). Proof of that is their most iconic skill in the series, Dualcast. Also, a Red Mage wearing full-plate armor like the lv25 and lv35 sets is just wrong.

Yes, that is why that whilst they melee they mostly use their spells to acquire aggro.

They can use Black Magic to use aoes that pull threat.
They can use fencing melee for defense and attack (RAPIER was designed to do this.)
They can use White Magic for protection. Stoneskin, and Wind to repel attacks and heal.

In "this" game. A Healer or Black Mage in melee = death.

They would have to have some kind of damage reduction.

And if they were "support"ish like Bard and Gunner they would also be worse because they don't have the DPS of lancer but have to get up close and personal to deal maximum damage.

Your saying: "Well they can stand back and use spells"

Well, why not take a Summoner or Black Mage then?

WELL they are also a healer:
"Why not take a real healer then with cleric stance?"

[SendohJin]

(and we all know from Clemecy that casting while tanking is a pain). Proof of that is their most iconic skill in the series, Dualcast.

have you seen Flash or Unleash? casting is not a problem for tanks if they don't want it to be.

Also, a Red Mage wearing full-plate armor like the lv25 and lv35 sets is just wrong.

have you seen MNK's Syrcus Tower set? i don't think they care.