Idea for an optional role: Support

[Kaiserdrache]

What FF14 needs, to ensure, that the support/prevention roles can get integrated more into the current system, is to add to the classes a kind of Specialization System, with that classes will receive the new ability to SWITCH THEIR ROLES.

Every Class Role of the Holy Trinity (DD, Tank, Healer) should exist for each Class as an individual Specialization, which should get under certain circumstances unlocked, either by reaching a specific level in case of the Thaumaturge, or doing something special like a quest for example.

Example: Pugilist

DD Specialization Job = Monk
Healer Specialization Job = Ascetic Weapon changes from Fists to Polestaff (Melee Healer)
Tank Specialization Job = Champion Weapon changes from Fists to Claws/Gauntlets

Example: Thaumaturge
DD Specialization Job = Blackmage
Healer Specialization Job = Redmage WM/BM Hybrid, Weapon changes to Rapier, Class now fused to BLM, Spec gets unlocked with Level 50 where normally RDM's start if you own SB
Tank Specialization = Chronomancer/Timemage, Weapon Changes to Greatshield, new unlocked when implemented

Example Gladiator
Tank Specialization Job = Gunbreaker, unlocked with level 70, weapon changes to Gunblade
DD Specialization Job = Legionnaire weapon changes to Dual Swords or Blade Staff/changeable in combat
Healer Specialization Job = Paladin skills get reworked to become more of healing nature

Example Arcanist
DD Specialization Job = Summoner
Healer Specialization Job = Astrologist, weapon changes to Cards (Scholar gets merged into it and WHM partwise), unlocks with level 30
Tank Specialization Job = Mystic, weapon changes to Mace & Shield

Example Archer
DD Specialization Job = Hunter (skill reworked Bard), gets Animal Pets similar like Summoner's Summons, but as permanent part of them at their side
Healer Specialization Job = Bard with new reworked skills for this, Bards are supporters, no frontline fighters, therefore exist Hunters
Tank Specialization Job = Machinist, weapon changes to Guns, skills get completely reworked for their defensive nature now, strogner focus on Gyros that assist them in tanking, unlocks with level 30

Example Rogue
DD Specialization Job = Ninja
Healer Specialization Job = Gambler, weapon changes to Throwing Knives, uses Dice Skills
Tank Specialization Job = Samurai, weapon changes to Katana, gets skills reworked to work now for its defensive nature, cause Samurai are no offensive warrior,s they are defensive warriors, they existed to protect their folk and their emperor/landlords to whom they loyally served, unlocks with level 50 if you own SB

Example Conjurer
Healer Specialization Job = Whitemage
DD Specialization Job = Necromancer, weapon changes to Voodo Puppet (FFX Lulu Style Combat)
Tank Specialization Job = Druid, weapon changes to elemental Whips, they use the Power of Nature to protect, Wind, Water and especially Earth in their most defensive form in one person

Example Marauder
DD Specialization Job = Warrior, skills get rewored to become more of offensive nature now
Tank Specialization Job = Dark Knight, weapon changes to Greatsword, unlocks with Level 30
Healer Specialization = Cleric, weapon changes to Scythe, Combat Medic

Example Lancer
DD Specialization Job = Dragoon
Tank Specialization Job = Guardian, weapon changes to Longsword & Buckler
Healer Specialization Job = Crusader, a class which makes usage of the mount (Companion only) in combat, weapon changes in this special case not as a kind of more tanking healer hybrid with an supprtive add (Companion Chocobo he can ride on to use Mounted Combat Skills).

This concept would not only just allow to root all the base class less jobs currently to an existing Base Class perfectly, it would make also let look the Arcanist situation better, with just the book jobs being just the DD spec together and the old healing spec Scholar just gettign removed and merged skillwise into other class specs like Whitemage and would make in the end all classes more versatile, if all base classes could switch with various specializations into one of the three roles, to give this way each class with each role specialization a different gameplay experience as well too.

New Base Class Dancer (Chain Sickle)
DD Specialization Job = Dervish, weapon becomes War Fans
Tank Specialization Job = Minstrel, adds Song Skills to the now defensive dances, weapon chances to Tonfas
Healer Specialization Job = Harlequin, weapon changes to Magic Gloves, they are pantomimic tricksters and use healing illusions and magic tricks in their performances, that are less about dances, and more about mimicry now, able to copy skills from others in their own unique way

[Dmhlucky]

So basically saying every job turns into Arcanist?
No thanks. I like the idea of being able to set a few abilities that grant support/dps/tanking ability for solo play. But i don't want all jobs branching into 3.

The item clog alone, as is with the current jobs and armory chest space issues, making all jobs branch this way wold be obscene to manage.

I know they worked it out with Arcanist/Scholar and Summoner, but after Blue Mage, it was one of the worst job ideas out there.

You'll also then get everyone queuing as the "easiest" job to play instead of what they are leveling. I know personally, if i am queuing for DF, i'll Always opt to go Sch over Summoner, just for the wait time alone. We don't need that with every job.