Lore-wise, what is the most powerful job?

[Lium]

When leveling up BLM, I learned that black mages were responsible for a Calamity, and the dark arts are obviously feared across Eorzea because of its sheer destructive power. Heck, the level 70 BLM job quest has you deflecting a meteor that could destroy the entire world.

But while leveling up SMN I had to actually fight Ascians. A bunch of 'em. These were obviously the low ranking ones, but they were Ascian nonetheless. I've dabbled around with DRK and have read up on the lore of the job, and it, too, seems quite powerful.

So, I'm just wondering what you think is the most powerful class/job in the lore? And I want to emphasize the lore, not how you think your job is broken and needs a buff.

[Edax]

The job quest of the Alchemist involved resurrecting the dead. Even the Ascians can't do that even through that's their goal.

[Exodus-E]

When leveling up BLM, I learned that black mages were responsible for a Calamity, and the dark arts are obviously feared across Eorzea because of its sheer destructive power. Heck, the level 70 BLM job quest has you deflecting a meteor that could destroy the entire world.

To be fair, remember that all Calamities are attributable to the Ascians.
Also it wasn't entirely the Mhachi's fault: it was also the Amdapori who heavily abused their magicks (both before and during their war).

But yes, I'd say that both, BLM and WHM would (potentially) be the "strongest" jobs.

Summoner is not as powerful, given it was created with a "niche" purpose in mind.
That said, the potential it can draw upon (like say, out of a really powerful Primal) could make it deal some heavy damage.

[Ilenya]

That said, the potential it can draw upon (like say, out of a really powerful Primal) could make it deal some heavy damage.

And now I sit back and wonder when Summoners can draw power from Hydaelyn...Who we have canonically run into in game, so...

[Brightamethyst]

Power in what context? Most destructive, or most useful?

If all you're measuring is who can cast the biggest and most destructive fireball then BLM wins hands down, but how many problems can really be solved with giant explosions? Conjury, arcanery, alchemy, ninjutsu, etc all seem a lot more generally useful.

[JeanneOrnitier]

I agree with Exodus that there's pretty scary potential in SMN, and I'm not just saying that because I've swapped mains to it. :P

But for stuff that's in their general toolset and not just hypotheticals, probably BLM.

[Nalien]

I'm going to go with Blue Mage, since in theory there is nothing they can't learn... Wait until 10.1 when I can take my Blue Mage into Eden and learn to throw people into Black Holes... into other galaxies so fast they they create a Black Hole...

[shinkin]

I guess it depends, in terms of pure destructive power i'd say the top 5 are

BLM->SMN->WHM->MNK->DRG(AZURE DRGs specifically)

BLM..use arts of unparalleled, pure destruction

SMN because of the pure potential they have, such as being able to summon bahamut
The only limitation that holds them back is their own bodies because they need lots and lots of aether

WHM..I forget the specifcs but like BLM they can tap into the power of the planet for their spells..i'm pretty sure one of them could use this to create an extinction level event, but I don't remember for sure

14 Chakra Monks are basically gokus, and even before then the level of devastation they can wreck is probably the greatest out of the melee classes (the scene where WoL+ 3 others fight, with their clash resulting in a massive quake+explosion)

Azure DRG is probably equal if not slighty below monks in capabilities/feats

I don't know anything about ASTs so I left them out but they probably are pretty OP too

[DPZ2]

Lore-wise, the most powerful job in-game is the one the Warrior of Light (your avatar) is currently running.

[Iscah]

And now I sit back and wonder when Summoners can draw power from Hydaelyn...Who we have canonically run into in game, so...

I like to think my Carbuncle is secretly actually Hydaelyn-egi....

But yeah, canonically Summoner can call on the power of Bahamut and now also Phoenix. It's always seemed really plot-central and powerful to me at a concept level.