Study: What do you consider every job's "Identity" in XIV?

[LilimoLimomo]

I think the idea of job identity is complex. There are things like aesthetic and themes, and ideally they would go hand-in-hand with gameplay mechanics. But often they don't, and that can be challenging. I'm going to approach this a more thematic perspective.

Paladin:

A wholesome defender, primarily focused on protecting those around them with defensive skills.

Warrior:

The best defense is a good offense; the combination of a Warrior's raw destructive power and their regenerative durability makes them a key target for foes, creating safety and openings for teammates.

Dark Knight:

Jaded due to the many corruptions of society, the Dark Knight has sacrificed comfort and connection for justice. In need of great power to go against society itself, they have tapped into dark, self-destructive magics to endure and aid those in need.

Gunbeaker:

Look I dunno there's not much thematic going on for Gunbreakers outside of Bozja. Have a cool coat and a sword that shoots explosions, do with it what you will.

White Mage:

A nature-based healer that values the balance and well-being of life.

Scholar:

A mage who uses faerie magic to heal and a deep knowledge of strategy to support their allies in battle.

Astrologian:

I admit that I kind of don't understand this one. The stars determine fate, but somehow that lets them be healers? Big fate/tarot theme, though.

Sage:

The doctor doing your Laser Eye Surgery taken to its logical extreme: healing through mobile technology lasers. I'm realizing that the classes introduced after Stormblood really didn't have much time to be developed thematically.

Black Mage:

These offensive casters are tapping into a forbidden art of destruction. The great power of their spells is emphasized by the great amount of time it takes to channel the energy required to cast them, during which they are immobile and vulnerable.

Summoner:

Casters who get their power from Primals they have defeated. They summon simulacra of these powerful beings to aid them in battle and empower them.

Red Mage:

A jack-of-all-trades that tries to marry two forbidden schools of magic by achieving balance with them, and while being a dashing swashbuckler. Whether you need healing or hurting, they have something to suit the occasion. In theory this should make them more versatile but less powerful, but it's a co-op game so they're just as strong.

Bard:

A support unit that inspires their allies during battle. They fight with a bow and poisons because in this game they absorbed Archer.

Dancer:

An elegant fighter that wades in and out of combat. Their dances seem to inspire their allies in a way that's similar to a Bard? So not so different in that regard, but instead of fancy hats they wear skimpy outfits and spin, so there's that. More close-range than a Bard as well.

Machinist:

A ranged support unit that takes a singular approach to support: they will support those on the front lines by shooting enemies with bullets. A tinkerer that loves gadgets and guns, and that's what they use to fight.

Dragoon:

These armored aerialists do two things: jump up, then fall to the ground while doing a stab. They are living bullets that defy the laws of physics, and these extreme and flashy attacks are their bread and butter. It's hard to tell whether the armor is functional or just for show.

Monk:

Monks will punch you. They know lots of ways to punch, and they know lots of different ways to combo each way to punch to suit their needs at any given time. They don't need much in the way of armor because of their martial arts training.

Ninja:

A versatile and stealthy fighter that backstabs for big damage (because it absorbed Rogue) and also casts a variety of complex ninja magics. They're a bit fragile, hence the magic and the stealth.

Samurai:

A calm and focused fighter whose fighting technique is entirely based around their katana.

Reaper:

A fighter so desperate for strength that they bind themselves to voidsent. Not entirely unlike Dark Knight, but more focused on destruction than protection.

Now, is this actually how all of these classes play, in ways that feel distinct and not samey? Not at all. Those are the holes that I hope CBU3 can someday fill.