BLM

[Lyhn]

Very noob question but I was just curious, Do you guys think there is anyway to put Scathe in a rotation that uses it effectively?

[Vmage]

I've been thinking of doing blm but I'm iffy on it now. Is max level blm simply a questionable 1 or 2 rotation order of spells?

short answer: no

BLMs run on a proc/priority system, not a set rotation

essentially you do have your simple rotation of spells, but that's only valid if you have no procs up, rotation goes out the window when you get thundercloud and firestarter - every other job (aside from bard) has the simple rotation thing you're talking about

sure elemental weaknesses are gone, but those only meant you were casting two slightly different spells than the previous encounter

there was nothing magical or deeply strategic about spamming Blizzard IV on half the enemies in the game

[FooBot]

So is there any reason to cast flare?
Is the Cast time just too long?

[Erfir]

I believe the consensus is to only use Flare with like a bunch of CDs up and a Swiftcast. But even then there's a lot of discussion that it's not worth using even then aside from very specific AoE situations only because of its potency and that it drains all of your mana.(I've only been reading, so take it with a grain of salt)

[Cherub]

Good day all

I apologize if this is known already. I know this was different in beta phase 3 though I'm not sure if it changed in Phase 4. Due to level cap I couldn't test this out.
I just came from the Gamescom today. I was playing a BLM vs Titan.

I've realized a little change in the thunder spells.
Due to level cap I couldn't test this out on thunder 3 but I am quite sure it's affected as well. I used my Thunder 2 and followed up with Thunder 1. After a while I've realized that if I cast Thunder 2 and hit with it, the normal symbol ONLY appeared. (Note: I had not casted thunder 1 at any moment before)
While in beta phase 3, casting T2 and hitting with it should get this up. Hitting with T1 afterwards should get up a different DoT symbol (T1 symbol). Each would have their own timer.
However in the gamescom it did not.
While hitting with T2, the T1 symbol came up with a duration of 21 seconds. Casting a Thunder 1 afterwards had "No Effect". Just "No effect". It didn't extend the time nor did it add some time or was a separate DoT.
I also tried to hit with T1 first and so I did. The duration was 18 seconds long. I've also tried to hit with Thunder 1 while the timer for the Thunder 2 was under 18 seconds. The outcome isn't surprising. The timer got refreshed to 18 seconds.

I didn't look for the potency however. Looking at it, it's clear that T2 is a lot more useful and that you can easily ditch T1. Same would go to T3. Get T3, ditch T2/T1.

Note
I DO NOT KNOW if this is certain and affects Thunder 3. I do not know if this was already known either since I had no opportunity to test this in phase 4. I also do not know if this was adjusted for the titan fight in the gamescom either. I also do not know if this is a BLM special which the THM doesn't have.

[Sandkat]

Flare seems to be a bit "off" compared to other spells.

Also, for Thunder debuff/dot.. they dont stack anymore. (I believe they stacked P3).

[Cherub]

Thank you for clarifying. They indeed stacked in P3. So yea there is no use to T2/T1 once you get T3.

[Ubertonic]

i use it when the mob is about to die as a finisher, or when i'm moving or have to interrupt my cast.

[Hempman]

Specializing as a black mage serves to further strengthen class characteristics and also increases MP. Black mages are able to invoke devastating spells of ancient magic and subdue multiple enemies with a single cast.
Requirements:
Level 30 thaumaturge and level 15 pugilist.
As a thaumaturge, talk to Yayake in the Arrzaneth Ossuary (Thaumaturges' Guild), located in the Ul'dah Merchant Strip (4,5). Complete the job quest “Hearing Voices,” and receive the Soul of the Black Mage. It's on the loadstone under class and jobs

[astrreign]

Specializing as a black mage serves to further strengthen class characteristics and also increases MP. Black mages are able to invoke devastating spells of ancient magic and subdue multiple enemies with a single cast.
Requirements:
Level 30 thaumaturge and level 15 pugilist.
As a thaumaturge, talk to Yayake in the Arrzaneth Ossuary (Thaumaturges' Guild), located in the Ul'dah Merchant Strip (4,5). Complete the job quest “Hearing Voices,” and receive the Soul of the Black Mage. It's on the loadstone under class and jobs

I think they still need to update that section since ACN is not even listed on there for summoner or scholar. Everyone is saying for blackmage is THM 30 and ACN 15