Editing Final Fantasy (section)

==Classes== 
''Final Fantasy''(I) started you with four faceless adventurers that could each be one of six classes. Most subsequent games would use defined characters, but often with abilities similar to the classes defined in the first and third games. Many spinoffs and the MMO games used classes as well. These classes have become rather iconic to the series, and even have signature looks and abilities that are shared between games. 

One thing some games (especially III, V, the Tactics games, and the MMOs) had was what is called the '''Job System''': a single character may have many classes, and can switch from one or the other between battles, or sometimes even use the abilities of an alternate class on top of the one they’re currently using. Some of the most common examples include:

'''[[Fighter]]''' is usually one of the first classes a character can use at the start of the game. Nothing much to it but high physical stats, so it hits hard and takes hard hits. Usually used as a stepping stone to more specialized martial classes like [[Knight]], Warrior, or the like. Sometimes takes features from [[Barbarian|Berserker]] in MMOs when it's called "Warrior".

[[File:Warrior_Artwork_XIV.png|200px]]

'''Black Mage''' is the basic [[Sorcerer]] (with the aesthetic of the [[Wizard]]) who casts the spells that make the peoples fall down. They are specced almost entirely to inflict damage, with a few rebuffs for flavor. One of the more iconic looks for the series, the classic Black Mage wears a dark blue robe with a yellow cone-shaped hat with a wide brim. Typically, only a pair of yellow eyes can be seen of their faces beneath the hat. 

[[File:Vivi_Ornitier_from_Final_Fantasy_IX_render.png|200px]]

The '''White Mage''' conversely is the [[Cleric]]. Thus they heal damage, add protection, and smite with holy energy when needed. They are typically seen as wearing white hooded robes trimmed with red triangles. There is a very good chance that a "generic" White Mage(and many characters for that matter) will be female. This is notable in that because of this, most JRPGs will put a female character in the role of healer. 

[[File:FF-Priest.jpg|200px]]

'''Red Mages''' can cast both Black and White magic (though not as much as the dedicated mages), and can fight decently once their MP runs out. Taking that in mind, as well as the general flamboyance of the stereotypical Red Mage outfit, and it’s clear that this was initially Final Fantasy’s version of the [[Bard]]. Many games have given them the ability to ''Doublecast'' or ''Dualcast'', which allows them to cast a spell twice in one turn. As the series progressed, this is often the class that gets messed around with for the purposes of granting it an identity. FFV introduced Dualcast, FFXI attempted to play up a [[duskblade|Gish with]] [[Magus|spell-infused weapon attacks]] but [[Hexblade|failed and created something more enfeebling instead,]] FF Dimensions gave it a very Magus-like Magic Blade ability, FFXIV decided to somewhat abandon the "jack of all trades" aspect in favor of creating a strange hybrid melee-caster that can cast from afar to build up mana and then unleash it with weapon strikes, while the Final Fantasy-adjacent series Bravely Default plays up the Red Mage's potential for "action economy fuckery" by granting bonus Brave (Action) Points.

[[File:XIV_Red_Mage_01.png|200px]]

By that token, '''Bards''' lose access to magic (most of the time) due to Red Mage's existence and instead focus on songs and performance, becoming a support-based powerhouse who can kill enemies with songs, empower their allies and whatever the developers decide to stick onto them. [[Memes|Infamous for being spoony]].

[[File:Edward_Amano_art.jpg|200px]]

Whether called '''Mystic Knights''', '''Spellblades''', '''Spellfencers''', or '''Rune Fencers''', this is a class built on having [[Duskblade|consistent spell damage every time they attack with a weapon]]. [[Munchkin|Often a key ingredient in breaking games.]]

[[File:FFLII_Mystic_Knight_Alt2_Artwork.png|200px]]

'''Thieves'''(some prefer to be called "Treasure Hunters") are literally just [[Rogue|Rogues]]. At first they only allowed the ability to run away without fail, but later gained their iconic Steal and Mug abilities that they became known for. Far more focused on sneaking rather than actually sneak attacking, though MMO entries attempt to rectify this. Often(but not always), the Thief is used as a stepping stone to... 

[[File:Miqo'te Rogue.webp|200px]]

'''Ninjas''' are [[Ninja|Ninjas]]. They're sometimes known for having Black Magic(or similar attack arts of their own), but other times, they're where most of the sneak attack goes. They often gain the ability to throw things for massive damage, usually shuriken or all those old swords cluttering up your inventory. They're also the class usually keeping the Dual Wield ability hostage.

[[File:Ninja Artwork XIV.webp|200px]]

'''[[Monk|Monks]]''' still do their unarmed(well, punching) attacks but are more often than not extremely powerful for what they can do. Sometimes they have unique combo mechanics and anime-style ki-abilities. To make up for a lack of armor, Monks often get a crapton of health. The Monk shown here, Sabin from Final Fantasy VI, is legendary for [[What|suplexing]] [[Awesome|a whole-ass train.]]

[[File:Sabin IV.jpg|200px]]

'''[[Paladin|Paladins]]''' are as you expect them. White Magic-empowered knights that can heal allies and smite foes. However, they have an extremely defensive focus, being able to take hits for allies.

[[File:Cecil FF4DS CG Art.png|200px]]

'''Dark Knights''' are the closest thing to [[Blackguard]] that FF gets, but they're not quite close. Rather than being divine gishes, they tend to be HP-shaving masochists that use their own health as fuel for their combat prowess. Very glass cannony as a result, but a good White Mage in the party can keep their HP topped up and the attacks flowing.

[[File:CecildsNB.png|200px]]

'''[[Alchemist|Chemists]]''' are potion makers. Capable of creating either standard items or stranger concoctions, they pretty much are an alternative means of healing versus White Mages.

[[File:FFT_Chemist.jpg|200px]]

'''Beastmasters''' are [[Druid|Druids]] without the ability to cast spells, but they still get to have their "one with nature" shtick by commanding monsters in battle.

[[File:FFXI-Beastmaster.jpg|200px]]

'''Berserkers''' are [[Barbarian|unstoppably angry humanoid bulldozers who can't be calmed down by anything]]. Unlike the Barbarian, Berserkers usually can't turn their rage off, but thankfully won't usually attack their allies.

[[File:MFF Berseker.png|200px]]

'''Geomancers''' are weird semi-casters that have the ability to use different spell-like abilities based on their surroundings. Sometimes they get spells that they can use all the time, but it's not that common.

[[File:Refia-Geomancer.png|200px]]

'''Time Mages''' are the Wizard to the Black Mage's Sorcerer, as they break the world around them. Gaining access to strange enfeebling and enhancing spells often related to time and space(such as Haste or Slow), Time Mages are either entirely useless for relying almost entirely on status effects or overpowered for having some of the best buffs.

[[File:FFT Time mage.jpg|200px]]

'''Blue Mages''' can cast some of the spell-like abilities used by monsters and other enemies. This can range from unique spells and physical attacks, to launching missiles and spitting fish at your opponent. The problem is that to learn an ability, they usually have to experience it first-hand(i.e. have the enemy ''use'' it on them) first, although there was that one weird woman who could ''consume'' the enemy and learn it that way(never seemed to gain an ounce, though). The only thing consistent about the Blue Mage is that they get enemy abilities, really.

[[File:FFXIV Blue Mage 01.png|200px]]

'''Dragoons''', also known as '''Dragon Knights''' or '''Lancers''' are a specialized fighting class typically equipped with a spear/lance and armor that makes them look like a dragon. Their signature ability is to jump ''really'' high and come down right on top of your head, spear-point first. Other abilities are less consistent across games, but include breath attacks, stealing Health from the enemy, or having a small wyvern fight by their side. 

[[File:Kain DS CG Render.png|200px]]

'''Summoners''' call on the power of God-like beings to fight in battle. In practice, they're usually Black Mages who drop much bigger numbers of damage after a short(or not) cutscene. The beings they summon have become recurring icons in and of themselves(and have helped reinforce the idea of [[Bahamut]] being a Dragon). This is also very likely to be a class that will be fucked around with, as summons and their mechanics often change from game to game.

[[File:FFT Summoner.jpg|200px]]

'''Dancers''' are a combination of Bard and a lightly armored offensive class (sometimes Thief, sometimes Monk, sometimes a wholly original discipline) that still support, but while looking fly as hell with their dances. When Bard and Dancer are together in a game, Bard often buffs allies while Dancer debuffs enemies.

[[File:Dancer FFXI Art 1.jpg|200px]]

Of course there's '''[[Rangers]]''', but they work a little differently than their DnD/Pathfinder counterparts. They're almost entirely focused on using their ranged weapon with occasional nature-based help. Sometimes, there isn't a de-facto "ranger" and instead, the game features an archer or gunner.

[[File:FFXI-Mithra-Ranger.jpg|200px]]

'''[[Samurai]]''' are the other iconic weeb job who, while other classes fight in their battles, they train with the sword. Their actual class identity varies as they sometimes throw money at their foes, sometimes do weird iaijutsu attacks or having a counter mechanic (as the Swordmaster in Bravely Default).

[[File:Ff6cyanart.jpg|200px]]

'''Mimics''' aren't Monsters disguised like a treasure chest, but something of a joke job/character. They have only one ability: Do whatever the person who just moved did. Fighter swings his sword? Mimic swings a sword. White Mage casts Cure? Mimic casts Cure. Summoner calls [[Bahamut]]? Mimic calls [[Bahamut]]. This allows you to move twice for each character while effectively sacrificing a party slot. Depending on the game and system, this can be powerful, or difficult to properly use. Usually both. 

'''Gunbreakers''' wield FF's most iconic piece of gadgetry, gunblades.  The typical gunblade in Final Fantasy is a sword which uses gun-like cartridges to add force to their swings or charge the blade with power, although more traditional "guns with swords on them" gunblades also exist. This class is essentially turning a single character(FF VIII's Squall Leonheart) into an entire class.