FFXI14 Discussion Thread ( Title Changed)

Quote :

"The advancement of a nation may be gauged by its ability to craft weapons, but its future depends on its ability to craft wars."

- from Leading the Van, by master tactician Owyne Cosserand

Again each class seems to focus mostly on one type of weapon. This Discipline seeks to "master arms".

LANCER



Description

Quote :

- So Close, Yet So Far -

Lancers are a highly trained breed of physical combatant who wield as their primary weapon any variety of two-handed polearms. Through skillful manipulation of the pronounced length of these hafted weapons, lancers are often able to outrange their opponents, showering them with a maelstrom of lethal pokes and thrusts from positions of relative safety. They are also adept at a wide array of other offensive maneuvers by virtue of their facility with myriad other polearms designed for slashing or bludgeoning.

Due to the influence of the highly esteemed lancer sentries of Ala Mhigo, the long pike once saw widespread usage throughout Eorzea. Subsequently, a dramatic proliferation of weaponry and advances in metallurgy led to the variegated forms which can be found today.

Traditionally, lancers are also known for carrying throwing javelins for combat at greater distances, which they hurl with deadly accuracy.

Interestingly it seems most disciplines of melee will have a specialized ranged attack. In the lancers case they will be able to throw javelins. Also it seems lancers will have access to several weapons not just lances.

Weaponry

Polearms

No details yet accept besides lances there will be bludgeoning and slashing types. All will be two-handed.

Ranged

Javelin

A throwing weapon. A type of spear.

PUGILIST



Description

Quote :

-Fisticuffs of Fury-

Pugilists are renowned for being rugged combatants tempered by ceaseless training and rigorous self-discipline. Though formidable even when bare-fisted, through the use of hand-to-hand weaponry their destructive capabilities are compounded with the strength of metal, leather, and bone. They strive to close the distance between their opponents and themselves, as they outmatch nearly any adversary in close-quarters combat. Some have become so adept at this maneuvering that they are able to negate the reach advantages of even the longest blade or spear.

Many are also known to be proficient with throwing implements such as the chakram. Hurling them with massive force, the pugilist then deftly negotiates the distance to his for to deal his devastating strikes.

Weaponry

Again both a selection of weaponry and a ranged skill are noted.

Bare Fisted

All indications are that the pugilist will be able to fight without a weapon. Perhaps this will have its own skill set.

Hand-to-Hand

Baghnakhs

Quote :

-Tiger Style-

A case of nature modeling at its finest, the design of the baghnakhs mimics the lethal claws of Eorzea’s large predatory cats. Originally hailing from the eastern realms, they have long been regarded as a weapon of assassins, and are often concealed. The claws of some baghnakhs house highly toxic poisons which are applied as the blades shred and puncture flesh.

Cesti

Quote :

-To the Point-

Cesti are comprised of reinforced metal rings bound tightly together with tough leather, the frontal facades of which are studded with menacing spiked protuberances. They began to see widespread use after becoming the weapon of choice in Eorzea’s wildly popular death bouts, spectator events pitting pugilists against beast and fiends of the land.

Himantes

Quote :

-To Bludgeon and Protect-

Himantes are widely known for their role as a regulation weapon in the officially sanctioned pugilist bouts of Ul'dah. The striking surface is thick leather, slow-soaked in tallow for increased durability.

Hora

Quote :

-Bone Breaks Bone-

The traditional hora is a form of weapon carved from any of a variety of bone, horn, or shell. Though more apt to grow brittle than their leather or metal counterparts, these materials are said to be imbued with the instincts and ferocity of the beasts which bore them.

Metal Knuckles

Quote :

-Hard as Steel-

Simple and elegant, the metal knuckle derives its strength from the solidity of Eorzea’s most enduring materials. The body is a ring forged of pure metal, the heavy weight of which allows wielders to deliver blows with bone-crunching force.

Ranged

Chakram

A throwing weapon.


GLADIATOR

Quote :

-The Best Defense-
Gladiators are expert swordsmen, known for their battle prowess with blades of all designs: short and long, single- and double-edged, straight and curved. They favor combat at close range, where they masterfully execute a deadly array of hacks and slashes. The skill and pride of a gladiator instill such a confidence that they are said to never shun a fight.

For ages, gladiatorial techniques have evolved and proliferated to a staggering degree, adapting to fit any combat style. Dauntless gladiators will often ready sturdy shields in their off-hands, eager to defend comrades-in-arms. Others opt to forego such encumbrance, focusing all effort instead on their sword arm and pure offense. In addition, gladiators are also known to be formidable with throwing knives, and are master battle tacticians.

Again an indication of flexibilt as to weapon style and a ranged skill using throwing knives.


ARCHER

Quote :

- Notch, Draw, Loose -


Archers, being a sub class of the Disciples of War Discipline, are the uncontested masters of the bow and arrow in all its forms. Devoting themselves entirely to this age-old technology, they are most respected, and most feared, for their virtuosity in such battle tactics as sharpshooting and high-angle fire.

Archers excel as adeptly seeking out the most suitable ground for releasing their barrages, and are experts at deftly determining which type of arrows will best fell their quarry. Military-trained Elezen are generally considered to be the most skilled among archers, but tales of Miqo'te hunters and their prowess with the shortbow have also become commonplace across the realm.

When quivers run empty, as they are wont to do, archers are also known to be formidable adversaries at range with nothing more than a simple rock.

It sounds as if this is a 100% ranged Discipline.


MARAUDER





Description

Quote :

Marauders excel in powerful close-range combat with a type of two-handed axe called a Bhuj. They are a sub class of the Disciples of War Discipline.

Weapons

Bhuj

Quote :

The Bhuj is a two-handed axe with a curved striking edge set above the long handle. Equipping one allows access to the abilities of the Marauder.

(In Progress)

Disciplines of Magic

Quote :

"Erudite researchers of all things esoteric."

According to Eorzapedia all followers of this discipline are know collectively as sorcerors and are the magic users of this world.

Thaumaturge

Quote :

Thaumaturges are the magicians of Eorzea, using magical staffs they combine the natural and unnatural into one magical being. The thaumaturge Discipline is a sub-class of the Disciples of Magic.

Historical Background: A thaumaturge is a practitioner of thaumaturgy, which is the capability of working magic and/or miracles, usually in a religious context.

Interestingly here they have chosen a word that instead of being synomous with mage or wizard has a different context miracle-worker. This was a work ancient Islamic and Christian sources used to explain miracle working religious miracles. This seems to indicate they might be holy-like figures and connected to the religion of Eorzea.


(In Progress)

Disciples of the Land

Quote :

"Gatherers of material resources and students of the natural order."

Quote :

Disciples of the Land, also known as gatherers, use gathering tools such as hatchets and pick axes to harvest natural materials such as wood or ore.

It seems that suppliers of crafters will be a class unto their own.





Fisherman

Quote :

Fisherman are a sub class of the Disciples of the Land, a fisherman simply equips a fishing rod to go fishing!

In the example given by Square Enix all a player must do is pull out a fishing rod to become a fisherman.

(In Progress)

Disciples of the Hand

Quote :

"An empty hand is akin to an empty heart -- ever does it long for a companion."
- former Tanners' Guild guildmaster, Saiverin Vaireloque

Philosophers and historians alike have long debated which wins more wars, the pen or the sword. Yet, where would both warrior and politician be were it not for the tireless efforts of the crafters who provided the gilded helms and polished blades to fight those battles, and the bottles of ink and reams of parchment to pen those treaties?

If one thing is for certain, it is that the backbone of Eorzea's infrastructure is tempered in no place other than the forges of the realm's many guilds.

Alchemist

Quote :

- Essences, Base and Divine -

Masters of Science and Nature, the devilish and the divine, alchemists ensure their livelihood through the transmogrification of mundane materials into wondrous waters -- from curative concoctions to potent potables.

Upon conducting their symphonies of commixing and combining, distilling and decocting, the impossible waxes possible, and miracles are born.

The Eorzean school only recently came to be recognized in scientific circles as a valid branch of alchemical orthodoxy. It is based on fundamental principles originating in the Near East tradition, but draws heavily upon esoteric elements of both Lalafellin herbalism and Miqo'te occultism as well.

Alchemists are Disciples of the Hand and wield an Alembic, which is a alchemical distillation apparatus.

The Alchemist is said to "create" and "deconstruct" "the basics of nature".


Blacksmith

Quote :

- Metallurgical Artistry -

Oft covered from head to toe in soot and sweat, blacksmiths forge their living from red-hot steel, ever coaxing the unyielding metal into submission with their tireless poundings.

Whether it be smelting an ingot in the fires of a city forge, or hammering the dents from an adventurer's breastplate at a remote aetheryte camp deep in the wilderness, their work knows no boundaries -- making smithing one of Eorzea's most widespread professions.

The roots of smithing can be traced back to Hydaelyn's bronze era. It was during this period that a system of prenticeship was established, ensuring the methods of this art would be passed along to future generations. And while these basic techniques have survived the ages, countless different branches of smithing, including gunsmithing, have emerged in recent years, further broadening the scope of this ancient trade.

Blacksmiths are Disciples of the Hand and wield Cross-pein Hammers.

Weapons will need to be repaired so this will make this a very sought out class.

Quote :

A Blacksmith forges and repairs weapons and armor.
One of the blacksmith's key skills is the repair of deteriorated weapons and armor. The success of a repair depends largely on his or her skill, yet according to game director Nobuaki Kawamoto, there is no possibility that a blacksmith can break an item while repairing it.

Culinarian

Quote :

- Pleasing the Palate -

Whetting appetites from dawn until dusk with prowess of pot and pan, culinarians provide more than simple sustenance.

Armed with a cornucopia of ingredients from across the realm, and versed in methods from the far corners of Hydaelyn, these master chefs help adventurers maintain their strength on the battlefield, bringing truth to the age-old adage that the road to victory truly does run through one's stomach.

Although an established trade far before recorded history, it wasn't until half a century ago when Limsa Lominsan admiral and self-proclaimed gourmand, Guolskyf Bhaldwaensyn, known by the masses as "Mastcleaver," put forth a thalassocratic decree proclaiming the culinary arts a guildworthy craft.

Henceforth, it has been recognized across Eorzea as a legitimate member of the Tradescraft Society -- its recipe compendiums now grace the shelves of every librarium in the realm.

Culinarians are Disciples of the Hand and are armed with skillets.

Tanner

Quote :

- Furs, Hides, and Pelts -

Contrary to popular belief, a tanner's skills are not limited to the mere boiling and dying of pelts and skins, but also encompass those of an armourer and clothier, for a true leatherworker would never entrust his hides to the hands of another.

Perhaps a tanner's most arduous and time-consuming task is procuring the various coats and furs necessary for his trade, which is the reason why many who choose this profession tend to dabble in hunting and trapping as well.

The Elezen have long been known for their skill in leathercrafting, yet for centuries their techniques were heavily guarded. However, when dwindling numbers of guildmasters were threatened with the disappearance of their immense wealth of compiled knowledge, Elezen leatherworkers set aside pride and reluctantly began revealing those techniques to a select few.

As a result, the quality of Eorzean-made leather improved significantly, creating an increased demand for products using the superior-quality material.

Tanners are Disciples of the Hand and wield Headknives, short leather-cutting knives with semicircle blades.

Weaver

Quote :

- Setter of Trends -

From fiber to thread, thread to cloth, cloth to dress, the path of a tailor literally weaves its way from basic beginnings to extravagant ends. And while this alone can prove a long and arduous journey, a weaver's work spans more than just the spinning of strings and the sewing of seams.

Those who wish to excel as clothcrafters must also stay attuned to the latest fashion trends, ensuring their custom are never scoffed by their peers for looking anything less than posh.

Just as the Spinner, Nymeia, spins the fates of all Eorzeans, the warp and weft of a weaver's work, too, have been known to alter the course of destinies both large and small. Perhaps this is why so many of the realm's tailors pay homage to the fickle goddess.

Weavers are Disciples of the Hand and are armed with Needles.

(In Progress)

12/23/09

I'll update the posts on jobs as more info comes out and continue to post anything that teaches us more about Eorzea and the game.

I didn't post the races since I'm pretty sure most of us know all that's out there on them.