Part 66: Job Profile: Black Mage
Job Profile: Black Mage
In-Game Description posted:
Black Mages are casters who specialize in offensive magic. Despite their appearance, they can take a few hits, too.
Unlocked: Wind Crystal
Weapons: Staves, Rods, Bows
Shields: No
Armour: Robes
Magic: Level 1-7 Black
Stats (Level 50):
Str 29 Agi 34 Vit 34 Int 38 Mnd 26
Stats (Level 99):
Str 52 Agi 63 Vit 63 Int 71 Mnd 45
Black Mages specialise in offensive magic, with the bulk of its casting power coming from elemental spells, though there are some non-elemental and status spells in the list, as well. Status spells are pretty much deadweight on your characters, though, and anything above level 3 is severely limited by the Black Mage's MP pool, which puts a damper on the idea of using them to blast enemies with third-tier elemental spells. In fact, low MP limits the Black Mage for all levels of spells except the first - you might be able to cast enough level 1 spells to get through a dungeon, but I wouldn't bank on it. Black Mages can equip bows as a backup attack option, but their lackluster Strength and Agility mean that they won't get very much out of it, and that coupled with the fact that bows use ammo means that it's not a great strategy unless you're really desperate for more physical damage.
Stat-wise, the Black Mage is identical to the White Mage, except with the Intelligence and Mind stats swapped (not that this makes a huge difference early on). Since other mages can equip the elemental rods that give free castings of elemental spells (which, to be honest, are your best bet even here, because they don't cost one of the half-dozen MP you're likely have for level 3 spells) and the Intelligence differences are hardly going to make the spells useless, added to the fact that other mages can heal the party, even further reduces the Black Mage's utility. I know some people swear by these guys, but personally, I pass them up every time.