One of the more interesting things they have done with the lore for XIV is in how they treat magic. In previous FF's they really have not had other disciplines based on style, source, or theory. Classification was based on the effect or thing the magic manipulated. In XIV each casting class has a different theory or source for casting.
In brief rundown.Â
Thaumaturgy is sourced from the caster themselves, relying on the willpower, life force, and personal aether of the caster. Simply put, it is somewhat internal in focus.
Conjury manipulates elements outside the caster. The caster channels external aether of nature and the surrounding environment by being in harmony with it.
Arcanistry (similar to Conjury) manipulates elements outside of the caster, but in a more intellectual and science based manner than Conjury. Formulas, strategems, and mathmatics are used to manipulate and change the aether flow of the environment.
This is not to say the streams do not cross. To keep this non spoilery, they do. There are plenty of cases where quest text shows the streams crossing (even MNK text, which can really bake your noodle or make ya scream "awesome.")
It is up to each individual to do their own thing, but in essence we have a world where there are several different schools of magic and aethereal manipulation. There is really nothing that says a character cannot pull of the same effects as Conjury with Thaumaturgy, or even learn and use both methods. They are not mutually exclusive. It is all just a matter of study and dedication (and probably not telling the more zealotic of each methods practitioners that there bible is a lie). ICly, yeah Sage and Red Mage are totally possible. I would caution on using jobs not in the game yet though. New casters may be added that have completely different approaches to magic use, and that can get you stuck.
To sum it all up. There is no "Black Magic" or "White Magic" (save for the specific job ability spells for BLM and WHM) as we know it ICly. There is Conjury, Thaumaturgy, and Aranisty. Each able to pull off a series of effects more easily than their counter parts, but on occasion the streams do cross. It is up to each person to determine how their character approaches this. Do they use the same method to pull of a similar effect? Are they combining disciplines and methods? Are they tapping the raw aether of the planet with out the need for silly man made methods? Maybe somewhere in between?Â
It is a bunch to think about, and when you have figured all that out you get to add magitek to the soup. Wheeeee! ;p
In brief rundown.Â
Thaumaturgy is sourced from the caster themselves, relying on the willpower, life force, and personal aether of the caster. Simply put, it is somewhat internal in focus.
Conjury manipulates elements outside the caster. The caster channels external aether of nature and the surrounding environment by being in harmony with it.
Arcanistry (similar to Conjury) manipulates elements outside of the caster, but in a more intellectual and science based manner than Conjury. Formulas, strategems, and mathmatics are used to manipulate and change the aether flow of the environment.
This is not to say the streams do not cross. To keep this non spoilery, they do. There are plenty of cases where quest text shows the streams crossing (even MNK text, which can really bake your noodle or make ya scream "awesome.")
It is up to each individual to do their own thing, but in essence we have a world where there are several different schools of magic and aethereal manipulation. There is really nothing that says a character cannot pull of the same effects as Conjury with Thaumaturgy, or even learn and use both methods. They are not mutually exclusive. It is all just a matter of study and dedication (and probably not telling the more zealotic of each methods practitioners that there bible is a lie). ICly, yeah Sage and Red Mage are totally possible. I would caution on using jobs not in the game yet though. New casters may be added that have completely different approaches to magic use, and that can get you stuck.
To sum it all up. There is no "Black Magic" or "White Magic" (save for the specific job ability spells for BLM and WHM) as we know it ICly. There is Conjury, Thaumaturgy, and Aranisty. Each able to pull off a series of effects more easily than their counter parts, but on occasion the streams do cross. It is up to each person to determine how their character approaches this. Do they use the same method to pull of a similar effect? Are they combining disciplines and methods? Are they tapping the raw aether of the planet with out the need for silly man made methods? Maybe somewhere in between?Â
It is a bunch to think about, and when you have figured all that out you get to add magitek to the soup. Wheeeee! ;p