In Character Class/Job decisions

[Waffle Slayer]

Just curious if and how folks are deciding what class/job to go with for their characters as their IC class/job. With a game like FFXIV the option to branch out and level any class or job is always an option and I'm just wondering how people are going to handle that in relation to being in character.

 

Myself, I intend to pick one class and have that be my IC class for the character, leveling the others up while playing out of character, or if I can, having someone ICly train my character in a new role.

 

So, what will you folks be doing in regards to jobs/classes?

[Therese Villefort]

I'm most likely going to handle it like you, start out as arcanist which will be my IC class, including the development to scholar later on (character progression, yay!).

 

If i level other classes, im most likely doing that OOC, that said if i level other classes at all. Who knows, mabye there will be an IC situation which leads my character to pick up another class IC, in that case i would play that out.

[Teardrop]

For my Duskwight, Isobeau, I'm starting off with classes that fit within her background. I envision her as primarily a craftsman, so would have martial skills that are most likely things developed simply through living in the subterranean environment. It says in certain parts of the Duskwight lore they are good with hand to hand, so she is primarily a Pugilist. I would imagine sometimes when one lives underground one has to try and work something out of a hole in the rock face or hard-to-reach area (somewhere dark that you don't really want to reach a hand in ), so I gave her lancer skills as well.

 

Now that she spends more time on the surface, however, she may see that being able to reach out and touch someone at range is a nice ability to have, so may seek out training to figure out how to use one of them fancy bow thingies . The Free Company I'm a part of is an Academy setting, so IC training for martial skills would most likely be readily available

[Grott]

Eko is a primitive savage born on a lost world. The most intricate technology he had ever seen before joining society was a stone knife or spear. That being said, I'm starting him off IC with what he knows. He'll be a pugilist, because he's used to fighting with his fists, legs, and teeth in the wild. Eventually he'll be a lancer because of his familiarity with a spear. Then eventually he'll branch out to archer, marauder, and gladiator. All of these jobs will be IC for him. He'll never be a magic job IC though.

[FreelanceWizard]

L'yhta is a talented spellcaster who was trained in all three Disciplines of Magic, so I'm going to level each of them on her more or less equally -- though probably with a greater emphasis on Conjury and Arcanima to start. She'll not have any experience (or appreciable levels) in the Disciplines of War until someone teaches her how to fight ICly.

 

To a larger point, I don't think it's necessary to only have one IC class for a character. People in real life are often good at a number of things, and with PCs being "special" and heroic in a variety of ways, it makes sense that they'll have multiple areas of expertise as well. The important thing is to have a narrative reason why your character has such abilities and ensure that the breadth of expertise doesn't turn into a pretext for bad behavior (i.e., godmoding).

[Dravus]

I think it's important to note that whilst it's certainly possible to master pretty much everything available in the game where classes are concerned, that doesn't necessarily make for an interesting or compelling character. I'll likely just avoid interacting with any character who is presented as being a master of every single role available to them.

 

As for my own character, Theodric is going to stick to the melee combat styles as it just fits him like a glove. I may invest in other roles, but they'll be considered OOC to prevent stagnation.

[Dubs]

B'jaern will participate in all Gridanian marital and elemental disciplines. Any proficient Twin Adder recruit should at least dabble in order to find their niche. His primary discipline however will be archery as an initiate of the God's Quiver. Anything else he will have to RP IC to obtain tutelage. Probably the two most intriguing to him are the speed and precision of pugilists as well as the need to understand and control why he has an affinity for fire although other spheres within thaumaturgy are cut off.

[Xha'li Moui]

Xha'li already knows conjury ICly, even though I didn't get around to leveling it OOCly, he'll also be picking up Lancer because again thats what he originally trained with.

[Covikt]

Haru has a strange way of looking at things. He's looking around to find his 'purpose' in the world, so I would imagine everything being a bit IC for him. Currently he's focusing on the Magic based classes, 'studying' their styles and aspects as he occupies his free time with simple crafts. ^^

 

He's not exactly one for violence, but he's not stupid in how the world works. Understanding the need for such warriors, he keeps that in mind as he continues his journey.

[shotgunbadger]

For my characters the class they start on will be their IC job, but I'm not at all opposed to them changing IC jobs if I like something better. For example my miqo'te will be starting off as a Lancer because I dig how that sounds but if I'm farting around on Gladiator and wind up liking it a lot I have no problem playing out him shifting fighting styles and adapting to a new concept and all.

[Quuyn]

Starting Conjurer, moving up to White Mage. And never touching another class, that will -most- likely include all crafting classes. I'm usually not one for alts, or crafting, sooo White Mage ICly and OOCly, not leveling anything else!

[Aduu Avagnar]

Nako'li is talented in most/all areas of magi, he picks it up easily, so any magic class that comes along, he will be using.

 

However, as a tribal Miqo'te I have him as knowing ARC (at least a basic grasp) as he hunted with a bow, and PUG, given he would have play fought, gotten used to that style of fighting (2 older brothers and 5 older sisters will do that methinks).

 

other than that, IC'ly he won't be touching any Jobs, it doesn't fit him specialising like that, and he may dabble in some crafting (magitek most likely if/when it becomes available)

 

anyone that wants tutoring in any magic disciplines, he is looking for students

[FreelanceWizard]

I think it's important to note that whilst it's certainly possible to master pretty much everything available in the game where classes are concerned, that doesn't necessarily make for an interesting or compelling character. I'll likely just avoid interacting with any character who is presented as being a master of every single role available to them.

 

Yep, that's when it can edge into godmoding -- though it's worth noting that one of the most "godmode" characters in existence, Superman, can still be written in a compelling way. Further, Dr. Manhattan, who is the very definition of "godmode" in terms of powers, is one of comics' most interesting and flawed characters despite his ability to trivially address any problem should he choose to do so. My point is that a character can certainly be an expert across the board, but have other massive flaws or narrative elements that compensate for that raw power. That said, it can be quite difficult to pull that off, especially in an MMO.

 

I suppose my larger point is that I wouldn't recommend writing off a character that has considerable temporal power and expertise until you see more about what makes them tick. Yes, such characters do historically tend to the Mary Sue/authorial fantasy/godmode end of the spectrum, but they don't necessarily have to.

[Teardrop]

I think it's important to note that whilst it's certainly possible to master pretty much everything available in the game where classes are concerned, that doesn't necessarily make for an interesting or compelling character. I'll likely just avoid interacting with any character who is presented as being a master of every single role available to them.

 

Yep, that's when it can edge into godmoding -- though it's worth noting that one of the most "godmode" characters in existence, Superman, can still be written in a compelling way. Further, Dr. Manhattan, who is the very definition of "godmode" in terms of powers, is one of comics' most interesting and flawed characters despite his ability to trivially address any problem should he choose to do so. My point is that a character can certainly be an expert across the board, but have other massive flaws or narrative elements that compensate for that raw power. That said, it can be quite difficult to pull that off, especially in an MMO.

 

I suppose my larger point is that I wouldn't recommend writing off a character that has considerable temporal power and expertise until you see more about what makes them tick. Yes, such characters do historically tend to the Mary Sue/authorial fantasy/godmode end of the spectrum, but they don't necessarily have to.

 

I'm not sure it has to even be presented as some great "power" to be adept at multiple things. I agree with FreelanceWizard, that it would really depend on how the character was presented in RP. "Master of Everything"? that's one thing. Being able to play the piano and pilot an airplane and write good novels and have a degree in a martial art and have the ability to whip up a wicked duck confit, well, people can do more than one thing, and some times do drastically different things well. Not to the level that they would rise up to gods, mind you, but I can swallow a good concept as to why someone would be capable in more than a couple classes

[LandStander]

 

However, as a tribal Miqo'te I have him as knowing ARC (at least a basic grasp) as he hunted with a bow, and PUG, given he would have play fought, gotten used to that style of fighting (2 older brothers and 5 older sisters will do that methinks).

 

 

"You think being a Pugilist is a game, boy!? I'll show you!"

 

. I usually kind of stick to one thing for my character just because FF is the only game I have played that has allowed you to play all classes on one character.

 

This time around I will have my main starting off as a PGL who may later learn to master the art and become a MNK, but she is also a bit handy with a sword and can take a punch really well so she may end up becoming PLD in the long run instead. I am kind of leaving it as a IC type of thing. If she finds people and friends to protect she will likely become a PLD, but if she kind of remains the way she is, selfish and keeping no close friends, she will likely go MNK. 

 

I personally think it would be okay to know your way around the classes being handy with a few different weapons and maybe knowing some magic, but really only able to master one or two of those jobs. As I think actually mastering something definitely takes awhile and given as many jobs there are it your character would have to be pretty old or a savant to master even 50% of them in a life time, at least from my point of view. Plus juggling all those skills and keeping yourself adept in all of them would be pretty difficult. Just like math classes from college/high school, if you don't use it, you lose it.

[Grott]

one of the most "godmode" characters in existence, Superman,

 

I'd contest that. There are a handful of super heroes who can take Superman in a fight, and plenty of villains have brought him to his knees. Either way, you have a point about the potential for godmode characters to be interesting, but the examples you gave aren't comparable to the average joe. Superman being the last surviving Kryptonian and Dr. Manhattan being a quantum being. Superman being good at everything compared to a Midlander Hyur makes perfect sense, whereas one Midlander being good at everything compared to every other Midlander makes much less sense. In short, if someone RPs a Kryptonian, he's allowed to be better than the rest of us. If someone RPs a Midlander black mage and then tells me he's also better at using spears than my dragoon, I'm going to take issue with it.

 

I'm a bit guilty of god-moding myself with Eko. He's not either of the miqo'te clans and he grew up on a jungle island not on any of our maps. Because of this harsh environment, he's extremely strong and agile and his instincts and reflexes are nothing short of amazing. However, I try to counter that a little with a lack of ability with magic or technology, and having little grasp on what it means to be civilized.

[Rio van Rosch]

Rurufi's sort of painted herself using the stereotypical "super hero" brush; so she's primarily be using her fists to beat up the bad guys. She'll also dabble in just a little bit of everything else, but mainly she'll be focused on being a pugilist who can dispense justice with her bare hands!

 

(Which makes it pretty convenient that the character who's data I used to make her already was a 48 Pugilist.)

[Saefinn]

The way I've handled it is fairly simple. My character, Saefinn, sees 2 major flaws in his role as captain and 2 flaws he considers responsible for the death of his old crew. The two flaws are: he's never had a successful battle plan, he reads, he's literate and has a good head on his shoulders, but knew very little about to handle strategy on the battlefield. His other flaw is his ability to fight, he might win a bar brawl with a bit of cheating, but that's about it. He always had other people do the fighting.

 

After the death of his crew, he felt if he could achieve vengeance, he would need to overcome his flaws. For strategy, the Arcanist guild offered suitable training and he could later aspire to a role as a Scholar. A Lalafell pretty much gave him the pep talk and convinced him to take that path. For strength, well, he saw the strength of the Yellow Jackets when taking on mercenary work for the Adventurers' Guild and after having earned some respect amongst ranks in Limsa Lominsa, he ended up speaking to Commodore Reyner about some advice and he pointed him in the direction of the Marauder's Guild. Getting friendly with high ranking individuals is perhaps a bit risky, but it alleviates suspicion from his illegal activities at least and of course, by doing a little mercenary work for him, it gives him money and experience, which he needs to help him back on his feet.

 

Other choices? If Musketeer is introduced, as rumoured, I'll probably level it. A pirate needs a gun really.

 

With crafting, it was easier offering IC excuses, in fact 2 of my choices are based on Saefinn's life rather than the other way round. His dad used to take him fishing as a young lad and he'd end up with cook duties when he was a crew mate. The weaving is in there because I wear light armour, but I've given the excuse that it was a skill his mother taught him when he was young. Fishing was the only 'good' memories of his father and well, he was very attached to his mother, so it was natural he took an interest in her activities...especially when he was kept indoors for bad behaviour.

[FreelanceWizard]

I'd contest that. There are a handful of super heroes who can take Superman in a fight, and plenty of villains have brought him to his knees. Either way, you have a point about the potential for godmode characters to be interesting, but the examples you gave aren't comparable to the average joe. Superman being the last surviving Kryptonian and Dr. Manhattan being a quantum being. Superman being good at everything compared to a Midlander Hyur makes perfect sense, whereas one Midlander being good at everything compared to every other Midlander makes much less sense. In short, if someone RPs a Kryptonian, he's allowed to be better than the rest of us. If someone RPs a Midlander black mage and then tells me he's also better at using spears than my dragoon, I'm going to take issue with it.

 

I picked those examples specifically to be hyperbolic. (I've also been on a comics analogy thing today, it seems.) I think we agree on the point about having narrative support for your areas of expertise, we're just getting at it in different ways. I would say, though, that I'm not sure I agree with PCs in XIV being average joes -- but that's a matter for a different thread, I think.

[Zyrusticae]

I'd contest that. There are a handful of super heroes who can take Superman in a fight, and plenty of villains have brought him to his knees. Either way, you have a point about the potential for godmode characters to be interesting, but the examples you gave aren't comparable to the average joe. Superman being the last surviving Kryptonian and Dr. Manhattan being a quantum being. Superman being good at everything compared to a Midlander Hyur makes perfect sense, whereas one Midlander being good at everything compared to every other Midlander makes much less sense. In short, if someone RPs a Kryptonian, he's allowed to be better than the rest of us. If someone RPs a Midlander black mage and then tells me he's also better at using spears than my dragoon, I'm going to take issue with it.

But it's the comparison here that's bad, not necessarily the "master of all" aspect. Someone saying they're better than someone else is always going to create tension, regardless of whether or not it's justified.

 

One can have a character that's good at everything without it being godmoding, but of course saying that they're better than everyone else would be godmoding. In other words, godmoding is bad, in any context. That's as far as it goes, IMO.

 

Context is important too, of course. FFXIV actually does support "master of all" characters, provided that there is enough investment in the player (and thus, presumably, the character) to do so. What it does not support is one character simply outshining all others for one reason or another (unlike, say, Aion, where the generals have the ability to transform into superpowered raid bosses). There is an upper ceiling, and most characters will hit one at some point within their lives, assuming they don't meet an early demise first.

 

I personally enjoy writing about supremely overpowered characters and exploring how they interact with a world full of ordinary people, but that's something I do exclusively on my own time within my own established universe, and would be completely inappropriate in the context of an MMORPG where I'm expected to play nice with other players.

[Rinh Hallani]

Rinh is going to be my magic user and will eventually learn all of the magic classes. My roegadyn, Burning Ash, will be my war class character. I think I'll split the crafting classes between them too although I haven't decided who will get which yet. This will all be IC; otherwise I'd just level them all on Rinh OOC.

[Averis]

L'yhta is a talented spellcaster who was trained in all three Disciplines of Magic, so I'm going to level each of them on her more or less equally -- though probably with a greater emphasis on Conjury and Arcanima to start. She'll not have any experience (or appreciable levels) in the Disciplines of War until someone teaches her how to fight ICly.

 

To a larger point, I don't think it's necessary to only have one IC class for a character. People in real life are often good at a number of things, and with PCs being "special" and heroic in a variety of ways, it makes sense that they'll have multiple areas of expertise as well. The important thing is to have a narrative reason why your character has such abilities and ensure that the breadth of expertise doesn't turn into a pretext for bad behavior (i.e., godmoding).

 

Pretty much all this for my character as well. In the end I'll likely focus primarily on one job/class the most, but I think sticking with the idea that she is a "caster" or "magically inclined" is a reasonable way to have a couple IC skill sets. If I want to do DoW classes then I'll likely roll another character for that. To me there is a bit of a personality difference required for DoW or DoM.

[Jomoru]

My character arete sees herself as a Sage in training, while she might dabble in DOW classes DOm is her main stuff. I'll probably end up leveling DOW classes to see more stuff and well to get more options but I'll always rp her as not as good as a "natural" DOW member.

 

 

Also the superhero who'd be "Good at everything" isn't Superman. Its Batman. He's good at every damn skill he could possibly learn. He's the "50 in all classes" guy.

 

Superman's the player who decides he wants to Play Odin in a Tavern Rp.

[Darien Cadell]

Curiosity and adaptability are both very important qualities for Darien. Because of that, it'd almost be silly for him not to do all the jobs. That being said, just because he knows how to do something, doesn't mean he likes doing it. And there will be things that I as a player won't handle as well as others simply because I've focused more on other things.

 

Even if I cap out everything, IC, he'll have his preferences and his particularly focused skills. Everything else will be "well, yeah, of course I know how to do that, but it's just not me, you know." And anything that's "just not him" he won't be that awesome at because a) he doesn't care about it enough, b) he's put in the majority of his efforts elsewhere, and c) so have I.

 

He's going to be a physical type fighter first and foremost. I haven't decided on his favorite job yet, probably Lancer, but I've been sticking with Gladiator and Marauder. But as a closet intellectual, he'll still be very curious about magic and want to see the inner workings of such things.

[Y'hmir]

Several classes will be out of my reach simply because of how I intend for my character to be. As an example, he isn't bright/interested enough to become an Arcanist nor is he, ah, fashionably talanted enough to pick up weaving.

 

He is also horrible with whatever skill that requires an actual weapon but could get better if someone took the time to mentor him...if it happens, it'll happen IC.

 

I'll be starting my character out as a PUG -> Monk with a rather untamed/dangerous talent in magic simply to be able to go THM later.

 

I am one of those people who take great delight in trying everything and maxing as much as I can so picking out what I wanted IC early one was important for me.