[sp4rk]

I understnad some of their spells deal physical dmg and that those spells also gain extra dmg from the Blue Mages str and other melee stats. But my question is are Blue mages similar to Drk where they still try to auto attack and use their spells inbewteen their auto attacks? Or are they like Black mages where they constantly use magic abilities and foreget about melee entirely. Im just a little confused on their whole reason for using swords or even subbing Nin for dual wield.

[Ameroth]

None of the above. BLU is similar to both BLM and DRK in certain aspects, but not closer to one or the other. BLU is a very versatile job that can take the role of simple DD, or backup (or even main) healer, or nuker. BLU spells have a much faster casting time than spells used by other mage jobs.

But yes, typically a BLU will have no problem standing up front attacking a mob with swords (A- sword skill) while dropping BLU spells. It's the combination of sword + sword, or sword + shield, plus BLU magic that makes BLU different.

[Murphie]

They are closer to DRK in that they are auto attacking whilst casting spells. Also, many of their spells have a relatively short range. So they have to be up close. They are absolutely melee casters, and a heck of a lot of fun because of it. If I wanted to play a job like BLM I'd play BLM, but that's just me.

[sp4rk]

Im just confused on the whole attacking aspect of the class. Will your autoattack still go off even if you "clip" it by casting a spell?

[Ameroth]

Yes. It's the same as if you were a RDM fighting a monster. You're character will auto-attack, you cast spells, it adjust delay accordingly. It's not really that confusing.

[sp4rk]

Oh ok gotcha! For a DD Blu, what subjob would you think would be good? I was thinking maybe Nin for the dualwield

[Murphie]

NIN is a popular option, absolutely. Still, you'll want to have a variety available so that you can keep your options open.

[Tokitung]

For subs, almost anything goes for Blu. For DD(depending on level) you have /Thf, /War, /Nin, /Drk (Souleatter+ Disseverment(sp?) is hot). For solo you have /Nin, /Dnc, /Rdm, /War (defender+cocoon is awesome). For healing, you have /Whm, /Rdm, /Dnc(melee w/ Aspir samba up, using MP+TP to heal is nice, then add in Diamondhide). If you are more for the actually backline caster spot using more magic spells, you can do /Blm, /Rdm, or /Sch.

[Susurrus]

Just fyi, BLU/THF using SATA Death Scissors/Cannonball after 100+ TP Chain Affinity is very impressive. Even cooler if you can pull it off after a WS that you can skillchain from.

[odjnlinus]

If you check out FFXIwiki (I think it was?) BLU is the only job that can accurately use any and all jobs as subjobs to one benefit or another.

[Phanex]

I usually go /thf or /nin. What determines that is simple...is the mob going to be alive longer than 30 seconds. If it's a tp burn, your not going to have alot of opertunity to sata the imp/bird cause there is rarely a tank involved. So I go /nin for those parties. But if we have a tank and the mob lives for more than 30 seconds, then I'll go /thf. But that's just me.

Also for campagin battles, i go /pld. Other curing options, some shield points, plus auto-refresh to save me some spell points. Mainly cause I don't have sea access yet. Again that's just me, and I like to bash mobs with my shield.

[AutonomousMarkings]

for campaign, /sch is my love. Sublimination and Aspir on top of native mp drains, autorefresh trait and gear allows you to spam the pain consistently. That, reraise, and the occasional light arts + magic fruit really keep you going hard.