question about job selection

[Mr. Onion]

I'm still waiting for the PS2 release, I'm going to be an elvaan mage, and I want to know if it's a better idea to start out as a white mage or black mage, and where should I start?

[Yuanlung]

Just in case you didn't know what you are getting yourself into...


Unlike the Elvish races we are familiar in other RPG's, the FFXI Elvaan is not a magical race. They have stats more fit as melee attackers.


Having the lowest INT of all races and the second lowest MP is almost crippling for a a black mage. The Elvaan really suffers in this job.


As for white mage, this has been a topic of debate for the longest time. The Elvaan has the highest mind, which is the stat that powers white magic, but with the cap on curative spells, its use it rathar limited. The survivebility comes into play sometimes, but MP is again a big issue.


Tarutaru is the race of choice for mage classes, while Hume and Mithra come in second with better survivebility and versatility. Elvaan and Galka fare a lot better in melee-oriented jobs.


Then again, this is not to say an Elvaan mage will absolutely suck in game. In fact, there are ways you can compensate a little for having less then ideal stats for the job of your choice. Some even do quite well with these more interesting builds.

[Mr. Onion]

Yeah, I understand about the MP and INT difficulties, but my question is: I know I will be an elvaan blm/whm or whm/blm, what job do you recommend I start with? (I will switch between either job and try to level them up more or less evenly) And which country would be most beneficial? Thanks again.

[Yuanlung]

Start with WHM would probably be easier. WHM has better physical stats then BLM, can use hammers and shields (blm can use shields too, but the selection is very limited, first one being feiry shield at lv 27), and can wear better armors.

You can just bash your way through the first 10 or so levels, then when the time comes to group with others, WHM is very much in short demand, so you will get into group a lot faster.

You get a stat boosting ring when you start from your races home country. Elvaan->San d'Oria, Hume&Galka->Bastok, Mithra&Tarutaru->Windurst. It might helps a bit in the lower level.

[Mr. Onion]

Thanks.