Black Mage (Stranger of Paradise)

The Black Mage is an Advanced Job in Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin, available after unlocking the corresponding node in the Mage Job Tree. In addition, it is available to Sophia after clearing the "Memories of the Wind" main mission. Leveling this job is required unlock the Dark Knight and Sage expert jobs.
Black Mage is the extension of the Mage job that specializes in destroying enemies with its wider array of spells and exploiting enemies' elemental weaknesses. This job gains new spells, such as the Flare and Meteor. Due to the nature of Black Magic, this job is the best in terms of long-range caster jobs, second only to the Sage as it has greater spell variety, Intellect to rebuild MP when in melee range, and even increases the duration of Lightbringer along with shortening the casting time in Lightbringer.
==Abilities==
===Job Action===
Ability	MP Cost	Description 	Movie
 	100-200	[Stat Bonus: Intellect]Attack with a chosen black magic spell. Unlocks the spell, Flare.Spells consist of Fire, Blizzard, Thunder, Water, Quake, Aero, and Flare.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot.	
The Black Mage's job action is Black Magic, granting the player a wide array of black magic spells to cast from. Upon holding down , each spell can be charged by two tiers, doubling and/or tripling attack potency. This serves as a further extension of the Mage's casting gauge with even more enemy weaknesses to exploit and clear break gauges with. The job action spells consists of Fire, Blizzard, Thunder, Water, Quake, Aero, and Flare.
==== Black Magic Spells====
Spell	MP required	Description 	Image
 	100 	Launches an explosive fireball. Can be charged to Fira and Firaga for more hits and status accumulation. 	
 	100 	Conjures a pillar of ice from the ground. Can be charged to Blizzara and Blizzaga for a larger AoE and status accumulation. 	
 	100 	Reigns down a powerful bolt of lightning. Can be charged to Thundara and Thundaga for a larger AoE and status accumulation. 	
 	100 	Throws foes upward with a powerful spout of water. Can be charged to Watera and Waterga for a larger AoE and status accumulation. 	
 	100 	Ruptures and destroys surrounding terrain. Can be charged to Quakera and Quaga for a larger AoE and status accumulation. 	
 	100 	Summons whirlwinds that suck in foes and batter them repeatedly. Can be charged to Aerora and Aeroga for a longer sustained whirlwind and status accumulation.	
 	100(Max MP)	Creates and explosion of light and heat that deals non-elemental damage to an enemy. Requires a full charge of the casting gauge to cast. 	
Upon obtaining the job's mastery ability, the Black Mage learns the signature spell, Meteor.
Spell	MP required	Description 	Image
 	200(Max MP)	Manipulates space and calls down a barrage of meteors for heavy non-elemental damage. Requires a full charge of the casting gauge to cast.	
=== Command Ability===
Ability	Type 	Job Points	MP Cost	Required Ability to Unlock 	Description 	Movie
 	Command	3 	— 	Lightbringer Duration +5.8%	Increases the damage dealt by the next ability. Enemies broken or brought to 0 HP by this attack will be finished with a soul burst.	
The Black Mage obtains the Seal of Blood support ability, which doubles the potency of the subsequent ability triggered and causes any enemy broken or killed by the ability to be finished with a Soul Burst. This ability is good for jobs that specialize in DPS such as the Breaker or Swordsman as well as the jobs that need the MP restoration that comes with the Soul Burst such as the Void Knight and Liberator.
===Combo Abilities===
Ability	Type 	Job Points	MP Cost	Required Ability to Unlock 	Description 	Movie
 	Mace Combo	3 	100 	Black Mage Affinity +10% 	[Attack Type: Strike][Element: Fire][Stat Bonus: Intellect]Damage enemies with a fire-imbued strike attack..[Link 1 Ability]Can be set to >. 	
 	Mace Combo	3 	100 	Lightbringer Duration +5.8%	[Attack Type: Strike][Element: Ice][Stat Bonus: Intellect]Unleash a series of ice-imbued strike attacks that knock enemies back.[Link 2 Ability]Can be set to >>. 	
 	Mace Combo	9 	100 	Black Mage Affinity +25% 	[Attack Type: Strike][Element: Lightning][Stat Bonus: Intellect]Unleash a series of lightning-imbued strike attacks that knock enemies back.[Link 2 Ability]Can be set to >>>.	
===Combo Effects===
Ability 	Type 	Job Points	MP Cost	Required Ability to Unlock 	Description
Elemental Expert	Combo Ability Effects	5 	— 	Seal of Blood 	[Weapon Type: Mace][2nd Link]Enhances abilities set to >>Refills break gauge based on magic damage dealt.
Solid Strike 	Combo Ability Effects	7 	— 	Non-Elemental Break Damage +5.6%	[Weapon Type: Mace][3rd Link]Enhances abilities set to >>>Increases magic damage dealt.
The Black Mage employs the use of maces, shields, guns, and staves for melee combat. This helps the job deal more magic damage and gain an ample amount of MP. The combo ability effects for both maces and staves focus on increased magic damage and break gauge recovery via magic damage. 
===Job Passives===
Ability 	Job Points	MP Cost 	Required Ability to Unlock	Description
Black Mage Affinity +10% 	1 	— 	Black Magic 	Increases black mage job affinity.
Lightbringer Duration +13.4% 	3 	— 	Black Mage Affinity +10% 	Increases duration of lightbringer.
Black Mage Affinity +15% 	4 	— 	Fiery Impact 	Increases black mage job affinity.
Non-Elemental Break Damage +6.0%	6 	— 	Black Mage Affinity +15% 	Increases non-elemental break damage dealt.
Non-Elemental Break Damage +5.6%	5 	— 	Fiery Impact 	Increases non-elemental break damage dealt.
 	9 	200(Max MP)	Solid Strike 	Unlocks the Black magic spell, Meteor.
Magic Damage +3.4% 	9 	— 	Solid Strike 	Increases magic damage dealt.
Lightbringer Duration +5.8% 	1 	— 	Black Magic 	Increases duration of lightbringer.
Black Mage Affinity +25% 	7 	— 	Elemental Expert 	Increases black mage job affinity.
Magic Damage +3.4% 	9 	— 	Black Mage Affinity +25% 	Increases magic damage dealt.
===Job Tree===
These abilities can be bought by using Job Points which are accumulated by earning EXP and leveling up the Job:
Ability 	Type 	Job Points	MP Cost	Required Ability to Unlock 	Description
New Job: Sage 	Job Unlock 	0 	— 	Magic Damage +3.4% 	Partial unlock for the Sage Job. Also requires a similar ability in the White Mage Job Tree.
New Job: Dark Knight	Job Unlock 	0 	— 	Magic Damage +3.4% 	Partial unlock for the Dark Knight Job. Also requires a similar abilities in the Warrior and Berserker Job Trees.
New Class: 	Class Unlock	— 	— 	All Black Mage tree abilities	Unlocks the Evocation Class for Black Mage, Dark Lord. Only available in the Trials of the Dragon King DLC.
New Class: 	Class Unlock	— 	— 	All Black Mage tree abilities	Unlocks the Ultima Class for Black Mage, Warlock. Only available in the Trials of the Dragon King DLC.
===Class Trees ===
Introduced in the Trials of the Dragon King DLC, These classes are unlocked after visiting Bahamut's Cave and completing the "A Token of Courage and Strength" conversation with Bahamut and the abilities thereof can be bought by using Rat Tails which are accumulated by completing missions on the Bahamut difficulty onward and purchasing them from the Bahamut Exchange Shop via Dragon Treasures:
======Dark Lord======
Ability 	Type 	Rat Tails	Required Ability to Unlock 	Description
 	Job Action 	— 	All Black Mage tree abilities 	Black Magic+[Class Change Effect: Evocation]The casting gauge will not deplete when not casting a spell.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot.
Spirit +6 	Passive 	2 	Advanced Black Magic 	Increases spirit.
Elemental Vulnerability Resistance +40.0%	Passive 	4 	Spirit +6 	Increases magic vulnerability resistances.
Agility +6 	Passive 	6 	Elemental Vulnerability Resistance +40.0%	Increases agility.
Black Mage Master Points +3 	Passive 	11 	Agility +6 	Increases black mage master points acquired.
HP +192 	Passive 	8 	Elemental Vulnerability Resistance +40.0%	Increases HP by 192.
Luck +6 	Passive 	10 	HP +192 	Increases luck.
Chainstaff Expertise 	Combo Ability Effects	16 	Luck +6 	[Weapon Type: Staff][2nd Link]Enhances abilities set to >>.Refills break gauge based on magic damage dealt.
Intellect +9 	Passive 	2 	Advanced Black Magic 	Increases intellect.
Break +160 	Passive 	6 	Intellect +9 	Increases break by 160.
Status Ailment Resistance +18.0% 	Passive 	8 	Break +160 	Increases resistance to status ailments.
Stamina +5 	Passive 	10 	Status Ailment Resistance +18.0% 	Increases stamina.
Resolute Mace 	Combo Ability Effects	16 	Stamina +5 	[Weapon Type: Mace][Parry Link]Enhances abilities set to After Parry: .Restores MP based on magic damage dealt.
Strength +5 	Passive 	10 	Status Ailment Resistance +18.0% 	Increases strength.
Black Mage Master Points +3 	Passive 	15 	Strength +5 	Increases black mage master points acquired.
Staff of Elation 	Combo Ability Effects	16 	Strength +5 	[Weapon Type: Staff][3rd Link]Enhances abilities set to >>>.Restores MP based on magic damage dealt.
======Warlock======
The Warlock gains 1 new black spell.
Spell	MP required	Description 	Image
 	200(Max MP)	Unleashes a destructive stream of light and heat energy at a target for heavy non-elemental damage. Requires a full charge of the casting gauge to cast.	
Ability 	Type 	Rat Tails	Required Ability to Unlock 	Description
 	Job Action 	— 	All Black Mage tree abilities 	Black Magic+[Class Change Effect: Ultima]Allows use of Flare Star in the place of Flare.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot.
Spirit +6 	Passive 	2 	Prismatic Black Magic 	Increases spirit.
Elemental Vulnerability Resistance +40.0%	Passive 	4 	Spirit +6 	Increases magic vulnerability resistances.
Agility +6 	Passive 	6 	Elemental Vulnerability Resistance +40.0%	Increases agility.
Black Mage Master Points +3 	Passive 	11 	Agility +6 	Increases black mage master points acquired.
HP +192 	Passive 	8 	Elemental Vulnerability Resistance +40.0%	Increases HP by 192.
Luck +6 	Passive 	10 	HP +192 	Increases luck.
Chainstaff Expertise 	Combo Ability Effects	16 	Luck +6 	[Weapon Type: Staff][2nd Link]Enhances abilities set to >>.Refills break gauge based on magic damage dealt.
Intellect +9 	Passive 	2 	Prismatic Black Magic 	Increases intellect.
Break +160 	Passive 	6 	Intellect +9 	Increases break by 160.
Status Ailment Resistance +18.0% 	Passive 	8 	Break +160 	Increases resistance to status ailments.
Stamina +5 	Passive 	10 	Status Ailment Resistance +18.0% 	Increases stamina.
Resolute Mace 	Combo Ability Effects	16 	Stamina +5 	[Weapon Type: Mace][Parry Link]Enhances abilities set to After Parry: .Restores MP based on magic damage dealt.
Strength +5 	Passive 	10 	Status Ailment Resistance +18.0% 	Increases strength.
Black Mage Master Points +3 	Passive 	15 	Strength +5 	Increases black mage master points acquired.
Staff of Elation 	Combo Ability Effects	16 	Strength +5 	[Weapon Type: Staff][3rd Link]Enhances abilities set to >>>.Restores MP based on magic damage dealt.
===Job Affinity bonuses ===
Most weapons and items of clothing have a certain percentage of Job Affinity for a certain job. By combining them together and raising this percentage, the character may not only gain extra EXP to that Job, but also unlock abilities and bonuses to their stats. The bonuses for the Black Mage Job Affinity are:
Name 	Job Ability Percentages	Description
Black Mage's Wisdom I 	20% 	Increases the corresponding stat(s).Intellect+1
Black Mage's Wisdom II 	30% 	Increases the corresponding stat(s).Intellect+2
Magic Attack Bonus I 	50% 	Increases magic break damage dealt by 6.3%
Black Mage's Wisdom III	80% 	Increases the corresponding stat(s).Intellect+3Spirit+1Agility+1
Magic Attack Bonus II 	120% 	Increases magic break damage dealt by 10.5%
Black Mage's Wisdom IV 	160% 	Increases the corresponding stat(s).Intellect+4Spirit+2Agility+2
 	250% 	Applies an additional intellect bonus to all abilities that grant stat bonuses.
 	400% 	Increases MP limit based on magic damage dealt.
 	600% 	A successful soul shield increases your intellect. This effect can stack up to twenty times.Also enhances the effects of Black Mage's Wisdom.
Black Mage's Essence 	800% 	Enhances the effects of Black Mage's Wisdom, and also boosts stats based on your affinity.
==Gameplay==
The Black Mage is the fully offensive spellcasting job of the game, casting offensive spells that embody even more elements than the Mage, meaning they can target enemies' elemental weaknesses and thereby inflict status effects to enemies. It serves as a more middling damage dealer in the long run due to being a main source of magic damage.
===Strengths=== 
*Burst Damage. Extremely high spike damage potential.
*Targeting Weaknesses. Black Mage is able to target an enemy's weakness by element, in most situations.
*Unique Spells. Exclusive access to Flare and Meteor spells until the Trials of the Dragon King DLC.
===Weaknesses=== 
*Low defenses. The Black Mage won't survive long while under heavy damage.
*Replaceability. At high levels, it is far easier and more efficient to use the Sage job for access to most of the Black Magic spells and White Magic spells.
===Stats===
The Black Mage gives a stat bonus to Intellect, giving the character more MP recovery on normal attacks and increases magic damage dealt.
Job Stat Rating and Growth by Level
Stat 	Rating	Lvl 1	Lvl 30	Lvl 55	Lvl 80	Lvl 99	Lvl 120	Lvl 135	Lvl 150+
HP 	D 	1325 	1765 	1901 	2007 	2095 	2221 	2309 	2397
Strength 	D 	15 	18 	28 	28 	28 	28 	28 	28
Agility 	C 	16 	19 	30 	30 	30 	30 	30 	30
Stamina 	D 	15 	17 	28 	28 	28 	28 	28 	28
Intellect	S 	20 	23 	36 	36 	36 	36 	36 	36
Spirit 	C 	16 	19 	30 	30 	30 	30 	30 	30
Luck 	C 	16 	19 	30 	30 	30 	30 	30 	30
==Recommended Subjobs==
===Mage===
Mage, especially the Accursed Champion class, is an good support job for the Black Mage job for its supportive damaging spells. Dark is able to supplement the Black Mage's lack of dark damage. This can also aid in MP management with the Osmose spell.
===Tyrant===
Tyrant is a good support job for any magic job, especially those that deal in Intellect and Spirit. The Tyrant's Enchantments help to add elemental attributes to your attacks to compliment the Black Mage's secondary focus on the Spirit stat, encouraging a playstyle more akin to a "battlemage".
===Monk===
Monk probably remains the most popular support job at any level. The Monk's stats compliment Lancers well and provide a moderate boost in total HP and means of quick attacks in melee combat. In addition, the Monk's Focus ability is useful for total damage output and damage mitigation.
===Evoker===
Evoker is a great support job for the Black Mage as another passive healer. The Evoker's stats compliment Mages well with its extra Strength and Stamina and provides a method of crowd control through the spirit's Shackle and Interrupt commands.
==Recommended Weapon Abilities==
===Maces===
Ability	MP Cost	Description 	Required Weapon/Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Strike][Element: Wind][Stat Bonus: Intellect]Trap an enemy with a whirlwind, then smash them with your mace. Deals wind damage.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Any Mace
 	100 	[Attack Type: Strike]
[Stat Bonus: Agility]
Unleash a series of quick strikes.
[Any Link]
Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Hermit's ClubMagister's ClubJudgmentMace Master Affinity
 	200 	[Element: Dark]
[Stat Bonus: Intellect]
Charge up a burst of dark energy, then unleash it to devastate your foe. Hold to increase the attack's power.
[Any Link]
Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Zeus MaceSoul of WindAny Artifact or Relic Mace after clearing Floor 12
Mace Master Affinity
 	200 	[[Element: None][Stat Bonus: Intellect/Spirit]Slam an enemy with a ferocious blast of non-elemental energy that inflicts a debuff, causing your foe to take more damage to subsequent attacks.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot.	Zeus MaceSoul of WindAny Artifact or Relic Mace after clearing Floor 12Mace Master Affinity
===Staves===
Ability	MP Cost	Description 	Required Weapon/Affinity
 	100 	[Attack Type: Strike][Element: None][Stat Bonus: Intellect/Spirit]Release a non-elemental magic in front of you, assailing enemies in a wide area and dealing heavy break damage. Hold to trigger additional attacks.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot.	Judgment StaffShadow StaffMagic StaffStaff Master Affinity
 	200 	[Attack Type: Strike][Element: Wind][Stat Bonus: Strength/Intellect]]Brandish your staff, hitting nearby enemies and releasing a tornado in front of you. Hold to trigger additional attacks.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Judgment StaffShadow StaffMagic StaffStaff Master Affinity
 	200 	[Attack Type: Pierce/Strike][Element: Dark]
[Stat Bonus: Strength/Intellect]
Swiftly thrust your staff forward and deal a piercing blow. The ensuing explosion inflicts dark damage. Hold to trigger additional attacks.
[Any Link]
Can be set to any link ability slot.	Bell StaffPower StaffBahamut's StaffStaff Master Affinity
 	200 	[Attack Type: Strike][Element: Fire]
[Stat Bonus: Strength/Intellect]
Trigger a powerful, fiery explosion. Hold to trigger additional attacks.
[Any Link]
Can be set to any link ability slot. 	Bell StaffPower StaffBahamut's StaffStaff Master Affinity
 	300 	[Attack Type: Strike][Element: Lightning]
[Stat Bonus: Strength/Intellect]
Imbue your staff with crackling electricity and fling it at an enemy.
[Any Link]
Can be set to any link ability slot. 	NirvanaStaff of ShieldingAny Artifact or Relic Staff after clearing Floor 12
Staff Master Affinity
 	100~ 	[Element: Holy][Stat Bonus: Intellect/Spirit]Fire a series of missiles made of light that strike enemies with holy damage.[Any Link]Can be set to any link ability slot. 	NirvanaStaff of ShieldingAny Artifact or Relic Staff after clearing Floor 12Staff Master Affinity
===Guns===
Ability	MP Cost	Description	Required Weapon/Affinity
 	100 	[Element: Dark]
[Stat Bonus: Agility/Intellect]
Fire a gravitational bullet that pulls in surrounding enemies, dealing dark-imbued damage.
[Any Link]
Can be set to any link ability slot.	DenebAltairVegaGun Master Affinity
 	100 	[Element: Lightning]
[Stat Bonus: Intellect]
Perform a lateral attack at close range, dealing heavy lightning damage.
[Any Link]
Can be set to any link ability slot.	QuicksilverPeacemakerOutsiderGun Master Affinity
 	100~ 	[Element: Holy]
[Stat Bonus: Intellect]
Emit a series of light beams from your gun, dealing holy damage. Hold for successive attacks.
[Any Link]
Can be set to any link ability slot.	QuicksilverPeacemakerOutsiderGun Master Affinity
 	100 	[Element: Dark]
[Stat Bonus: Intellect]
Fire a shot that explodes on impact, dealing dark-imbued damage.
[Any Link]
Can be set to any link ability slot.	Death PenaltyGun of the TranscendentAny Artifact or Relic Gun after clearing Floor 12
Gun Master Affinity
 	100 	[Element: Fire]
[Stat Bonus: Intellect]
Perform an attack that hits enemies in a straight line, dealing fire damage while restoring allies' HP.
[Any Link]
Can be set to any link ability slot.	Death PenaltyGun of the TranscendentAny Artifact or Relic Gun after clearing Floor 12
Gun Master Affinity
Category:Jobs in Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin