Monk (Final Fantasy XIV)

The Pugilist is a Disciple of War class in Final Fantasy XIV, introduced in the original release. This class may be upgraded to the Monk job by equipping a Soul Crystal obtained via the quest "Brother from Another Mother", which requires level 30 Pugilist and level 15 Lancer.

Pugilist
Pugilists attack with hora and knuckle-dusters, and are as such close-quarters melee attackers. Their positioning plays a pivotal role in battle, with some of their weaponskills increasing their power or critical hit rate when delivered at the side or back of their target. They also possess abilities that allow them to evade enemy attacks, allowing them to follow up with powerful counter-attacking moves such as Haymaker.

Pugilists do not follow the same combo system as the other Disciplines of War. Instead they can perform attacks based on what battle form they are currently in. Most weaponskills require the Pugilist to be in a particular battle form, and executing them will allow them to change into another form. Whenever a Pugilist cycles through the raptor, coeurl and opo-opo forms, they gain the status Greased Lightning, which improves their attack power and skill speed. Later levels allow the Adventurer to stack the Greased Lightning status, making the Pugilist even more powerful.

Monk


Retaining the Pugilist' mechanics, Monks differ in their aesthetic and in the quest characters. Monks place more emphasis on the "chakra" and elements of meditation, than the typical close-quarters combat arts. Monks are also seen wearing specific uniform, which is often colorful, and reminiscent of monks throughout the series.

Pugilist
The Adventurer begins the questline after speaking to the Pugilist Guild's guild receptionist Gagaruna, who directs them towards Hamon. Hamon is initially delighted to train the Adventurer, and has them train alongside his other pupil, Chuchuto Brightstar. Later, Hamon and the two encounter Hamon's former apprentice Rurukuta Tornstar, who defeats Hamon in combat, and discourages him from continuing to fight. Chuchuto encourages the Adventurer to face Hamon in combat in order to help Hamon regain his strength, and after a few rounds, Hamon regains confidence. The group defeats adversary Weggfarr Wideaxe, and Hamon congratulates the Adventurer on their progress.

Monk
After speaking to Gagaruna again, the Adventurer is directed to Erik, found in the Goldsmith's Guild. A researcher of the "chakra", Erik assigns the Adventurer with the task of helping Widargelt, who sees the potential in the Adventurer as a Monk, research in aether-heavy areas which had seen battles fought. Widargelt revealed he was not interested in helping Erik, and was only interested in opening his own chakras in those areas, encouraging the Adventurer to do the same. After the Adventurer obtains their relic gear, Widargelt asks the Adventurer to help him restore Ala Mhigo. However, soon he learns that the Adventurer's seventh chakra had been opened and denied him of his, and attempts to defeat them; after failing, he grants the Adventurer their final relic gear piece, and declares he has learnt to fight not for vengeance, but for life.

Equipment
The Pugilist class is defined by wielding hora or knuckle-dusters. Functionally, they are similar to rogue's daggers in that they are equipped as two-handed but are dual-wielded in combat.

In terms of late game armor, Pugilist and Monk wear "Striking" gear sets, which are shared with Rogues and Ninjas up through item level 110. In terms of accessories, they generally share the "Slaying" or "Maiming" types with Lancers and Dragoons, as they add Strength, the Pugilist's primary attribute.

Abilities
Monk-specific abilities can only be used after being unlocked by specific quests.

Cross-class
Monks can cross-class Lancer and Marauder abilities, though Pugilists can cross-class most abilities.

Final Fantasy Trading Card Game
Monk an Pugilist appear in Final Fantasy Trading Card Game with Earth-elemental cards.

Gallery
Faustkämpfer Pugiliste