Red Mage

Red Mage (赤魔道士 or 赤魔道師 Akamadoushi lit. Red Magic Adherent) is a special Job class in the Final Fantasy series, and is featured in several installments. It is among the first Job classes introduced in the series.

Profile
Red Mages typically cast both Black and White Magic and can also wield swords and equip armor that normal Black and White Mages cannot. They are, in essence, among the more versatile characters of the series. However, their versatility comes at a high price: their stats are usually low, and they cannot cast higher level spells or use stronger equipment. They can learn many spells, but not the strongest, and equip some heavy armor, but not all of it. Thus, the Red Mage is a jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none. However, in certain games, Red Mages have a special ability such as Doublecast which boosts their spellcasting efficiency.

The standard Red Mage attire consists of red, black and white clothing, including a red cloak with white or black trimmings, black boots and of course, a red cap with a white feather.

Because of their broad abilities, it is difficult to say with certainty which characters in the main series are Red Mages. However, in general the term could be applied to characters who are equally proficient with weapons and magic. Scott from Final Fantasy II, Terra Branford and Celes Chere from Final Fantasy VI, as well as Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII, could be considered Red Mages because they have good magical and physical stats, and they all start with a sword. Terra also wears red, the color of the Red Mage, with a pale pink cloak. In Final Fantasy X, Lulu also plays the role of the Red Mage, as the Doublecast ability is in her part of the Sphere Grid, although it can only cast Black Magic spells. Fran from Final Fantasy XII can also be considered a Red Mage, as she has distinctly average stats but starts with a bow instead of a sword.

Though Selphie Tilmitt of Final Fantasy VIII does not wield a sword, her Slot Limit Break consists of both offensive and defensive spells. In Final Fantasy IV, Rydia can be considered a Red Mage as a child, as she knows both Black and White magic. Tellah and Fusoya can also cast both kinds of magic. In Final Fantasy X, Seymour Guado can also be considered a Red Mage, because he has a mastery of both Black and White magic, though he has more MP than Red Mages do.

Final Fantasy
First appearing as one of the basic six Job classes, Red Mages can upgrade into the Red Wizard, which is distinctly versatile in both magic and weapons. Unlike most other Red Mages in the series, those in the original Final Fantasy can cast the third-tier level of elemental spells such as Firaga.

The 8-Bit Theater character Red Mage Statscowski is based off of this job.

Final Fantasy III
The Red Mage job class is obtainable after the Wind Crystal is cleansed. In the opening FMV of the DS version, Ingus is seen clothed in Red Mage garb.

Final Fantasy V
This is the first appearance of Dualcast in the series, and is exclusive to the Red Mage. The job is available after the Water Crystal in Walse Tower splinters.

Final Fantasy XI
While Final Fantasy XI Red Mages once again have access to White and Black Magic, they are also proficient at buffing and debuffing spells, including the useful Refresh spell. Due to the MMORPG nature of the game, Red Mages are popular for being one of the best jobs to "solo" enemies.

Final Fantasy XII International
Represented by the Zodiac sign of Cancer, Red Mages are notable for being the only class to use Arcane Magick. They can wield Maces and Greatswords.

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Only Viera can access the Red Mage job, and their spells are considerably weaker compared to past incarnations. However, they still retain the Doublecast ability. The weapon of choice for Red Mages is the Rapier.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
Red Mages in Tactics A2 follow the same form as Tactics Advance. They are useful for evading problematic Laws with Doublecast.

Final Fantasy IX
While they do not appear as a playable class, Red Mages of both sexes, clad in their classic caps and robes, can be found as NPCs in Lindblum.

Final Fantasy XI
Rainemard was an Elvaan Red Mage who was murdered before the game starts. Players can undertake a series of quests to investigate his murder mystery. In the expansion Wings of the Goddess, Rainemard is alive and can be recruited as a freelancer to help players in Campaign battles.