Black Mage (job)

Black Mage is a special Job class in the Final Fantasy series, and is featured in several installments. Black Mages have been known to equip magical rods in the earlier installments and staves in the later ones. They can also equip some light daggers. Their armor usually consists of several lightweight vests and mage robes. They are known for incredibly high magic stats and MP, but low physical stats and HP.

The Black Mage has become one of the most recognized symbols of the Final Fantasy series, similar to Chocobos and Moogles. Black Mages are characterized as wearing long blue robes and pointy hats. Their faces are invisible except for their eyes, which often shine brightly on their clouded faces.

A Black Mage's primary ability is to cast Black Magic, which usually consists of attack spells, but also contains some effect spells. In later installments, Black Mages were given the "Focus" ability, which allowed them to store power for the next turn.

Notable Black Mages include Palom of Final Fantasy IV, Vivi Orunitia of Final Fantasy IX, Lulu of Final Fantasy X and Kytes of Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings.

Non-Final Fantasy Appearances

 * The Black Mage appears as a secret character in the Mario sports game, Mario Hoops 3-on-3. This is mainly because Square-Enix developed the game. His appearance has been changed drastically from the original Final Fantasy, no longer wearing robes, but instead wearing something closer to Vivi's clothes. Black Mage's special shot is Meteor Shot, and he is a tricky type.


 * Black Mage Evilwizardington is also a popular character in the web comic 8-Bit Theater. His character is a psychotic murderer with a hatred for everything except White Mage, whom he lusts over, and cookies.