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Table: Black Mage Archetypes

ArchetypePrerequisitesDescription
Arcane BomberTo many mages, the experimentation of the chemist seems quaint, if not dangerous or frightening. A few mages take up the secrets of the bomb, however, fusing alchemy with their already considerable magical power.
Arcane TricksterFew can match the guile and craftiness of arcane tricksters. These prodigious thieves blend the subtlest aspects of the arcane with the natural cunning of the bandit and the scoundrel, using spells to enhance their natural thieving abilities. Arcane tricksters can pick locks, disarm traps, and lift purses from a safe distance using their magical legerdemain, and as often as not seek humiliation as a goal to triumph over their foes than more violent solutions.
ArcanistAn arcanist is a black mage who has spent a considerable amount of time studying the chaos that is primal magic—she seeks order in chaos, and hopes to master the raw power of primal magic to bolster her own abilities.
CryomancerBeing native to the coldest regions of their world, some cultures have learned to harness that harsh cold, becoming true masters of the unforgiving ice.
Dark MageThe dark nemesis of light, a dark mage is an eldritch wielder of dark magic and illusion, wrapped in shadowy armor and cloaked in black robes, lurking in the darkness. They are deadly combatants, steeped in the knowledge of the dark arts, striding forth from the shadows to strike without warning.
ElementalistElementalists study one of the basic elements of magic—earth, fire, ice, lightning, water, and wind—learning to harness its power. Eventually, they transcend their mortal forms and become elemental beings.
Magitech MageAs a person’s mind reaches new heights, it seems only natural that they would create a form to match it. Fusing magical and technological knowledge, magitech mages seek to transform themselves into superhuman, nigh-indestructible entities.
MagusMagus are known as the Dreaded Armies the World Over, the Enders of Kingdoms, the Avatars of Ragnarök, the Disciples of Catastrophe. Whatever names they are given to these mages, they are the ultimately bringers of great destruction and mayhem, and many worlds bear the scars of their passing. While any black mage is capable of destructive uses of magic, the magus takes it well past the limit that defines reason. While these dangerous souls are often villains of Lowest Order and savages against all that is civilized, many are simply brutal pragmatics that see the ability to cause large scale destruction as a useful tool for advancement in martial societies.
Onyx MagisterMasters of wielding death, Onyx Magisters grasps higher learning for his magical prowess with his spells. Onyx Magisters are the highest practitioners of the black magic arts, wielding magic with the highest proficiency.
PyromancerGoblinSome goblins use their ingenuity not on clever traps or feats of engineering, but instead on more arcane pursuits. These mages hone their abilities to manipulate fire to their will, excelling at using the destructive power of flames. Inevitably, these pyromancers cannot resist their instinctual urges to blow things up.
Script MasterWith the power of a judge and the wisdom of a philosopher, the script master is the pinnacle of written artists, so much so he can affect the real world with what he writes. Formal documents, informal threats and using the most pristine grammar allows these writers to cast magic simply from utilizing language to its fullest potential.
SigniferAnticaThe tunnels dotting the islands of Kuzotz are full of the warlike antica, who efficiently follow orders from their superiors in expanding their empire. Adventurers who venture beneath the sands should be wary, for the mostly silent beastmen can bring unexpectedly ferocious spells to the fore, their telepathy transmitting dangerous snares to careless foes.
SorcererThe sorcerer’s family has always been skilled in the eldritch art of magic. While many of his relatives were accomplished black mages, his powers developed without the need for study and practice.
ThaumaturgeThaumaturgy is a form of arcane manipulation that allows the practitioner to unleash his will as deadly manifestations of primal power. The origin of their art can be found in the cumbersome magicks of their ancestors – subsequently focused and refined through their use in the funeral rites of the Order of Nald’thal. Though, once used exclusively for the preparation of the dead, these incantations of destruction soon found new purpose on the battlefield. “Death,” of course, is still very much the central focus of the discipline.
TimekeeperTime is not an immutable force but an inscrutable phenomenon. Rare arcane scholars known as timekeepers demonstrate the ability to shift themselves in short bursts between the past, future, and alternate presents.
Void MageAlthough the Mhachi were known masters of black magic, the extent of their power was not limited to Shantotto’s school of spellcraft. Toward the autumn years of the Fifth Astral Era, the civilization had begun perfecting voidmagicks—the summoning and manipulation of creatures known as “voidsent” from beyond the corporeal realm.
War WarlockTarutaruTarutaru gain their magical powers through strange and mysterious ways. While most tarutaru might be content with their strange powers, some adventure far and wide in search of a greater understanding of the genesis and history of their eldritch talents. These spellcasters are known as war warlocks, after their obsession with researching ancient texts and obscure ruins for any clues they can find about their heritage and histories. Available only to tarutaru black mages.
Wild MagePacts and deals with powerful beings are risky for the unwary, but opening the floodgates of the raw potential of the fundamental forces of the universe to do your bidding is foolhardy for even the most wary. Therefore, the wild mage ignores wariness and caution entirely, empowering his abilities without regard to the costs and side effects.
Wind SorcererLambkinThe wind sorcerer uses the forces of the wind to confuse and destroy his foes, all while flying through the air with ease.

Non-FF Archetypes

The following archetypes are based off of pop-culture references outside of Final Fantasy and may not fit within the theming of your campaign. Consult your DM before using them.

Table: Non-FF Black Mage Archetypes

ArchetypePrerequisitesDescriptionReference
Muscle MageWhile most magi use a one-handed weapon as their melee implement of choice, one group of magi uses the quarterstaff instead. These muscle-bound magi use staves for both defense and inflicting their staves upon enemies. Skilled in manipulating these weapons with one hand or two, they eventually learn how to use arcane staves as well, and are just as formidable in combat as their sword-swinging brethren.Rune Soldier Louie anime