FFXIV Lore- What it Means to be a Dark Knight

You asked for it, so here are the origins, and powers of the vigilantes known as Dark Knights. I hope you enjoy, and feel free to share this with your friends and FC mates! I hope to see you all in FFXIV Endwalker, and at my future lectures.
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Music: Zodiac Structures by NoMBe
Disclaimer: The MMORPG known as FinalFantasy XIV Online as well as all its related publications and merchandise are owned by Square Enix. I have no claims to it.
Primary Sources:
Video Games-
FinalFantasy XIV Online
Publications-
Encyclopedia Eorzea Volume I
Encyclopedia Eorzea Volume II
Alternative Sources:
FinalFantasyXIV, The Lodestone/Sidestory
FFXIV, Letter from the Producer
Published FFXIV Brand Art Books
#ffxiv #jobs #endwalker

[@trial_with_an_error9687]

Love how the established lore of how Dark Knights started was just some random dude caught a pedophile and fucking cleaved him in two. We really are just Guts from Berserk.

[@trumps_toupee]

I like how the Great Gubal quest in the Red Mage story makes a callback to that event as well.

[@joellachmann1529]

Jokes on you Guts is the main reason Dark Souls even exist and its clear what was the inspiration to create Dark Knight. May his creator rest in piece

[@GodsPoisonSamael]

My character is just a female version of Guts lol, saw some fanart and was playing with the Character Creator and bam! Loved it, love my big ass swords, love my edgy gal now I just need a pixie minion.

[@soylentconsumer420]

based

[@LordDrail]

@@GodsPoisonSamael ShB Pixie tribe max rep and one is yours, if you already haven't gotten it.

[@HyperfixationWizard]

Fanon DRK: "CRAAAWLING IN MY SKIIIIN" Canon DRK: "I have put too much faith in those of higher standing than me, believing that they would make the morally right choice, only to be betrayed and for my allies to be hunted or killed. I see now that evil wears many clothes, and if I must be seen as a monster for purging evil in the name of justice simply because of their standing then so be it. For those we have lost, and for those we may yet save."

[@mikoto7693]

As a Scholar and White Mage my path is ever parallel with the tanks. You protect me and I heal you. For those we have lost, and those we may yet save.

[@wanderingpaladin4927]

69 likes

[@adrammelechthewroth6511]

I couldn't have said it better of myself.

[@Shadethewolfy]

First Shard DRK: "I have experienced loss and pain and sorrow enough to break normal men. But I refuse to bow. I refuse to be broken... I shall use my agony to forge a glistening greatsword, and with it cleave the evils of this world in twain so no others have to suffer as I have." (spoilers for a certain character in ShB)

[@dreadfulking2344]

@@Shadethewolfy You just made me realize, after so long after playing it no doubt, that we as the WoL create the drk order on the shard....pog

[@joethehero2]

Ishgard: You speak heresy! Dark Knight: Fluently.

[@DeepbloodFang]

The Grey Warden oath fits the Dark Knights perfectly. "In War, Victory. In Peace, Vigilance. In Death, Sacrifice."

[@canadiancanucklehead8310]

I felt something

[@insecdroid]

I love Dragon Age

[@isbammoi3358]

Fuck yeah.

[@BonkHazard]

They even have commonality in that both the Dark Knights and Grey Wardens willingly taint themselves with dark powers to have the means to protect people from the forces of evil.

[@RicardoSantos-oz3uj]

By the maker.

[@argisus1279]

I love the fact that love is what fuels a Darknight but it makes sense, the most edgy class but with a pretty wholesome thing that powers it.

[@wavesofbabies]

If you have no love, no empathy... How can you care enough to sacrifice everything you have for the sake of others?

[@ursa4580]

I think that its because of this that in terms of character its not truly considered edgy, atleast in my opinion

[@mghegotagun]

It's strange how well I understand it.

[@TheGreatDanish]

Its the most Gothic class in the game. Deep pain, and deeper emotions.

[@trigunner6968]

Kinda sounds like the Uchiha Clan right? The very thing that drives them to do heinous things or doing ultimate sacrifices over generation is because of Love itself

[@DoktorWieg]

Paladin : A shield to defend the weak from oppression Dark Knight : A sword to avenge the weak from injustice Gunbreaker : A gunblade to defend my queen and homeland Warrior : GRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!

[@crowdemon_archives]

Warrior later get to control their Inner Beast after WoL figured that a desire to protect had quite an effect on the berserker power lol

[@blockeddefault4360]

F E L L C L E A V E

[@1337penguinman]

@@blockeddefault4360 FELL CLEAVE

[@handsoap5496]

*F E L L C L E A V E*

[@dc7981]

Some people dont like how DRK is a tank in this game rather then DPS but a Dark knights greatest strength being love is the reason why they are a tank. The love and need to protect those closest to them thus giving them great power

[@johnziso2605]

It is not lke that, i totally understand why they should be tanks. I love the class but i don't feel confident enough to lead a raid/dungeon so i play an other dps class instead. I think it would be great to be able to switch between tank and dps or something like that.

[@chipslight738]

@@johnziso2605 If you're scared of tanking, don't worry. It takes time to improve as a tank so feel free to look up guides, tips and to tell people in the duty with you that you're new and trying your best. Failing and building up your confidence is part of the journey. Trust me, I started with Gladiator when I first played.

[@SyperDT]

I don't like how they lack lifesteal overall.

[@mikoto7693]

Those are the reasons why I never chose to be a Paladin instead of maining it like I did in FF11. I can’t lead a party since I’m new, not an I practised at pulling. The thieves an rangers did that in FF11. That being I’ve really taken to healing in FF14. I’m a lvl 65 Sch/Smn and lvl 70 Whm Hyur female at the start of Stormblood. I’m a Summoner in solo content but usually Scholar in group content.

[@adrammelechthewroth6511]

Exactly.

[@genesisnebul5724]

Even the tank stance. Grit. "courage and resolve; strength of character." "In psychology, grit is a positive, non-cognitive trait based on an individual's perseverance of effort combined with the passion for a particular long-term goal or end state." Wow. Inspiring.

[@weirdbutokay4750]

Tank classes are intrinsically tied to sanguine moods. They can be sullen and murderous, but at the base of it is always passion. Wether it is the love of something or rage/despair at the abuse of something's they love. Big muscles are there to protect, big muscles there to end the to threat to the soft and sweet. Tanks have to be strong, and the strongest muscle they have is their heart. #yesalltanks

[@bearandthebull2372]

This is true.War with rage,Drk with passion,Pld with Faith,and Gnb with honor. All 4 use these in some way to either power themselves,or keep themselves going in the hardest of times.

[@piedpiper1172]

@@bearandthebull2372 lol, drks don’t have “passion” they have “insufferable attempts at edge”

[@mikoto7693]

Huh, I was a Paladin in FF11 and I’m a Sch/Smn and Whm in FF14. I think it probably stems from the same desire. To protect, to care for others. Honestly the only reason I’m not a Pld in FF14 is because it’s also in charge of pulling and navigation-things I’m not good at.

[@weirdbutokay4750]

@@mikoto7693 Same, I started out as a Warrior but eventually my playtime availability and internet stability tanked and I did feel like I could do a good job anymore.

[@exotixzamateurva8957]

@@piedpiper1172 if you've done all the drk quests you know this is bait.

[@NyanPoptartCat]

So they’re Paladins who walk one step further. Willing to cross the lines that most of my comrades are not. Thank you for the lesson, Professor. I have gained a new appreciation for my shadowy brethren. There is much I can learn from them.

[@bogbody6128]

as Fray says: our limits are boundaries only set by ourselves, and innocents suffer when we draw them too close.

[@AegixDrakan]

As a Paladin main who just unlocked Dark Knight, this rings extreeeemely true. Especially considering when you unlock them in the story. My Paladin absolutely will be taking that dive as a side job. When the shield no longer serves, and only gets in the way of justice...It's getting cast aside in favor of a bigger sword.

[@Sylentmana]

They are essentially dark paladins, yes.

[@canisblack]

@@Sylentmana Love how the lore on them in XIV is so different than it is in IV where I was first introduced to (and fell in love with) the class :)

[@moody5763]

They're about as chaotic good as a class can get lol

[@ValeriePersonalReal]

i've rewatched this like ten times and i still love it each time, the line "if dragoons dominate the skies, dark knights ravage the earth" has been living in my head rent free since i've been duo progressing my dark knight with my brothers dragoon

[@SynodicScribe]

Glad you enjoy it so much! I like to think I write a good line now and then. haha

[@stevo1400]

​@@SynodicScribedude that gave me mad goosebumps

[@hunterlurvey698]

"Acts of goodness are not always wise, and acts of evil are not always foolish, but nevertheless, we shall always strive to be good"

[@BlueMageDaisen]

Should be noted that a Dark Knight's magic isn't actually Darkness aspected Using Dark emotions they're ripping the aspects of the aether they're using away, making it better described as Emptyness... an Abyss Because of it's void of aspect their spells have a bit of a vacuum effect, tearing aether from everything it touches, erasing and ripping as it flies forwards, devouring everything in it's path

[@SyperDT]

Not enough lifeleech though.

[@luxxrayy]

Thanks to Endwalker, we now know that it's a dynamis based job like dancer.

[@orion9325]

@@luxxrayy It really isn't and this is a big misconception people have for some reason, Hermes spelled out pretty clearly in Elpis: the WoL is not an Entelechy that can't freely use Dynamis like Meteion can, only in moments of extreme emotion (limit breaks). DRK and DNC are Aether-based jobs, just because Dynamis is an energy fueled by emotion it doesn't mean that only Dynamis can be influenced by emotions. You can still apply emotions to aether manipulation.

[@scarecrowhobo]

@@orion9325 so like 1-5% dynamis the rest aether

[@dracotias]

"To walk the path is to suffer, to sacrifice. Justice demands no less...But we must never forget why we chose to walk it"

[@Itachigan22]

The Dark Knight was the class that got me into Tanking. The job story is one of the best in all the other jobs.

[@adrammelechthewroth6511]

I agree. Sidurgu is like bro to me.

[@crowdemon_archives]

@@adrammelechthewroth6511 same

[@Gefnir]

16:04 “Allowing its momentum to carry them across the battlefield !” Lol you explained lunge perfectly.

[@SynodicScribe]

I try my best. ^^

[@Archris17]

"I cast SELF-YEET!"

[@Bismarck9871]

Rip plunge :,c

[@ArchangeVie]

No wonder the wol is the strongest drk as an adventurer they’re not only loving their friends but the world (or worlds with shb) in its entirety they love everything existing in it

[@althelor]

It's a very fitting job for a reincarnation of Azem. Our ancient counterpart was specifically tasked with wandering the world, experiencing everything the world had to offer, and interacting with the people of all different cultures on equal footing. Such a task can only be given to someone who has a genuine and exceptionally strong love for the world and everyone in it, and that love is carried on through the different shards of our soul, motivating each shard to explore and help anyone who might need it. And to do everything in our power to protect the weak at all costs.

[@dreadfulking2344]

This explains why Emet if allowed to tank in the one endwalker dungeon takes on the dark knight class, while he can be cold his love for his home was far greater then most around him, which would make him a fantastic dark knight....well played square, well played.

[@user-ko5ul7yi1x]

The harsh reality is someone has to dirty their hands to fight the monsters we couldn't or wouldn't.

[@crowdemon_archives]

To hunt the monsters, one must be a monster.

[@AegixDrakan]

I JUST started their questline and holy shit, I love it. It's especially impactful at the point that class unlocks in the story too. My once fiery gladiator had mellowed into a cheerful and irreverent Paladin who had grown accustomed to being the "hero"...And now saw the limitations that come with it. So getting to tap into the primal discontent with bullshit rules that drove him to abandon his home culture in the first place, to weaponize his darkness into a sword that could enact justice with no regard for the law? He liked that. He liked that veeeeryyy much.

[@ArchangeVie]

Same I was a ninja trough arr which funny enough but the rogue storyline is better than the ninja one and is similar in bringing justice against the will of the law to the drk, and I changed to drk when reaching hw bc after running away from the banquet it felt like my wol would want to protect people now and not just erasing the threat bc it’s not always possible

[@kylefreeburg9353]

It's kinda funny, I did that questline before I even finished "coming to ishgard" so my WoL got to ishgard, and before even saying hello started killing high ranking politicians for being shitty, which perfectly fits for my character very well haha

[@AegixDrakan]

@@kylefreeburg9353 I feel like the Count of Fortemps should be suddenly starting to reaaaally reconsider extending sanctuary at that point. XD

[@adrammelechthewroth6511]

Same here.

[@dasmoools606]

It's the very reason why so many love the Dark Knight quest line for the WoL. The brighter that light, the darker its shadow and my does the WoL have a bright light.

[@XUIW]

Dark Knight mains rise up!

[@nomoreheros374]

I didn't know Guts had his own personal Class in Final Fantasy

[@ClexYoshi]

Aether sharpened by Akasha. it's funny how Dark Knights are like to be the most steadfast in the face of the Final Days, no? Their joy, their love and devotion to serve as that lamp in the darkness so that they may walk free while others sink into the quagmire of despair.

[@crowdemon_archives]

My ManRa DRK is definitely a hell of a flashbang in both ShB and EW lol

[@SuperRoboPopoto]

I only watched to see if you disclosed our Dark Knight secrets. We’re seen as edgelords in game, and we’re okay with this to protect our dark secrets.

[@SynodicScribe]

All secrets are laid bare before the abyss.

[@whotftookthuurs]

Nobody must know that we're actually magical girls powered by love

[@Higth115]

One small thing that isn't mentioned here, but still a tidbit I adore, is the implication that Dark Knight's combat techniques were inspired by the hunting methods of umbral aligned panthers. Dark Knight's animations do seem to come off as the most graceful, precise, and calculated among the tanks.

[@andyocto25]

wish they swung the sword faster like Cloud.

[@theyellowcouch2960]

This was so well written and got to the core of the job it made me all teary eyed remembering why I main it.

[@LordDrail]

BLM is my principle main...but Dark Knight seems like a companion main for me that it makes the most sense. Consider that you need utmost control of your emotions when casting spells so they don't consume you. Dark Knight functions similar.

[@genesisnebul5724]

Yeah. I totally cried.

[@TheShadowfan9000]

I really like what you're trying out. That slash really put a punctuation mark at the end of that statement audibly lol. Love these lessons.

[@Tiran_Blade]

"Justice demands no less." Dark Knight Creed.

[@mannydani9180]

"But you will be there, waiting for them...and you, will be their executioner..." Chills my guy, chills

[@TaiLysana]

This was done so incredibly, I love the attention to details, I can imagine using the school built in the Doman Enclave to give lessons on the world, the jobs, and just everything in game. This really reminds me of the Storyteller, a guy who did lore videos in a similar manner about the Fallout series. 10/10 Can't wait for the next one

[@SynodicScribe]

I actually made an alt account just for such an occasion. lol

[@SokiHime]

/Fantastic/ You have done justice for the amazing portrayal of FFXIV's Dark Knights

[@projecttrickyzed2306]

Honestly, I loved the story of Sir T. Also that the source of a dark knight's power is love. Makes it alot less edgy and much more of a wholesome class. The class just doesn't care about bureaucracy and politics. Justice for all, not the few.

[@zodbones]

Absolutely love Dark Knights. Mained one originally because I love tanking, but didn't want to level a warrior from scratch. Once my summoner hit Ishguard I decided to change to Dark Knight out of laziness. After playing through the Dark Knight quest line I fell in love with the role and have been playing it ever since. I see some similarities in the Dark Knight quest line , and the Samurai one. There is a lot of overlap in their code of honor, and wandering seeking justice (assuming the samurai is lordless).

[@SynodicScribe]

It's in depth that's for sure!

[@TheKingOfN0thing]

This just reminded me of how much I love my DRK. I think this video just helped me decide on my main for EW. Awesome, awesome work.

[@ytmatx]

Liked the video a lot. Been RPing a DRK for several years and few people make the connection between love and hate being two sides of the same coin.

[@GayLPer]

To quote a tumblr post attributed to serialephemera... (which I swear is relevant to this video) "Thematically speaking, the most important thing Terry Pratchett taught me was the concept of *militant decency*. The idea that you can look at the world and its flaws and its injustices and its cruelties and get deeply, intensely *angry*, and that you can turn that into energy for doing the right thing and making the world a better place. He taught me that anger itself is not the part I should be fighting. Nobody in my life ever said that before." The idea that anger and hatred arise from love, and that Dark Knights who are fueled by love use that anger and hatred to make the world ultimately a better place reminded me of this quote. Dark Knights are, in many ways, truer paladins than the Paladins themselves.

[@Lans32485]

Dark Knight is still probably my favorite tank class so far. Definitely one of the best job storylines. As for gear, I actually use Fray's outfit (dyed my preferred midnight blue) since it looks like a dark reflection of the standard Isgardian knight gear.

[@EinsteinJR2]

I... I... I love this, I LOVE THIS. This was absolutely amazing, I dont have words. Script well put together, I like the order of the things you talk about, the great usage of each visual recording for each topic / part of the story, etc. Can't wait to see more :D

[@loganswalk8621]

So in short Batman would absolutely be a dark knight.

[@kaihedgie1747]

He ironically can't because of his no-kill policy

[@Cenauru]

This is the most succinct summary of what a Dark Knight is that I've seen, and a nice refresher on our lore. I've been playing DRK since I started in Heavensward, it is my character's personal path in life, and its history and identity is one of the things that keeps me playing it several of thousands of hours later as my absolute favorite job/ class in MMO's and RPG's entirely, I'm utterly obsessed with this job. Very good job on this video, and I absolutely love the flourishes you brought into the descriptions of the Dark Knights.

[@SynodicScribe]

Glad you like it! I try to follow the lore as closely as possible but I do enjoy emphasizing things to get that extra wow factor.

[@pelosuelto70]

I've gotten around to do the DRK story. Leveled it to 80. I love it. I love the story to pieces. I just geared my wonderful tank - and now I patiently wait for EW to come out. This was my 1st tank I've played in any MMO ever, and I'm glad that I chose DRK to start.

[@APineTree]

This video actually really helped explain a couple things I wasn't 100% sure on about Dark Knights. Definitely can see it helping me RP one with more confidence that I'm not being a complete gremlin about it.

[@MagisterJake]

OMG as a lorewhore this is something I've been wanting about FFXIV. THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO

[@SynodicScribe]

You're very welcome!

[@CryogenicEchelon]

This is fucking great man. I love the script and you made this one so evocative of what makes Dark Knights great. After how you did with Summoner and Scholar, can’t wait to see Warrior get it’s time :)

[@SynodicScribe]

All of them will get their time in the spot light! I promise you that!

[@sylas3265]

This was incredibly well done! And I like how even the abyss within our dark knights loves us even if we can’t or if we want to push ourselves further for others (I’m dead eye staring at you class quests NPCs). Makes me sad rethinking of everything

[@KaminoZan]

Your closing statement struck a chord with me, particularly your mention of monsters abiding in shadow to harm people. I see Dirk Nuts-- okay, okay, Dark Knights.... a little differently. While I was growing up I learned that it is often the most dangerous and sinister of monsters who are allowed to walk freely in broad daylight. By virtue of their station, wealth or the culture in which they fester, the aforementioned culprits would never face justice for their actions. Thereby requiring their opposing force, one that is just and righteous, to operate from the darkness and cast down their judgements. Thank you for making this video, especially for pointing out that LOVE is actually the DRK's greatest asset. More people really need to understand this!

[@AegixDrakan]

Yup. That's the strength the Dark Knight has that the Paladin does not. The Paladin is bound by his reputation as a benign protector, by a sense of honor that he must not sully. It binds him to work within the frameworks that exist in order to protect others... Things that the Evils that hide in plain sight can exploit to deter them and make it impossible to strike at them. The Dark Knight...Does not care who you are. Does not care that you have the law and the entire city guard on your side. He will enact justice regardless. Because, not holding any specially bestowed status...He has nothing to have stripped away from him.

[@XonixDerps]

@@AegixDrakan Also to add on - the dark knight character probably doesnt care if you think of them as evil either. Since they're only concerned with hunting the snakes i nthe garden so to speak. This isnt to say the Paladin is bad by any means, people need that naturally trusting person as well to exist. But by their very nature evil can try to subvert tham - but it cant fool someone who walks the same alleys as them ya know?

[@russianbias8003]

Interesting lore video. My main tank is a DRK and knowing the lore and history behind them is wonderful.

[@tearsofchronus]

This is incredibly eloquent and beautiful, as a DRK main I completely resonated with your closing statements.

[@emilecoetzee230]

I honestly love this video. As someone who puts a lot of belief into the strength emotion holds narratively, the idea that Dark knights are so emotionally intune and powered by love? This convinced me to make Dark knight my main. After all- i love the scions, and i love Eorzea.

[@specterRaven]

"Struggle, endure, contend." -Skull Knight.

[@Jhereon]

What an awesome gem to find. Love this lesson, learned a lot from it! And that stylized intro is simply beautiful!

[@OrbitalDeathRay]

“The tree that would grow to heaven must send its roots to hell.” - Friedrich Nietzsche

[@BlackGoldRose]

Great lesson! Thank's for teaching. I always's felt like they were more to the dark Knight's I'm happy to be proven wrong, at worse. I feel sorta bad for them. I want to reach out, but i know doing so won't help them. I thank them for keeping the raid monster's away during dire need's.

[@Protantical]

Also something I realized with the DRK mount! I forget if it's the Battle or War Panther though. Dark knights observed panthers to temper their blade techniques, hence Carve and Spit. My guess is the average Coerthan swordfighter wouldn't observe panthers and the technique could catch someone off-guard.

[@heretic_prince]

This is such an interesting take on Dark Knights I am reminded of the phrase "to truly hate, you must truly love". I am paraphrasing it to better fit, or at least to better fit in my opinion. Very well done.

[@Narrendor]

Delighted to see this just as I finished work. Well done! You've encapsulated my favourite job with all the love and respect I'd hoped for

[@Fenkuro]

your videos have been becoming better and better and i think this is my favorite and most awaited one so far !!

[@SynodicScribe]

Thank you! I feel like my style is getting more refined with each video. If the channel reaches a certain level of popularity I want to go back and re-do some of my original videos and bring them up to this new level.

[@Fenkuro]

@@SynodicScribe i'd be delighted to support you the whole way ^^

[@insecdroid]

The opening perfectly explains why this is my favorite class. I learned to tank so I could play a Dark Knight and now I main a tank. Also it sounds like Dark Arts are a form of manipulating Aether and Dynamis together.

[@jakelawrence6618]

great lecture as always professor. For the next lecture do you think we learn of the kingdom of dalmasca and the supposed legend of ivialice? I've always loved the tail

[@Fugeta20]

When a man learns to feel love, he must also bare the risk of feeling hate.

[@rinnnnnnnnnnrin]

God i wish we could switch between the two weapon idle stances for all weapon classes,i much prefer the male drk pose and it would look fantastic on my femroe. Anyway fantastic video as usual :D

[@ysmia_]

For real! The closest thing we got is \vpose, and it’s only brief when we get it. However! In my personal opinion, I think the female pose fits better for the lv.80 DRK quest. You veterans know what scene ;3

[@aarongeorge4885]

I’ve never been so proud to be a Dark Knight.

[@Uploaded1995]

Great video! Most comprehensive lore look at Dark Knights I could find. I especially enjoy the conclusion that their powers come from a place of Empathy/Love, rather than angsty rage and pure edgyness.

[@SynodicScribe]

Indeed. The brighter the light the darker the shadows.

[@Uploaded1995]

@@SynodicScribe These videos are also super handy for Roleplayers that want a deeper understanding of the different jobs/races for instance.

[@dj_sonick1596]

As a lore fiend I love this channel. Monk is my main and my favorite class to play. Can't wait for the vid on it.

[@seanziegler477]

By far one of the best class storylines in the game. Such a great job by the writing staff.

[@jasonthomas7909]

Finally my favorite job covered. Thank you so much!

[@ambercarbuncle1440p]

I did not know a massive amount of this lore like, at all, but DRK was one of my fav jobs in the series even when I was a kid, so I really appreciate a video like this going over the depths of the background in this iteration !

[@liamoliver5848]

It is so hard finding videos about the lore of all the Classes. So glad I found this

[@SynodicScribe]

Happy to provide!

[@JEL625]

I love the deeper lore of dark knights magic. It subtle but there is a reason why the dark knights ignighted emotions come out akin to dark magic. Spoilers, possibly major spoilers . . . . . We come to find in later expansions that the sources understanding of umbral and astral magic is incomplete. They focused on the effects of the magic rather than how it functioned. Light magic was astral because of the brightness of the spells and purifying effect, but in other shards its considered umbral because light magic is the magic of stillness, silence, and rest. Thats why light magic is so great at binding spells, its the magic best suited for it. You can even see with in game locations and stories, the places with the most light aether are stagnant or borderline regressive. Why does this matter to the dark knight. While light is the element of stillness darkness is the opposite, the element of change and ceaseless movement. Thats why the undead are filled with dark aether, because they cant stop moving. Why places overflowing with dark aether fall to ruin so quickly. It matters because the dark knight is powered by how moved their heart is! Rage, revenge, vigilantism, are common sources but not only ones at a dark knights beckon call. They can also be moved by love, joy, the thrill of discovery! The more powerful the dark knight is the raw their emotions are. The strongest dark knights have the biggest hearts.

[@notahero8487]

Thanks for the class

[@ruthnovena40]

Excellent job describing where Dark Knight's powers come come from..

[@Kupokkisynteetteri]

Woah you are great at teaching us about this subject! Keep up great job!

[@joeyc.9622]

I see a lot of Berserk's Guts in this class. Though Guts does have a tendency to lose control, we see the character development of the story headed towards a need for Guts to gain control of his emotion lest that Dark Beast take over.

[@oriain81]

The art on this is really great. Also the video is great 👍

[@SynodicScribe]

Catti will love to hear that!

[@BranJohn98]

11:45 ohhhh I saw that Cloud reference, FF14!

[@romantisanon4647]

Thank you for making this series. It really helps me appreciate FF a lot more.

[@artssmore8921]

*proud feeling while glamouring darkknight*

[@millis6054]

I have to say, I was thinking of playing dark knight as an off class, I usually play paladin, but this lesson has completely changed my mind! LET THE VOICE OF LOVE TAKE YOU HIGHER, DARK KNIGHT ALL THE WAY

[@millis6054]

Made it to shadowbringers, and DRK is now my favorite and main job, thank you.

[@sethoquinn7122]

That’s what I call great story writing the class fantasy is amazing like a Sith but using the power of the darkside for true justice rather than selfish personal gain I’m all about it 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@RuvikWithers]

Your voice seems more controlled than before and less awkward ^^ keep it up

[@SynodicScribe]

Well damn now I'm self conscious.

[@moody5763]

To this day doing the first DRK quest immediately after the events before HW (if you know, you know) was one of the most memorable and satisfying moments I've experienced with this game and locked me in as a ride or die DRK main. What a job.

[@AegixDrakan]

That's EXACTLY when I started the Dark Knight Quests. ...As someone who'd been maining Paladin until then. It was perfectly timed. The realization that he could cast aside his oaths and cast aside the law if it conflicted with what was right...And still *win* ... My WoL liked that. He liked that very much. I recently started Stormblood, and I still level both classes almost equally (although I don't use any Paladin-like glamour or colors anymore). But any time serious business happens, and he knows he will need all his strength, or what is lawful and what is right are not the same... My character puts on his heavy armor, grabs his bigass sword, and just gets to work on what *needs* to be done, regardless of what anyone else thinks. :P

[@moody5763]

@@AegixDrakan You maining PLD at that point is just chef's kiss, appreciate you sharing that.

[@luckyday5721]

Interestingly many people's interpretation of Meteor is close to a Dark knight...though we can all see ourselves in each job.

[@balanceofjudgement4282]

The animations in the beginning are so good. Do you do these yourself? If so, you are quite talented, not only in youtube scrips, but artwork as well. They're so good, that some could be used for wallpapers.

[@SynodicScribe]

I do everything but the artwork! I've never been good at drawing, but my friend Cattiart has been helping me on that front. I give her my vision of how I see the panels play out and she draws them with tremendous care and skill! But everything else from the writing, recording, editing, etc. Is all me.

[@kirazen3740]

You got my subscribed. I love this so much. 😍😍

[@wobinich2009]

I know that realistic weapon wielding has no place in FFXIV, but an interesting note about Dark Knights using Greatswords: Greatswords are actually excellent weapons for the way a dark knight fights. They have only a few particular uses on a battlefield, but for a lone wolf they are an EXCELLENT weapon for fighting multiple enemies or acting as a bodyguard. The best way to wield a greatsword without tiring yourself out is to use the momentum. If a swing doesn't connect with anything, continue it in a 360 motion until it comes to rest again. This allows you to defend in a large area against multiple opponents. In fact, it's common training with a greatsword in modern HEMA to have the wielder spar against 4 men with shortswords. He can maintain a large area of control if he's not blocked- and if the sword does hit something and suddenly stops, he's free of the momentum and can rapidly swing the sword towards the false edge to hit somebody in the face. The problem with wielding a greatsword isn't the weight, it's the momentum. Fighting against it will tire you out incredibly quickly, but wielding it smartly will have you at an advantage against MULTIPLE enemies with shorter reach.

[@xin-xvi]

Loved the video, you have a really great way of presenting the lore!

[@OnlyDeathIsEternal]

Basicly a chaotic good sith.

[@APineTree]

I always thought they sounded a bit like a Sith who wasn't obsessed with becoming all powerful

[@Cristke]

Dangit, i was all ready to go into Endwalker as a Red Mage, but now I might switch to DRK. nice video.

[@jedikitteh]

Wow this was very well done and very informative!

[@SynodicScribe]

Glad you liked it!

[@SmokeyTheViking]

this reminds me so much of Byfs videos in Destiny. real good shit, keep it up!

[@Xilibrius]

Such a good video. Friend found it since I'm gonna run the 14 d&d homebrew and was looking into what a dark knight was. I now want to level my dark knight to 90

[@SynodicScribe]

Glad you enjoyed! A lot of work goes into these. haha

[@RicardoSantos-oz3uj]

PLD: Lawful God. The Law is above Justice. DRK: Chaotic good. Justice is above the Law. Justice: To right a wrong. Law: The opinion of politicians.

[@genisay]

Then it seems like the Warrior of Light came along and added a new layer to what it meant to be a Dark Knight. Protect the Innocent, Vanquish Evil, Protect Thy Comrades, Show Compassion to Those in Need. Haha, people kept saying that Dark Knight is edge lord, but somehow, my WoL managed to be more than a brooding lone wolf, but took the foundation and strength of the Dark Knight and used to to shelter those around him, not merely for vengeance. His true strength lay not in hate or rage, but in his willingness to listen and defend all in need, high born or low born. And he taught Sidurgu a thing or two about compassion as well. Hence why my ultimate glam for my Dark Knight didn't end up being in blacks and reds, or foboding colors, it is still impressive and gives no doubt that he is formidable, but retains an element of a softer nature in browns, pale silvers and stoic dark green.

[@merouanebelaroussi9706]

Me: "dark knight storyline can't get cooler" Synodic Scribe: "hold my Hi-potion"

[@GroovyDean]

Dark Knights exist IRL. even though they don't wield swords and armour as such but the personality that inherent for a Dark Knight exist, albeit amongst the rarest type of personality, an almost instinct type of people. They are known as the INFJs, following the nomination of MBTI personality type, and consist of 1-2% of worlds' population. And males INFJs are even more rare amongst them. Just substitute the name "Dark Knight" with "INFJ", you are basically describing them. On point. INFJ. also known as "The Advocate" An Advocate (INFJ) is someone with the Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging personality traits. They tend to approach life with deep thoughtfulness and imagination. Their inner vision, personal values, and a quiet, principled version of humanism guide them in all things. An introduction. Advocates generally strive to do what’s right - and they want to help create a world where others do the right thing as well. People with this personality type may feel called to use their strengths - including creativity, imagination, and sensitivity - to uplift others and spread compassion. Concepts like egalitarianism and karma can mean a great deal to Advocates. Advocates may see helping others as their purpose in life. They are troubled by injustice, and they typically care more about altruism than personal gain. As a result, Advocates tend to step in when they see someone facing unfairness or hardship. Many people with this personality type also aspire to fix society’s deeper problems, in the hope that unfairness and hardship can become things of the past. Sounds familiar, right? INFJs are also known as the kindest evil people in the world. To hunt monsters, you have to become a monster yourselves. Dark Knights are fun to play, but lore wise, its very hard to really become one. IRL, you can almost say, Dark Knights are born to be one, its not made to be one. And being an INFJ, its really a hard life, its not one you can associate with fun. Just my 2cents as FFXIV player and MBTI personality type enthusiast.

[@GayLPer]

MBTI has about as much relevance to real life as zodiac signs do.

[@Murdus81]

I never knew about the Dragoon armor repurpose. What encyclopedia is that in, i'll have to go back & look through them.

[@SynodicScribe]

Encyclopedia Eorzea Volume 2, page 224

[@StreetSoundsSwirln]

Dark Knight is my spirit animal

[@gundampharmacist7348]

Man, this is such a great vid, got yourself another sub :D

[@Teramoix]

I'd like to offer an alternative view on the source of the dark arts, as we learn through the crystal tower story, Darkness is an entropic energy. A source of power that is devoid of what we understand aether to be made of. This is also how dark knight powers are described in their questline, which is how they're capable of pulling the aether of enemies to refile refuel themselves. It is my belief that Abyss is the mixture of a dark knight's aether and this Darkness, which gives them the ability to shape and control the magic they wield.

[@bingbongdingdong867]

That end got a little doomslayer-ish but it fits, well done