Square Enix recently updated their website with details of two classes from the Disciples of War discipline that will be available in Final Fantasy XIV next year. These are the Gladiator and the Pugilist. There is also information about the kind of weapons these classes will be using.
Over the coming month we plan to redesign the disciplines section and give each one its own page with all of the current information on each. But for now check out the details below. I recommend visiting the official website if you wish to see screenshots of the weapons.
Gladiator
Gladiators are expert swordsmen, known for their battle prowess with blades of all designs: short and long, single- and double-edged, straight and curved. They favor combat at close range, where they masterfully execute a deadly array of hacks and slashes. The skill and pride of a gladiator instill such a confidence that they are said to never shun a fight.
For ages, gladiatorial techniques have evolved and proliferated to a staggering degree, adapting to fit any combat style. Dauntless gladiators will often ready sturdy shields in their off-hands, eager to defend comrades-in-arms. Others opt to forego such encumbrance, focusing all effort instead on their sword arm and pure offense. In addition, gladiators are also known to be formidable with throwing knives, and are master battle tacticians.
Swords and Shields
The Gladiator uses swords and shields as their weapon and so far a number of these have been mentioned. Most of them are items which have featured in previous Final Fantasy titles, such as the Bastard Sword. I suppose you could see the Gladiator as being the Warrior class of Final Fantasy XIV.
Gladius
The gladius is an infantry sword of classic antiquity. Its relatively short, stout blade lends this weapon astonishing mobility and tensile strength. A testament to its performance in combat is the fact that it continues to be used in gladiatorial games of the present day.
Hawktail
The name hawktail refers to the blade of this ornate sword, which projects forth from a pair of retractable wing quillons. Light of weight, yet magnificent and with a keen edge, the hawktail is highly favored among the more distinguished and discerning members of the knighthood.
Bastard Sword
The history of the bastard sword is one of ambitious synthesis, as blacksmiths long sought to merge the best that all blades had to offer. The end result persists in the modern form: an extended grip and blade combining the slashing edge of Ul’dahic swords with the thrusting power of those from Ishgard.
Round Shield
The simplicity of the round shield’s design is surpassed only by its effectiveness in battle. Wooden and circular, it is now commonplace throughout all of Eorzea. The surfaces of these shields are often decorated with symbolic designs and patterns, coats of arms, and wards of defense.
Lantern Shield
This marvel of engineering encases a small lantern within, from which the name derives. Aiming to incorporate elements of offense and defense into a single device, the lantern shield may also be affixed with up to two blades. Such shields are notorious for the intensive maintenance they require.
Pugilist
Pugilists are renowned for being rugged combatants tempered by ceaseless training and rigorous self-discipline. Though formidable even when bare-fisted, through the use of hand-to-hand weaponry their destructive capabilities are compounded with the strength of metal, leather, and bone. They strive to close the distance between their opponents and themselves, as they outmatch nearly any adversary in close-quarters combat. Some have become so adept at this maneuvering that they are able to negate the reach advantages of even the longest blade or spear.
Many are also known to be proficient with throwing implements such as the chakram. Hurling them with massive force, the pugilist then deftly negotiates the distance to his for to deal his devastating strikes.
Weapons
The Pugilist uses hand-to-hand combat for their attacks, which is similar to the Monk class from Final Fantasy XI. Some of their weapons are described below. As with the Gladiator, some of these have featured in previous Final Fantasy titles.
Himantes
Himantes are widely known for their role as a regulation weapon in the officially sanctioned pugilist bouts of Ul’dah. The striking surface is thick leather, slow-soaked in tallow for increased durability.
Hora
The traditional hora is a form of weapon carved from any of a variety of bone, horn, or shell. Though more apt to grow brittle than their leather or metal counterparts, these materials are said to be imbued with the instincts and ferocity of the beasts which bore them.
Metal Knuckles
Simple and elegant, the metal knuckle derives its strength from the solidity of Eorzea’s most enduring materials. The body is a ring forged of pure metal, the heavy weight of which allows wielders to deliver blows with bone-crunching force.
Cesti
Cesti are comprised of reinforced metal rings bound tightly together with tough leather, the frontal facades of which are studded with menacing spiked protuberances. They began to see widespread use after becoming the weapon of choice in Eorzea’s wildly popular death bouts, spectator events pitting pugilists against beast and fiends of the land.
Baghnakhs
A case of nature modeling at its finest, the design of the baghnakhs mimics the lethal claws of Eorzea’s large predatory cats. Originally hailing from the eastern realms, they have long been regarded as a weapon of assassins, and are often concealed. The claws of some baghnakhs house highly toxic poisons which are applied as the blades shred and puncture flesh.
Source: Official Website
