The epoch-making Time Mage uses the power of time to crush its enemies and aid its allies. Stat-wise, it’s exactly the same as a Black Mage, but some of its weapon aptitudes are different. So the big question is how does its abilities fare in comparison?

Unlike Black Mages who can target at least three elements, Time Mages only target one: earth. So already they’re at a slight disadvantage. However, where Black Mages also specialized in status ailments, Time Mages are adept in buffing their allies and weakening their foes.

Later on, Time Mages will become more useful as their buffs improve; in particular, Reraise automatically revives a character when they suffer a K.O. They also have one of the best spells in the game–Meteor, which pelts the enemy with powerful non-elemental damage.

Aptitudes¶

Specialty: Time Slip¶

When the entire party is wiped out, you will return to the start of the battle; this effect occurs once per battle (even if multiple characters share this ability). Note that SP consumed is not returned. It’s hard to say how useful this ability is–it depends how you got wiped out in the first place. Hopefully with your improved knowledge from the first defeat, you can achieve victory the second time.

Level 1: Time Magic Lv.1¶

Allows use of Slow, Regen and Quake with the appropriate scrolls in possession. Slow drops an enemy’s Speed, delaying their actions. Regen constantly heals an ally for 3% of their maximum HP–this amount is minuscule any way you look at it. Finally, Quake deals earth damage to enemies.

Level 2: Magic Attack 10% Up¶

Raises the character’s Magic Attack by 10%. Helps to improve your magic damage.

Level 3: Slow Parry¶

Each time the character uses a single-target physical attack, there’s a 50% chance of dropping the enemy’s Speed. A good way of delaying enemies without using MP. Mostly useless on an actual Time Mage though.

Level 4: Time Magic Lv.2¶

Allows use of Haste, Teleport and Quara with the appropriate scrolls in possession. Haste increases one character’s Speed, allowing them to take action earlier. Teleport lets you escape a dungeon or battle (but not against bosses or certain enemies). Meanwhile Quara is a stronger version of Quake.

Level 5: Time Slip¶

When the entire party is wiped out, you will return to the start of the battle; this effect occurs once per battle (even if multiple characters share this ability). Note that SP consumed is not returned. Though it’s a good way of avoiding a Game Over, it’s still a rather costly ability. If you’re dead set on using it, you’re better off having a Time Mage in your party.

Level 6: Time Magic Lv.3¶

Allows use of Gravity, Veil and Slowga with the appropriate scrolls in possession. Gravity has a 50% chance of knocking off half the maximum HP of one enemy (except for bosses). Veil increases one character’s Evasion, allowing them to dodge attacks more often and drop the enemy’s number of hits. Slowga drops the enemy party’s Speed.

Level 7: Stop Immunity¶

Gives your character immunity to Stop. Essential for any bosses that use Stop, as it’s one of the more troublesome conditions, preventing a character from acting for many turns.

Level 8: Time Magic Lv.4¶

Allows use of Hastega, Veilga and Comet with the appropriate scrolls in possession. Hastega ups the party’s Speed and Veilga ups the party’s Evasion. Comet rains four non-elemental attacks on one enemy; it’s also not affected by Reflect.

Level 9: Save Time Magic MP¶

Lower the MP cost of Time Magic by 25%. Get more more bang for your buck; especially useful for the super-expensive Meteor spell.

Level 10: Time Magic Lv.5¶

Allows use of Quick, Stop and Quaga with the appropriate scrolls in possession. Quick increases the number of hits a character does–great for increasing their damage output. Stop may render an enemy unable to move for a number of turns, giving you ample time to beat them down. Then we have Quaga, the ultimate earth spell.

Level 11: Slow World¶

Every two turns, all allies and enemies have their BP reduced by 1; works even if the user is in the K.O. state. This ability is highly effective at reducing the number of enemy actions–most enemies will be unable to move on every second turn. Of course, your party will be crippled too, although there are ways for you to build up surplus BP…

Level 12: Time Magic Lv.6¶

Allows use of Graviga, Reraise and Meteor with the appropriate scrolls in possession. Graviga has a 50% chance of chopping off 3/4 of one enemy’s maximum HP. Reraise allows one ally to automatically recover from the K.O. state–excellent for keeping your party on their feet. Last but not least, Meteor rains down four powerful non-elemental attacks on random targets (not affected by Reflect).

Level 13: Magic Attack 30% Up¶

Raises the character’s Magic Attack by 30%. Combine with your strongest spells for devastating effects.

Level 14: Hasten World¶

Every turn, all allies and enemies have their BP increased by 1; works even if the user is in the K.O. state. Battles will really speed by, as everyone can afford to Brave once per turn. This ability is particularly helpful for speeding up use of abilities that cost a lot of BP, but you need to be sure you can survive the enemy’s enhanced onslaught.