Disciples of the Hand

Update: This article is just a brief primer on disciples of the hand. Since the time of writing, I’ve found this guide. I recommend you head over and get yourself a copy as well. Not only does it have an insanely detailed chapter on disciples of the hand, but an absolutely brilliant leveling guide as well (see my review). I so wish I had gotten that when I first bought the game – it would have saved me a lot of time (which could have been used to improve the design of this blog instead :))

In Final Fantasy XIV, the Disciples of the Hand are the Eorzean creators of items from elemental crystals and elemental shards. They work together with Disciples of the Land, relying on their items to form new materials. They can process in three different ways. Standard brings average quality and quantity; Rapid increases quantity but lowers quality; Bold lowers quantity and increases quality. There are eight different Disciples of the Hand in Final Fantasy XIV: Armorer, Blacksmith, and Culinarian in Limsa Lominsa; Weaver, Goldsmith, and Alchemist in Ul’dah; and Leatherworker and Carpenter in Gridania.

Armorers utilize Blacksmiths’ and Goldsmiths’ items to create new types of armor. They can also form Ingots out of raw elements and save them for future projects. When Armorers reach rank 10, they have the ability to use Binding Speed to improve their ability with Rapid processing. The Armorer’s two weapons are the Weathered Doming Hammer and Bronze Pliers. Read the full FFXIV Armorer Guide.

Blacksmiths make bladed weapons and pieces of items that will be utilized in future projects. Once they reach rank 10, they have the ability Maker’s Muse, which improves their Standard processing. The two weapons used by the Blacksmith are the Weathered Cross-Pein Hammer and Bronze File. Read the full FFXIV Blacksmith Guide.

Culinarians create food that offers boosts to players. At rank 10, they gain the ability Harmonize, which lowers the risk of crafting projects. Culinarians’ two weapons are the Weathered Skillet and Bronze Culinary Knife. Read the full FFXIV Culinarian Guide.

Weavers craft armor and outfits for mages and others out of cloth. When they reach rank 10, they gain Masterpiece, which increases Bold processing. Weavers’ two weapons include Maple Spinning Wheel and Rusty Needle. Read the full FFXIV Weaver Guide.

Goldsmiths use metals and gemstones to create new and powerful accessories. Their ability at rank 10 is Epiphany, which increases the quality of their crafts. Goldsmiths’ weapons are Weathered Chaser Hammer and Mudstone Grinding Wheel. Read the full FFXIV Goldsmith Guide.

Alchemists wield the Weathered Alembic and Bronze Mortar to bind items together, change colors, and mix magic potions. They can Preserve at rank 10, which keeps up good working conditions. Read the full FFXIV Alchemist Guide.

Leatherworkers create armor and clothing out of animal hides. At rank 10, they can use Fulfillment to increase the rate of success. Their two weapons are the Weathered Head Knife and Bronze Awl. Read the full FFXIV Leatherworker Guide.

Carpenters create tools and other items from wood with the Weathered Saw and Bronze Claw Hammer. At rank 10, they gain Tender Touch, which allows them to decrease lost durability. Read the full FFXIV Carpenter Guide.