Black mages are autonomous, man-sized magician dolls mass-produced as weapons of war by Queen Brahne of Alexandria due to Kuja's influence. Final Fantasy IX is the only game that has black mages as a distinct race, rather than a job.
Black mages' faces are dark with two glowing eyes and they always wear the distinctive steepled hat. The most prominent black mage in the game is Vivi Ornitier, who joins the player's party in the beginning.