Negotiation

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Negotiation, also known as Talk, is a recurring mechanic in the Megami Tensei franchise. It allows the game's protagonist to converse with Demons during battle and make requests from them. This is most notably used to recruit new Demons into the protagonist's party. Negotiation involves a process of responding to Demons' questions and demands. Demons who are satisfied will fulfill the protagonist's request after Negotiations have succeeded.

Overview

Negotiations with Demons can be initiated by speaking with them during battle, usually by selecting a Talk command. Negotiating involves starting a conversation with a Demon and often times exchanging desired items, money, HP, or MP in order to receive something in return; most often this is to ask the Demon to join the protagonist's party, however in some Megami Tensei games, other requests can also be made such as requesting an item, money, Magnetite, or an end to battle. The main objective with Negotiation is to satisfy a Demon by responding favorably and meeting their demands. Angering or insulting a Demon can result in a failed end to Negotiations, sometimes with the Demon attacking or escaping. While fulfilling a Demon's requests encourages satisfaction, a Demon may also choose to flee without reciprocating, thereby requiring some restraint on the player to not wastefully give in to every demand.

In most games, Demons have different types of spoken mannerisms or outlooks referred to as Speech Pattern or Personalities. This can determine a Demon's reciprocity to certain responses made during Negotiation. A Demon's Personality is often characterized by their age, gender, and individual demeanor.

Recruitment through Negotiation usually requires that the protagonist be of equal or higher Level than the Demon's own, as otherwise the Demon will deem the protagonist as too weak to ally with. Demons who are successfully recruited will join the protagonist's party provided that there is enough space and that particular Demon is not already in the party.

While most Demons can be spoken with, not all are cooperative to conversing while others cannot be recruited through Negotiation. This restriction typically applies to bosses and Demons with a Dark Tenacity—the latter kind can otherwise only be obtained through Fusion or other methods where available. Occasionally this restriction can also extend to all Demons within certain locations.