Partner (Devil Children)
Partners are a recurring mechanic in the Devil Children series.
Overview
The Partner is a special demon that accompanies the protagonist, following behind them in the overworld. At certain points in the story, the Partner will evolve into a stronger form.
The Partner cannot be removed from the party, and cannot be traded away. However, they cannot be used in BattleNet or in player-versus-player matches.
It is possible for the protagonist to ride their demon Partner in areas with demon encounters, which increases movement speed at the cost of an increased encounter rate. Some terrain obstacles can only be traversed while riding the demon Partner.
The Partner is the only demon in the games that is capable of leveling up, and does so by absorbing experience via the process of demon fusion. Fusing the Partner with any demon will consume the demon to grant experience points to the Partner.
Mechanics by Game
Devil Children Black Book
The game's Partner is a Cerberus with the default name of Cool.
While riding Cool, the protagonist can jump over ledges that normally can only be jumped down, walk on lava, and burrow through holes in the ground to reach different areas.
Devil Children Red Book
The game's Partner is a Gryphon with the default name of Veil.
While riding Veil, the protagonist can fly over quick sand and leap over chasms. Because Veil can fly, riding her also allows the protagonist to ignore several obstacles such as: water, slippery ice, conveyor belts, and special tiles that reverse the movement direction. However, Veil cannot fly over lava and will still fall in pitfalls.
Devil Children White Book
The game's Partner is a Chimera with the default name of Clay. While riding Clay, the protagonist can jump over ledges and move boulders.
After beating the game, the protagonist can temporarily trade Partners with Setsuna Kai, Mirai Kaname, and Takaharu Ougi to obtain Cool, Veil, or Rei the Phoenix respectively. This allows the protagonist to traverse obstacles that Clay cannot. Being a Phoenix, Rei can fly and has the same perks as Veil.
Devil Children Light Book
The game's Partner is a Sol Leon with the default name of Rand.
While riding Rand, the protagonist can jump over vertical obstacles. After Rand has gone through his second evolution, it is possible to dig through piles of dirt in the ground to obtain items. After Rand has gone through his third and final evolution, it is possible to ask him if there are still unopened treasure chests in the current dungeon.
Devil Children Dark Book
The game's Partner is a Hei Long with the default name of Gale.
While riding Gale, the protagonist can jump over horizontal obstacles. After Gale has gone through his second evolution, it is possible to destroy boulders to obtain items. After Gale has gone through his third and final evolution, it is possible to ask him if there are still unopened treasure chests in the current dungeon.
Devil Children Fire Book
The Partner mechanic is mostly unchanged from Light Book. The piles of dirt that could be dug up for items no longer exist.
Devil Children Ice Book
The Partner mechanic is mostly unchanged from Dark Book. The boulders that could be destroyed for items no longer exist.
Trivia
- From a story perspective, Nagahisa Kai has a nameless Sphinx Partner in Black Book and Red Book. However, the Sphinx that can be acquired by the player is treated like a regular demon, only retaining its ability to evolve. As such, it can be abandoned, stored in the Vinecom, traded, and even be fused away.