Kagutsuchi



Kagutsuchi is an element of great importance in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne. One of its purposes is something of the Moon Phase System in the series.

History
Japanese god of fire, son of Izanagi and Izanami. His mother was so badly burned when she gave birth to him that she died. Izanagi cut his son in eight pieces and from the body eight mountain gods emerged and from the blood came forth eight gods. Kagutsuchi is an alternate name of Ho-Masubi.

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
The phase changing of radiation of Kagutsuchi's energy pulse is the same as the traditional Shin Megami Tensei lunar phase. From 0 phase - silent (new phase in English version) to 8th phase - full. Then swings to silent phase reversely and continues the loop. Its function in the game is the same. During a full phase, demons will act drunk and raise their attack power.

Full phase is also a good time to recruit demons as their lowered inhibitions make them ask simple "yes/no" questions with no other demands, but they may ignore you as well. When a demon ignores an attempt to communicate or is angered during negotiations, the enemy immediately starts their turn. Until the skill Jive Talk is learned by the main character, Full Kagutusuchi is the only time you can speak with demons of the dark alignment (Wilders, Haunts, and Fouls) and may successfully recruit them (if they do not ignore you or you anger them by answering incorrectly to their question). In silent phase, enemies will become calm and easy for conversation, especially with the Dark Pledge skill. Several skills are affected by Kagutsuchi's phase, too.

If certain conditions are met, for one battle, the phase of Kagutsuchi can be set to "dead"; as expected, this means no skill that is affected by Kagutsuchi will work correctly.

Kagutsuchi is also responsible for the creation of the next world, and whichever Reason manages to ascend his tower to reach him will shape the new world. First, however, they must gain his approval (Kagutsuchi is the final boss in all but two routes). However, he despises and curse those who wish to prevent creation, and will refuse to fight Hito-Shura if he opposes creation, or fall (thus ending the cycle of creation) if Hito-Shura supports Lucifer. Should a world be created without a reason, Kagutsuchi will question Hito-Shura's motives in creating a world of nothing but suffering, yet will recreate the previous world regardless.