Basic enemy AI for selecting Brands to use is up and running.

Demons that spawn on a floor (other than those associated with an enemy summoner, which are handled differently) can spawn with any Brand that has spawned on that floor. Demons consider their abilities, stats, and other factors when deciding which Brand to use.

For example, consider these two Malingees who spawned on the same floor (and thus, had the same Brands to choose from):

The first Malingee, modified with Blessed, has gained the relatively high SP cost abilities Protect and Focus. As a result, it has chosen a Brand that, while weakening Vitality, gives it increased SP regeneration. (The reduced Vitality is also deemed to be less of an issue since, now that it has support magic, it will spend less time in direct combat.)

The second Malingee, on the other hand, modified by Solid, has no SP costs worth having SP regeneration to help with, so it has chosen a Brand that trades some Magic (which it does not use) for increased Agility (which it does use.)

Enemy summoners and their demons receive Brands in a similar fashion, but they choose from a large number of Brands generated specifically for that summoner, representing the Brands the summoner found during their hypothetical career.

Still a ways to go, but we’re getting there. Until next time, good luck in the Tower!