Developer Fool's Theory skillfully intertwines supernatural horror and history in The Thaumaturge, blurring reality and fantasy by incorporating actual figures, folklore, and plausible events from the early 20th Century setting. A key figure in this mix is the enigmatic Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin, a significant persona in European history and a mystical figure of pre-WWI Europe, deeply intertwined in the game's plot.
While Rasputin's importance in The Thaumaturge was anticipated, his pivotal role as a companion to the protagonist Wiktor Szulski was unexpected. Rasputin aids Wiktor, driven by cryptic visions foreshadowing the events leading to World War 1, thus linking the game to a crucial historical moment.
Decoding Rasputin's Vision in The Thaumaturge
Initially encountered as a healer aiding Wiktor in restoring his connection with Salutor, Rasputin and Wiktor unite to confront a menacing Salutor in a Georgian village. Rasputin then divulges a disturbing vision foreseeing the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, a pivotal event triggering WWI.
Rasputin's Influence on The Thaumaturge's Altered History
Rasputin's involvement in uncovering mysteries alongside Wiktor in Warsaw coincides with his ties to the Russian royal family during a turbulent period. Players navigate critical decisions, such as exposing Rasputin's intrigues to alter the game's course and potentially avert WWI.