The Thaumaturge thrusts players into a detective-style escapade in 1900s Warsaw. Delve into a world of intrigue, where unraveling clues and engaging with NPCs are pivotal to unveiling a rich, complex storyline. Wiktor, a thaumaturge, wields supernatural powers, tapping into demonic spirits to influence those around him.
The game commences with Wiktor's journey through the forest, exchanging letters with his sister, Ligia, before reaching a train station to send a telegram through the Postmaster. Although players can customize the telegram's content, its impact on the plot is minor. After a brief interaction with the Postmaster, Wiktor is directed to meet the Coachman, who offers to transport him to a nearby village to address his deteriorating condition.
Locate the Miracle Worker in the Village
Upon the game's onset, players encounter interactive items like notes and letters at the station, providing supplementary context. Exiting the station introduces the Perception tutorial, enabling players to use Wiktor's powers to navigate towards objectives. Guided by Perception, players find the Coachman to progress.
Interacting with the Coachman initiates a conversation where Wiktor can inquire about the Healer's whereabouts, leading to their journey to the village. This inter-village travel mechanism is recurrent throughout the expansive game map. Upon reaching the village, the Coachman mentions the Healer's presence at the Tavern across the main square.
Outside the Tavern, Russian soldiers confront Wiktor, instigating a tutorial combat scenario. Overcoming the soldiers, players meet Rasputin in the Tavern's corner, engaged in healing practices.
Explore the Tavern and Uncover Rasputin's Artifacts
Interacting with Rasputin prompts a demonstration of Wiktor's Thaumaturgic abilities. By discerning emotional imprints on objects, players must locate items in the Tavern. After acquiring a Trace with Rasputin's prayer beads, players use Perception to unveil three objects in the room:
- A dirty bowl requiring a Word skill of 1.
- A haircloth near the fireplace, necessitating a Mind skill of 1 to unlock.
- The Prayer Book by the window advancing the quest upon interaction.
Discover the Path
Returning to Rasputin, he initiates the healing process to restore Wiktor's bond with his Salutor, Upyr. During this healing trance, Wiktor navigates a parallel reality. Following the left path leads to a significant encounter with a haunting vision of his father.
Identify the Flaw-Bearer in the Village
The gameplay expands, allowing players to pursue diverse objectives. To unveil the Flaw-bearer within the village, players must complete multiple tasks to uncover crucial information.
Locate Rasputin at the Cemetery
Players are tasked with finding Rasputin at the local cemetery, necessitating dialogue manipulation with the Coachman to reach the site. By utilizing Perception to find specific items, players can persuade the Coachman through highlighted dialogue choices.
Investigate Vasili's Burned Homestead
Rasputin discloses suspicions of foul play in Vasili's demise, prompting an investigation at the Burned Homestead. Analyzing clues, players unlock revelations linking the murder to the Flaw's allure of a Salutor. Combat ensues, incorporating Salutor abilities for a challenging yet surmountable battle.
Engage with Vesna
Interacting with villagers reveals Vesna's significance in the murder investigation. Conversing with her, players unveil critical information, leading to decisions influencing the storyline's course. Manipulating events using thaumaturgic abilities or persuasive tactics alters the fate of key characters.
Embark on the Forest Clearing Journey
Travel to the forest clearing triggers a climactic confrontation unveiling pivotal truths. Engage in a strategic combat sequence to sever the Flaw's connection to the malevolent presence, steering the narrative towards crucial decisions shaping the characters' destinies.
As the shadows of the past converge with the present, players hold the reins to determine the outcome of this enthralling tale, balancing choices that ripple through the intricate web of The Thaumaturge's immersive universe.