Set in early 20th century Warsaw, CRPG The Thaumaturge puts players in the shoes of protagonist Wiktor Szulski, a character gifted with the mysterious powers of Thaumaturgy - that is, the ability to tame mystical entities inspired by various folklores called Salutors. The Thaumaturge's Wiktor and his story seem rather complex, as they intertwine with the game's lore and narrative surrounding the practice of Thaumaturgy. While possessing magical abilities might sound appealing, life as a Thaumaturge doesn't seem like a bed of roses for Wiktor, as he grapples with his own demons and family history. Even the game's slogan, "Everyone has their own demons," highlights the difficulties he and many other characters will face.

This level of depth of characterization and lore may not be surprising to some, given CD Projekt Red has trusted Fool's Theory with the ongoing development of the Witcher 1 Remake. Game ZXC recently interviewed Fool's Theory Design Director Karolina Kuzia-Rokosz about the protagonist Wiktor's characteristics, background, and family relationship.

The Thaumaturge: Who Is Wiktor And What Is His Story?

As The Thaumaturge's protagonist, Wiktor Szulski undergoes character development and growth alongside the player's choices. He has his own wit about him and certain driving motivators, but a lot of his direction will be determined by the players. While possessing the powers and gifts of a Thaumaturge, he is someone with flaws and vices as per human nature, making him a potentially relatable protagonist despite his unusual magical powers and abilities.

Despite living in his world for 30 years, he still has much to learn about being a thaumaturge. Troubled, lost, and filled with doubt, he is imperfect in every way. Yet, simultaneously, he strives to become a better version of himself. Depending on the player's choices, he may also succumb to his inborn pride.

Wiktor's complex family background could also help make him feel relatable, whose family situation is best summarized with the universally relatable words, "It's complicated." However, it seems Wiktor's relationship with his family, as well as historical characters like Rasputin, will have the most influence on him aside from the player. Wiktor inherits his abilities from his father, and there are other Thaumaturges involved in the game too. His sister, Ligia, does not share this same gift and only wants for their family to be closer.

His father, Stanisław, shared the gift of thaumaturgy, yet they were never close. Banished from Warsaw 15 years ago for stirring trouble as a young lad, the only family Wiktor can turn to is his twin sister, Ligia, who earnestly wishes for her brother's return to Warsaw, and his uncle, Alexander. Throughout the game, players will unravel more about the Szulski family and their secrets, with the opportunity to make their own decisions about them.

However, the exact reasons for Wiktor's banishment remain a mystery for players to discover in Wiktor's unfolding pursuit of the Salutors and their powers. His pursuit and ultimately why he chases them is something that "has its consequences," as evident in the prologue.

Players interested in historically accurate video games might also be curious to know which historical figures they can meet in the game's depiction of 1905 Poland in addition to Grigori Rasputin, the infamous Russian mystic. Understandably, Kuzia-Rokosz didn't reveal the identities of these figures or other Thaumaturge characters, but that, of course, makes the full release all the more enticing. There are more characters to meet, more historically accurate characters to see, more Salutors to tame, and more Thauamturges to face.

The Thaumaturge

The Thaumaturge is a story-driven RPG set in 1905 Warsaw, Poland. Players take on the role of Wiktor, who can see entities called Salutors that normal humans cannot. It features isometric gameplay, turn-based combat, morally ambiguous choices, unique character development features, investigation mechanics, and much, much more.

Platform(s)

PC

Released

March 4, 2024

Developer(s)

Fool's Theory

Publisher(s)

11 Bit Studios

Genre(s)

Adventure , RPG