Rasputin

Grigori Rasputin as he appears in Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army

Rasputin (ラスプーチン, Rasupuuchin) is a non-player character from Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army.

History

The game character is based off Grigori Rasputin, who was a historical figure in Russian history. He volunteered to help heal Tsarevich Alexei who was suffering from internal bleeding. Before his exploits were known, he was believed to have mystical powers, and an apparent closeness to his religion, Christianity. His aid to the Tsarevich helped cement his relationship with the ruling noble family Romanov. His image as a monk, spiritual healer, prophet and man of God was quickly spread throughout Russia. The Tsar and his family depended on him heavily for advice.

This adds to the apparent dislike of him and the Romanov family by others; nobles, politicians, journalists, and even the Russian Orthodox Church. He became a controversial figure, and accused of abusing his privileges with the noble family for control over the rulings in Russia - such as suggesting the ill-equipped Tsar to be in full command over the Russian military. Truthfully, Rasputin succumbed to all worldly temptation; such as sex and alcohol, believing that it can also be a path to piety and salvation.

This controversy culminated into hatred, and subsequently many attempts on his life were made. He was stabbed, poisoned, shot, beaten and finally drowned in the Moika River. His life, as well as his death, became the stuff of legends; it was said that he survived all the murder attempts, and even after his body was buried, dug up and burnt, it seemingly went alive, if only for a moment.

Appearances

• Persona 2: Magician Arcana (random encounter demon)
• Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army: Antagonist
• Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon: NPC

Biography

• Height: 187cm
• Weight: 230kg

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army

Rasputin appears in Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army as a secondary antagonist for most of the game. Even though Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army is set after Rasputin's death, he appears in Tokyo as a Dark Summoner, using his powers for profit rather than for the good of the people. He crosses paths with Raidou Kuzunoha the XIV while Raidou is investigating the disappearance of Kaya Daidouji. Rasputin was apparently hired by General Munakata in order to insure that his Soulless Army plans went as they should, but he is actually an artificial human sent back in time from Tokyo Millennium to deal with Raidou Kuzunoha the nth, the Templar who had possessed Kaya's body in order to rewrite the future. However, Rasputin's true purpose seems to fall down the ladder of priorities as he begins to behave like a lush, drinking and hitting on women. It is revealed he is also a time traveller from the future, apparently sent to maintain the timeline, but ignored his mission to pursue his own goals. By the end of the game it is implied Rasputin remains in Raidou's time to become more 'human'.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon

Rasputin returns in the sequel and has a minor role in the game. He provides information to Raidou, as well as continuing to pursue Tae's affections. Certain optional quests are also provided by Rasputin, with the client listed as 'A Dark Summoner'. His knowledge as a Dark Summoner comes in handy during Raidou's investigation when Raidou must locate a special material to forge a sword capable of defeating the indomitable Apollyons.

During the scene in Tsukigata Village, Rasputin will replace Tae if the player is in Neutral Route when the villagers take someone Raidou's know as an hostage. When Raidou had to fine a way to defeated Appolyon and had to ask Rasputin a way in Ginza-Cho, he will give the player Element #115 if the player choose to save him in the Tsukigata scene.