August Ruthven

NAME
August Ruthven
NAME (JP)
オーガスト・ルスヴン
Oogasuto Rusuvun
ALIAS
Mr. Ruthven
ALIAS (JP)
ルスヴン卿きょう
Rusuvun Kyou
GENDER
Man Man
FANTASY RACE
Vampire
AGE
More than 200 (Chronologically)
Adult (Perceived Age)

PROFESSIONAL STATUS
AFFILIATION
The Queen
The Senate
Duchy of Oriflamme
Charlatan
OCCUPATION
Senator
Professor (former)

PERSONAL STATUS
STATE
Alive
FAMILY MEMBERS
Luca Oriflamme (Adopted nephew)
Loki Oriflamme (adopted nephew)

August Ruthven (オーガスト・ルスヴン, Oogasuto Rusuvun) is a character from Jun Mochizuki's The Case Study of Vanitas. He is one of the most important, prolific, and revered figures in vampire history, having been a key figure in ending the brutal race war between humans and vampires. He is the adoptive uncle and guardian of Luca Oriflamme and, as such, handles all of his duties as Grand Duke, serves the Vampire Queen as a member of the Senate, and his name is widely known even among some humans. This makes him the most powerful and influential figure seen so far.

Formerly a teacher and moderator during the War, he was an active participant in peace agreements between humans and vampires, hoping to end the fighting between the races. He befriended Chloé d'Apchier during these efforts. However, an incident led to his disgrace: his students, Jeanne's adoptive parents, Éric and Louise, betrayed him and the rest of the vampire aristocracy to the humans. They were declared traitors to the race and brutally executed. His daughter turned a Bourreau to further atone, while Ruthven himself suffered irreparable damage to his right eye. Although no longer a teacher, he remained a political activist and was adopted into the family of Grand Duke Oriflamme, gaining close ties with the Queen and securing a seat in the Senate. He used these connections to negotiate a treaty that ended the War, facilitating the vampires' exodus to Altus.

In recent years, August has aligned himself with the Charlatan organization. This means he was a key figure in Naenia's spread of Malnomen, Dr. Moreau's inhumane experimentation on curse bearers, and the attempted murder of his own nephew Luca at the masquerade ball. His motives for doing all this remain unknown, though he poses a clear threat to Vanitas and Noah throughout the duo's journey to save as many curse bearers as they can.

He hates Vanitas.

August is an extremely tall, well-built man who appears to be middle-aged. He has pale skin and a broad, square face. His eyes are thin and exceptionally long, framed by thick eyebrows and a slightly aquiline nose. He displays some slightly non-human features, with somewhat pointed ears and sclera that appear to be the same yellow color as his irises. He has messy red hair that reaches halfway down his back, while no hair falls on his face, leaving a slight widow's peak. After the war, he began wearing a large black eyepatch over his right eye.
Ruthven's attire varies depending on his appearances. When not wearing his senator's uniform, he generally wears formal but not extravagant clothing, some combination of shirt, tie, long coat, gloves, and sometimes a hat. On one occasion, he carries a walking stick. His right ear is adorned with a cuff bearing two tassels.

Ruthven is a cold and calculating man who puts on a cheerful face to achieve his own goals. He prioritizes his unknown objectives above all else, meaning little is known about his true personality. Ruthven appears conscientious, cleaning up after the Marquis Machina's magic tricks. However, he also displays a ruthless side when questioned or threatened.

When he first met Chloé d'Apchier, Ruthven was genuinely cheerful and trusted both humans and vampires. He enjoyed being a teacher and wanted to end the unnecessary violence between humans and vampires as soon as possible. After being betrayed by his students, Ruthven became much colder and crueler. Sometime during or after this incident, Ruthven caught the attention of Naenia, who tormented him with visions and hallucinations.

He hates Vanitas.

Oath Manipulation (Blood Oath): His most distinctive and dangerous ability. By drinking the blood of another vampire, Ruthven can impose an "oath" that acts as an inescapable curse. This power allows him to:
Controlling actions: Forcing the victim to follow specific orders without being able to resist.
Alter memory: Suppress memories or induce prolonged sleep states (as he did with Jeanne for over 100 years).
Deprive of will: Subdue even strong vampires like Noah Archiviste after biting them.
Vampire Physical Abilities: As a high-ranking vampire, he possesses superhuman strength, speed, and stamina that far surpass those of humans and most common vampires.
Influence and Authority: It is not a physical power, but his status as a member of the Senate and the Queen's right-hand man grants him almost absolute political "power" over the vampire society in Altus Paris.
Strategic Intellect: He is a master manipulator who uses his charisma and rhetoric to mediate conflicts or instigate them according to his plans for "coexistence" between humans and vampires.
Unlike other characters who use weapons or elemental magic, Ruthven's power is insidious, based on absolute submission through the bond of blood.