Grigori's Questionnaire

1. What town or city do you live in? Why do you live there instead of anywhere else? Describe your home.

Link Answered after Contract 2, Monster Hunter: Island

Grigori's home is a concealed sanctum beneath the Vatican, a clandestine cloister where he and his fellow monster-hunting monks reside. The underground complex, hidden from the prying eyes of the world, serves as both a training ground and a repository for sacred artifacts. Carved from the same ancient stone that witnessed the rise of the Catholic Church, the cloister exudes an atmosphere of solemnity and secrecy. Grigori's spartan living quarters are adorned with religious symbols, scriptures, and maps of supernatural occurrences. Illuminated manuscripts recount the exploits of past monster hunters, inspiring him to carry on the clandestine tradition. The subdued flicker of candlelight in the subterranean passages mirrors the hidden struggles against the dark forces that threaten the Church.

2. How do you get your money right now? What do you spend it on?

Link Answered after Contract 2, Monster Hunter: Island

Grigiori gets a small peridium and allowance for day to day needs, but mostly relies on the church to pay his way when traveling or for any specific monster hunting needs. He tries to stay humble and modest and never asks for more then is absolutely required. He doesn't have or need a lot of money and any that he does have he usually spends on new supplies, food, or traveling to a destination for work. On the off chance that he would somehow come into a sum of money he would donate it back to the church or to a local orphanage. 

3. Describe your Ambition. What are you striving for? How far would you go to achieve this? Would you kill for it? How close to death would you come for it?

Link Answered after Contract 2, Monster Hunter: Island

Grigori's ambition is unwavering — to purge the world of the devil's minions and malevolent creatures that threaten the sanctity of the Catholic Church and humanity. Fueled by a sense of duty instilled during his upbringing in the cloister under the Vatican, he views himself as a guardian, a bulwark against supernatural darkness. Grigori's commitment knows no bounds; he is willing to traverse the thin line between life and death, facing perilous encounters and standing against formidable adversaries. The question of morality becomes blurred in the pursuit of his mission; he grapples with the ethical dilemma of taking a life to save many. His devotion to eradicating evil forces compels him to walk the precipice of mortality, risking his own life to ensure the safety of others and the integrity of the Church.

4. What was the most defining event of your life (before signing The Contract), and how did it change you?

Link Answered after Contract 2, Monster Hunter: Island

Prior to signing the contract grigoris most notable event was likely his upbringing and the training he received. The monks were cruel and often harmful to the children, many of them didn't survive. In addition to the harsh and hazardous physical training the acolytes were also subjected to a number of biblical curses and magics placed upon them to help them further the church's research and pursuits into understanding the power that they border on the edge of. Grigori went through obstacle courses filled with deadly traps and knives. Fought vicious monsters from the age of 8, was cursed to remain unnoticed, and made to be unable to speak against the church all before his 15th birthday. He's had a long carrier of enforcement for the church and in finding and hunting monsters. 

5. Name and briefly describe three people in your life. One must be the person you are closest to.

Link Answered after Contract 2, Monster Hunter: Island
  1. Father Ignatius: Grigori's mentor, Father Ignatius, is a stern and unyielding figure within the cloister. His eyes, sharp as the blade Grigori wields, reflect a lifetime of uncompromising devotion to the Church's cause. Father Ignatius' training methods are harsh and unforgiving, pushing Grigori to the limits of physical and mental endurance. He sees sentimentality as a weakness, advocating for a ruthless approach in the pursuit of eliminating supernatural threats. The scars on Grigori's body are not only from battles but also from the demanding expectations set by this austere mentor. Ignatius was the one who cursed grigori. 

  2. Brother Alessandro: Once a formidable force in the cloister, Brother Alessandro's fate took a dark turn when he suffered a grievous injury during a harrowing encounter with a monstrous adversary. The scars on his body, both physical and emotional, serve as a constant reminder of his fall from grace in the world of monster hunting. Now rendered unable to participate in the perilous missions, Alessandro has become bitter and resentful, his competitive spirit turning into a festering resentment towards those who continue to wield weapons in the Church's name. Forced to watch from the sidelines, he nurses a deep-seated grudge, casting a shadow over his interactions with Grigori and the other monks who can still partake in the hunt.

  3. Brother Lucius, a healer within the cloister, maintains a reserved and solemn demeanor. While not overtly hostile, there is a subtle distance in his interactions with Grigori and the other monks. Lucius, having faced personal challenges that altered his perspective, carries a weight of disappointment that colors his approach. His once nurturing disposition has shifted into a more guarded state, and he now keeps a certain emotional distance from others. Though not openly antagonistic, Lucius's aura of introspection adds a layer of complexity to the dynamics within the cloister. Despite the change in tone, he remains committed to the cause.

6. How was your childhood? Who were your parents? What were they like? Did you attend school? If so, did you fit in? If not, why not?

Link Answered after Contract 2, Monster Hunter: Island

Grigori's childhood unfolded in the shadows, a tapestry woven with intentional curses, the loss of friends, and formidable challenges. Stolen from an unwed mother, his origins were obscured by the clandestine practices of the Catholic Church. The monks beneath the Vatican intentionally cursed him as a child, rendering him unnoticed by society.

Raised in the cloister, Grigori witnessed the demise of childhood companions in the grueling pursuit of monster-hunting skills. The echoes of their struggles and sacrifices lingered in the stone corridors. His education, far from conventional schooling, involved overcoming deadly challenges set by the monks. Each trial, a test of physical and mental fortitude, aimed to mold him into a formidable force against supernatural adversaries. Fitting in was never a consideration; survival and mastery over the occult were the primary objectives in Grigori's upbringing beneath the watchful eyes of the Church. 

He was also taught that any kind of new technology is an aberration and against the will of god. 

7. Have you ever been in love? With who? What happened? If not, why not?

Link Answered after Contract 2, Monster Hunter: Island

Grigoris life has been one dedicated to his craft and he spent his upbringing surrounded by monks. The monastic traditions run deep and from a young age he was taught to eschew any feelings of love or desire except for the lord. Any love other then that was to be quashed down and stifled before it could take root for fear of leading to a deviation of duty and a straying from the church. A constant recommitment to the Lord and to duty is what keeps grigoris head clear from erstwhile things like love and adoration for others. That and self flagellation, that helps focus his mind. 

8. What are your worst fears? Why?

Link Answered after Contract 2, Monster Hunter: Island

Grigori's deepest fear is shrouded in the persistent shadows that haunt his vocation—the dread that he might meet his demise before fulfilling the sacred mission entrusted to him. The weight of responsibility he bears, passed down through the ages by the line of monster-hunting monks, presses heavily on his shoulders. The relentless pursuit of cleansing the world from the devil's minions is not merely a duty but a divine calling, an imperative woven into the fabric of his existence.

The prospect of an untimely death strikes at the core of Grigori's purpose, casting a long, ominous shadow over his every step. The fear is not rooted in personal preservation but in the unquenchable desire to see God's will fulfilled on Earth, to witness the eradication of supernatural darkness that threatens the sanctity of the Catholic Church and humanity. His nightmares are not of personal torment or physical harm but of a world left incomplete, a battleground where the forces of evil persist in the absence of his vigilant watch.

For Grigori, the fear of an unfinished mission lingers like a specter, pushing him to the edge of his abilities and resolve. It is a fear that propels him forward, even in the face of peril, as he endeavors to leave a legacy of triumph over the infernal forces that would dare to challenge the divine order.

9. What is (are) your most prized possession(s)? What makes it (them) so special?

Link Answered after Contract 2, Monster Hunter: Island

Grigori's most prized possession is Caliburn, a holy greatsword earned after his inaugural contract as a monster hunter. This revitalized weapon isn't merely a tool but a tangible link to his divine purpose. Consecrated through ancient rituals, Caliburn symbolizes the culmination of Grigori's training and the victories won in the Church's name. Beyond its practicality in combating supernatural threats, the sword serves as a spiritual anchor, a constant reminder of his commitment and the sacrifices endured in the cloister's training. Caliburn isn't just a weapon; it's a sacred artifact, resonating with divine energy, embodying Grigori's faith, and standing as a steadfast companion in his solitary battles against the encroaching darkness.

Though it originally started as a normal greatsword grigori was told that through devotion and constant re-enforcement of the ancient blessings inside the sword it would eventually be able to be powerful again. Grigori was able to accomplish this after his first contract which has spured him onward to continue going on jobs to revitalize other long dead historical relics. 

10. What is the biggest problem in your life right now?

Link Answered after Contract 3, The High Cost of Living

Grigori's current struggle centers around the inherent unpredictability of his monster-hunting missions. Each job presents a unique and unknown challenge, leaving him unprepared for the specific threats he might encounter. The absence of consistent information about the adversaries ahead makes each mission a high-stakes endeavor, demanding adaptability and quick thinking.

This ongoing issue puts a strain on both Grigori's combat skills and his strategic approach. The dynamic nature of the supernatural threats means that he must continuously evolve his techniques and adjust his plans on the fly. It's akin to entering a battlefield without a clear understanding of the enemy's capabilities. Grigori's challenge lies in finding a delicate balance between being adequately prepared for the broad spectrum of potential threats and dealing with the unexpected curveballs that each mission throws at him. Navigating this fine line becomes crucial in his relentless pursuit to rid the world of the devil's minions, as he grapples with the ever-present element of uncertainty.

11. Describe a typical morning. How do you get ready to face the world?

Link Answered after Contract 3, The High Cost of Living

Grigori generally starts his mornings with an hour of quite prayer while doing a basic physical fitness routine. Afterwards he will eat what ever the breakfast provided by the abbots is. Following that he will start on any jobs that are required of him most communal chores to keep the underground running efficiently. Finally he will polish, sharpen or repair any weapons and equipment he has. Then he would wash himself with a simple bucket and sponge and soap and finally dress for the day with his layer of leather harnesses and then the Cossack on top. The clothing has grown to be a bit constrictive to grigori recently so he might seek to get his clothing tailored to fit his new size a bit more naturally. This is a minor inconvenience though and something that can be remedied when there is less going on. With his clothing and weaponry in place he would be ready for the day and to face the world. 

12. If you were going somewhere special that you wanted to look your best for, what would you do to prepare? What would you wear? How long would it take you to get ready?

Link Answered after Contract 4, Frozen Birdcage

Preparing for a special occasion involves a meticulous routine for Grigori. First, he would dedicate time to sharpening Caliburn, ensuring the holy greatsword gleams with divine potency. The ritualistic cleansing of his monastic robes follows, a symbolic act representing purification for his sacred calling. He meticulously brushes away the dust of his arduous battles, allowing the fabric to regain its sanctified luster.

As he readies himself, Grigori would adorn his attire with subtle religious insignias, a silent proclamation of his allegiance to the Church's cause. The careful selection of these garments speaks to his commitment and connection to his mission. After the physical preparations, he spends a few moments in silent prayer, seeking divine guidance for the challenges that lie ahead.

While Grigori is accustomed to the Spartan lifestyle of the cloister, the process takes a deliberate amount of time. The preparation, both physical and spiritual, serves not only to enhance his appearance but also to reaffirm his dedication to the relentless pursuit of eradicating the devil's minions. The act of getting ready becomes a ceremonial affirmation of his purpose before stepping into the shadows once again.

 

He would conclude by writing several hand written prayers on old parchment with a quill pen. Roll them up and seal them with a simple twine tie and secret them into his pouches under his cassock. 

13. What will you do for your next birthday?

Link Answered after Contract 4, Frozen Birdcage

Grigori doesn't actually know when his birthday is and has never celebrated it. He estimates his age to be around 38-40 but isn't sure exactly. His childhood was mostly shrouded in mystery and the parts that he remembers prove difficult to think about for too long a period of time. He doesn't seek material goods or comfort he only seeks to be of service to the Church and to his God. Any distractions from that path or course should be thought of in a negative light and avoided whenever possible. So in likely hood he will spend the day sharpening weapons, doing chores, exercising, or on a job of some kind. 

14. What is your greatest regret?

Link Answered after Contract 5, The Thomas Clown Affair

Grigori's profound regret is etched in the memory of a little girl he couldn't save from a werewolf attack. The image of her terrified face and the sound of her screams haunt him relentlessly. He blames himself for not acting swiftly enough, knowing that her fate was sealed the moment she was bitten. The weight of this failure presses heavily on his conscience, a reminder of the fragility of life and the harsh realities of his calling.

Despite his best efforts to protect the innocent, Grigori couldn't prevent her tragic fate. The knowledge that she would have faced execution due to her condition adds an additional layer of sorrow to his regret. It fuels his determination to fight against the darkness that threatens the world, driving him to push himself harder in his mission to save others from similar fates. The memory of the girl serves as a somber reminder of the high stakes in his battle against the supernatural, compelling him to confront the darkness with unwavering resolve and determination.

15. What is the nature of your Gifts? Are they inherent potential? Do harbingers just grant your wishes?

Link Answered after Contract 5, The Thomas Clown Affair

Grigori's abilities are intertwined with the holy relics he possesses, each imbued with divine power through revitalization. His greatsword, Caliburn, once a relic of the past, has been revitalized to serve as a potent weapon against supernatural threats. The Samson hair, bestowed with renewed vitality, grants him strength and resilience beyond mortal limits. Similarly, the shoes of Job, revitalized to their former glory, bestow upon him agility and swiftness in his battles against darkness.

These relics are not merely objects of power; they represent a connection to the divine, a conduit through which Grigori channels his faith and determination. While inherent potential may exist within him, it is through these relics that his abilities are magnified and honed to their fullest extent. Harbingers may play a role in facilitating the revitalization process, but ultimately, it is Grigori's unwavering faith and dedication that breathe new life into these sacred artifacts, empowering him to confront the forces of evil with righteous fury.

16. How do you feel about spirituality? Are you religious? What do you believe?

Link Answered after Contract 6, The Bet 1

Grigori's life is deeply intertwined with spirituality and religion, defining his very existence. Raised by monks under the Vatican, his upbringing was steeped in the teachings of the Catholic Church. This environment nurtured a profound sense of faith within him, shaping his beliefs and guiding his actions. Grigori is undeniably religious, adhering strictly to the doctrines and rituals of his faith.

He believes in the divine mission entrusted to him by God, viewing his role as a monster hunter as a sacred duty. His encounters with supernatural entities only strengthen his belief in the spiritual realm and the eternal struggle between good and evil. For Grigori, spirituality is not just a concept but a living, breathing force that guides his every decision. He sees his holy relics—Caliburn, the Samson hair, and the shoes of Job—as tangible manifestations of divine will, empowering him to combat the forces of darkness.

Grigori's spirituality is also deeply personal. He engages in regular prayer, seeking guidance and strength from God. His faith provides him with a sense of purpose and direction, driving him to continue his relentless fight against evil. In his heart, he believes that through his actions, he can help restore balance and peace to the world, fulfilling God's will.

17. How do the events of the Contracts conflict with your worldview? How do you react when everything you thought was true is put in doubt?

Link Answered after Contract 6, The Bet 1

The events of the Contracts often challenge Grigori's steadfast worldview, shaking the very foundation of his beliefs. Raised in the cloister beneath the Vatican, his faith and understanding of the world are deeply rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church. Each mission, or "Contract," exposes him to the complexities and ambiguities of the supernatural realm, sometimes revealing truths that conflict with the black-and-white morality he was taught.

When faced with situations that blur the lines between good and evil, Grigori grapples with intense internal conflict. The realization that not all creatures labeled as "monsters" are inherently evil forces him to reconsider his approach. Encountering beings that defy his expectations challenges his perception of divine will and the nature of sin and redemption. This turmoil is further compounded when he confronts evidence suggesting that the Church itself may harbor secrets and agendas that conflict with its holy mission.

Grigori's initial reaction to these doubts is one of resistance and denial. His faith has been his anchor, and questioning it feels like betrayal. However, his unwavering dedication to truth and justice compels him to seek answers, even if they lead him down uncomfortable paths. Through introspection and prayer, Grigori attempts to reconcile these conflicts, striving to adapt his worldview without abandoning his core principles. This journey of doubt and discovery ultimately strengthens his faith, making him a more discerning and compassionate warrior in his quest to rid the world of the devil's minions.