Grognar the Barbarien's Questionnaire

Grognar the Barbarian, once a fearsome Viking warrior, found himself transported to a strange new world. He awoke in the dense forests of the United States, surrounded by towering trees and unfamiliar sounds. Far from the battles of his homeland, Grognar now lives in a rustic cabin he built deep in the woods, using his warrior’s instincts to hunt and survive. His only companion is his warhorse, a creature of the war like himself. He roams the woods, forever seeking answers to the mysterious magic that brought him here, always watching the stars for a sign of his way home, yet strangely drawn to this new land.

Grognar does not use money in his day-to-day life. Living in the forest, he relies on his knowledge of nature and his Mind Shield gift to protect himself and survive. He hunts, gathers, and trades what he can with nearby villagers or travelers, exchanging goods for services rather than currency. His needs are minimal, and he spends his time focusing on honing his mental abilities and maintaining his connection to the forest. Grognar values solitude and inner peace, prioritizing personal growth and spiritual well-being over material wealth. Money has little importance in his world or more this world consideringit isn't his.

The most defining event of Grognar’s life occurred when he was forcefully transported into the normal world, far removed from his original timeline and reality. This traumatic event shattered his understanding of existence, leaving him stranded in an unfamiliar world, stripped of the life he once knew. The disorientation and isolation he felt were overwhelming. The constant search for answers, combined with his inability to return home, twisted his perception of reality. It hardened him, making him more determined and ruthless in his pursuit of getting back. The event not only altered his world but also his soul, pushing him into an obsessive state where nothing else mattered but reclaiming his life.

Grognar's life has been marked by isolation, with only one notable individual crossing his path: the Interloper. This strange figure was encountered during Grognar’s time in Neo Genis, a realm of bizarre landscapes, including a vast pink desert. The Interloper is an unsettling being, constantly shifting between different forms and states, making it hard for Grognar to grasp their true nature. They speak in cryptic language, offering fragmented insights that feel disconnected from reality. Though their words often confuse Grognar, there is a strange sense that the Interloper holds knowledge of the forces that caused Grognar’s displacement. Despite their enigmatic behavior, Grognar finds himself drawn to this figure, unable to completely disregard the possibility that the Interloper could hold the key to returning him to his original world. This interaction, while unsettling, remains the most significant connection Grognar has, although he remains wary of the Interloper’s true motives still seeing him as a friend kinda....

Grognar’s childhood was typical for a Viking, shaped by the traditions and expectations of his culture. His father was the head of the village, a respected leader who set the tone for the community’s strength and unity. Grognar admired his father’s authority but also felt the weight of responsibility from a young age, knowing he was expected to uphold his family’s honor and legacy. His mother, on the other hand, played a central role in maintaining the household. She managed the children and ensured everything in the home was in order, teaching Grognar the values of discipline and resilience. While Grognar didn’t attend formal school, he was raised in a practical, hands-on environment, learning from the elders and participating in the daily life of the village. He fit in with the other children, though he often found himself more interested in the ways of warriors and leaders than the simpler tasks expected of his peers. His upbringing was one of duty, survival, and preparation for the life of a Viking warrior.

Grognar’s worst fear is the overwhelming guilt and horror of the countless innocent lives he has taken. His actions on the battlefield have scarred him, leaving him haunted by the brutal murders of hundreds of innocent people—women, children, the elderly. As a Viking warrior, Grognar was trained to fight without hesitation, but the toll of so many lives lost, often senselessly, weighs heavily on his soul. It’s not the violence itself that disturbs him most, but the realization that many of the people he killed were not his enemies; they were innocents caught in the crossfire of a larger, unforgiving world.

The fear of becoming a monster is something Grognar cannot shake. He fears that with every life he ends, a part of his humanity slips further away. While he remains focused on his ambition to return to his original world, he knows that the shadows of his past actions will forever linger, shaping his path forward. There’s a constant internal struggle, as the violence he committed continues to define him in ways he cannot escape. Grognar’s greatest fear is that the weight of these sins will consume him, turning him into something unrecognizable, a mere shell of the man he once was before the bloodshed.

Grognar’s biggest problem is figuring out how to return home to his original world and timeline, a challenge that seems as vast and insurmountable as the battles he once faced. This problem gnaws at him because it goes beyond physical survival or combat, requiring knowledge and abilities outside his warrior training. Grognar understands how to face down foes or withstand harsh conditions, but the path to returning home demands skills he never needed before. The strange new world around him offers no clear answers, only unfamiliar landscapes, and alien customs.

More than the technical difficulty, though, there’s an emotional toll. Home represents his family, his village, and the warrior's life he left behind. Every failed attempt or false lead is a painful reminder that he is stranded, cut off from everything he knew and loved. For a soldier who has always faced his problems head-on, this mystery tests Grognar’s patience and forces him to confront his limitations. Returning home is not just a matter of survival; it is a matter of reclaiming his lost identity and purpose.

A typical morning for Grognar starts before dawn in the dense quiet of the forest surrounding his makeshift cabin. As the first light filters through the trees, he rises, always alert and aware of his surroundings. His morning routine is shaped by survival and readiness rather than comfort. After a quick scan of the area around his cabin to ensure there are no immediate threats, he checks his axe and armor, ensuring they’re ready at a moment’s notice. These items are his closest companions, and he treats them with care and respect, knowing they may be all he has to defend himself.

He then gathers wood, builds a small fire, and warms himself while preparing a simple meal from whatever provisions he has on hand. Food is often basic—dried meat, nuts, and roots he’s gathered. As he eats, he mentally prepares for the day, reminding himself of his purpose: finding a way home. The forest might be calm, but Grognar’s mind is constantly searching for signs, paths, or insights that might bring him closer to his world. This morning ritual steadies him, allowing him to focus as he heads into another day of solitude and survival, determined yet uncertain in a strange world.

If Grognar needed to prepare for a special occasion, he would keep it simple and true to his roots. He’d wear his traditional Viking clothing—sturdy, functional, and well-worn, with no pretense of formality or elegance. The garments wouldn’t be particularly clean, but they would be meaningful to him, representing his identity and the culture he comes from.

Grognar’s preparations would be minimal and practical. He might spend a few moments brushing off the dust or mud, perhaps tightening the straps on his armor and making sure his axe is secure at his side. His beard and hair would likely remain untamed; as a warrior and a man of the wilderness, Grognar sees little need for fussing over appearances.

Getting ready would take no more than a few minutes. For Grognar, looking his best means showing up as he truly is—a warrior with a straightforward nature, unbothered by frills or embellishments.

For his next birthday, Grognar wouldn’t mark the day with celebration or fanfare; he’d keep it quiet and purposeful. He might spend the day alone, hunting and preparing a meal that feels fitting—a whole deer, roasted over a fire in the forest. Eating this meal alone, he’d reflect on his life, the journey that’s taken him far from home, and the purpose that still drives him forward.

As night falls, he’d turn to the gods for guidance. Though Grognar’s prayers would be brief and simple, his offerings would carry deep significance. He might carve a piece of wood or leave a portion of his meal as a tribute, hoping the gods will show him a path back to his world. This small ritual would be his way of reaffirming his connection to his origins, grounding himself in faith and tradition as he faces another year in an unfamiliar realm.

Grognar’s greatest regret is the innocent lives he took in the heat of battle. As a Viking warrior, he was raised to fight and survive, taught that strength and victory were paramount. But over time, he came to realize that some of those he’d slain were not enemies—just unfortunate souls caught in the path of war. This weighs heavily on him, a quiet sorrow he rarely speaks of but feels deeply.

Each innocent life he took is a memory he can’t escape, reminders of the toll of violence on both the victim and the warrior. For Grognar, this regret isn’t something he can resolve through combat or courage. Instead, he carries it as a silent burden, one he must confront on his journey to redemption. This sense of guilt is part of what fuels his desire to return home, to somehow find a path where he can restore the balance within himself and perhaps make amends.

In this setting, Gifts represent a blend of an individual's inherent potential and the transformative influence of Harbingers, powerful beings capable of shaping abilities to fit the unique demands of the contract-based universe. For many, the connection to a Harbinger amplifies latent abilities, evolving them in response to the world’s supernatural laws. In Grognar's case, this means that his skills as a Viking warrior—strength, resilience, and experience in battle—remain at the core of his abilities, rather than being replaced by some foreign power.

The Harbinger doesn’t grant Grognar arbitrary powers but instead "updates" his natural skills, making them adaptable to the shifting rules of his reality. This adaptation is essential, as the contract universe operates on a unique set of principles that even legendary figures struggle to survive without assistance. The Harbinger’s influence, therefore, works as a refinement, allowing Grognar to preserve his identity while enabling him to confront increasingly complex challenges. 

For Grognar, spirituality is deeply tied to his beliefs in Odin, Thor, the Valkyries, and the other figures of Norse mythology. His connection to these gods isn’t one of quiet prayer or ceremony but one of action, honor, and valor. The gods represent ideals that he seeks to embody: strength, courage, and loyalty in battle. In Grognar’s view, the gods are not just distant beings but forces that walk alongside warriors, guiding their actions and granting them the strength to face death without fear.

The Valkyries, for example, represent the ultimate reward—a warrior’s soul being chosen to enter Valhalla. Odin and Thor are symbols of wisdom and might, figures that Grognar respects for their relentless pursuit of strength and knowledge. To him, living by these ideals is a form of worship, and every battle is a way of honoring his beliefs. Grognar doesn’t need temples or rituals; his faith lives in his deeds and choices on the battlefield.

The events of the Contracts throw Grognar into a constant state of conflict with his understanding of the world. While he holds tightly to his Norse beliefs—clinging to the gods, the Valkyries, and the warrior’s path as unshakable truths—everything beyond that is a mystery he can’t quite grasp. The Contract-based universe operates with rules and powers he doesn’t understand, and they often contradict his traditional worldview. It’s as if he’s been thrust into a realm where everything familiar is twisted or obscured, leaving him uncertain about the nature of reality itself.

Driven by a warrior’s instinct to seek answers, Grognar searches for explanations. But what he uncovers is only confusing, filled with contradictions that make him question the order he once believed governed the world. Each discovery pushes him deeper into a fog of bewilderment, where logic seems as malleable as the universe itself. This search doesn’t break his spirit but leaves him frustrated, his faith in his gods acting as the last stable ground he can rely on amidst the chaos.

In the chaotic world of Contracts, Grognar stands as a man of singular purpose. His ambitions and experiences shape him as a solitary figure, one who rarely invests thought or care into the lives of other Contractors. For Grognar, the universe is a battlefield where survival, goals, and the harrowing nature of Contracts take precedence over camaraderie or personal connections. Yet, amidst this disinterest, there exists one exception—a Contractor named Magdalene Wheeler.  

Magdalene is a strange and compelling figure in Grognar’s eyes. To him, she embodies a duality that is both fascinating and fearsome. She is a mix of an intriguing woman and a terrifying witch, someone he both respects and fears. While Grognar prefers to rely on his own strength and determination, Magdalene’s presence challenges him in ways few others can. Their relationship, forged in the fires of shared missions, reveals an unusual blend of conflict, respect, and mutual effectiveness.  

The two have crossed paths during several Contracts, never more than four times. Each mission brought them success, but their second Contract together tested their dynamic to the extreme. During that encounter, Grognar found himself in possession of an item called the Mask of the Mad God, a relic that Magdalene desperately wanted. When Grognar refused to relinquish it without answers to his questions, Magdalene resorted to extreme measures. Using her magic, she made him paraplegic, skinned him alive, and took both his eyes, forcing him into compliance. This act left a lasting impression on Grognar—not just physically, but emotionally.  

Remarkably, Grognar views their relationship as having improved after this brutal confrontation. From his perspective, things became “really good” between them. This belief highlights Grognar's resilience and unique outlook on interpersonal dynamics. Despite the horrific ordeal, he admires Magdalene’s power and resolve, seeing her as someone who deserves both his fear and respect. For a warrior like Grognar, such traits are not only understood but valued.  

Grognar’s indifference to most Contractors contrasts sharply with his complex feelings for Magdalene. While other Contractors might fade into the background of his memory, Magdalene remains etched vividly in his mind. She is the exception in a life driven by purpose and the pursuit of returning to his original world and timeline. Whether their connection stems from admiration, fear, or some inexplicable bond, Magdalene Wheeler holds a unique place in Grognar’s journey.  

Ultimately, Grognar’s experiences with Magdalene reflect his broader philosophy: respect is earned through strength and willpower. In a universe governed by Contracts and chaos, his ability to navigate such relationships—however unconventional—underscores his tenacity and warrior spirit.

Grognar’s perfect room is a rugged, practical space reflecting his Viking heritage and warrior spirit. Built with solid wooden beams, its walls are lined with rough planks, warmed by a roaring fireplace. Animal pelts cover the floor, and iron sconces cast flickering light. The room is simple yet adorned with Viking symbols: shields, axes, a carved statue of Odin, and a banner bearing the Valknut above the hearth.  

A sturdy wooden chair by the fire, draped in bear fur, provides a resting spot, while a low, scarred table holds tools, a mug, and relics from his Contracts. His weapons and armor rest on a rack, alongside a small altar with offerings and runestones. A corner stores survival supplies and tokens from his journey. This room, a mix of sanctum and armory, is where Grognar finds solace, purpose, and connection to his gods and his past.

Grognar’s philosophy on fighting is simple, direct, and deeply rooted in his Viking heritage. To him, combat is not just a skill but a fundamental part of life—a way to prove strength, secure survival, and honor the gods. Every battle is sacred, an offering of strength and willpower, and a chance to shape his own destiny. Grognar believes in the importance of efficiency in combat. Overcomplicating things leads to unnecessary risk and failure. Whether wielding an axe or fighting with his bare hands, he values straightforward tactics, trusting his instincts and training to guide him through each fight.  

For Grognar, fighting is not about glory or cruelty but necessity. It is about defending what matters and achieving goals. He despises cowardice and hesitation, and respects those who fight with integrity, even if their methods differ. Fighting is a language he understands, a means of survival, and a way to express his identity. In Grognar’s world, a warrior’s strength is his greatest asset, and combat is the ultimate test of worth.

Grognar’s limits—his aversion to harming animals, betrayal, and sin—reflect his core beliefs and sense of honor. He holds a deep respect for nature, viewing animals as creatures of the earth that must be protected. His love for them stems from his Viking connection to the land and the belief that every being has a purpose. To harm an animal would feel like disrespecting the natural order, a violation of the very laws of life and death he follows.  

Betrayal is another line Grognar will not cross. His loyalty to those who earn his respect is unwavering. He views betrayal not just as a personal offense but as an affront to the warrior code. Those who deceive or turn against him lose his trust permanently.  

Sin, in Grognar's mind, is a breach of moral conduct—an act that goes against the codes of honor and justice he holds sacred. He cannot stomach actions that dishonor the gods or his ancestors.  

For Grognar to break these limits would take something truly extraordinary—perhaps an unimaginable betrayal by someone he cares for or a choice where survival itself forces him to violate his own principles. Even then, it would break him slowly, piece by piece, until his purpose and sense of self were shattered.

1. **"Night Witches" – Sabaton**  

   Grognar would admire the fearlessness of the Soviet aviators in this song. Their daring strikes and resourcefulness in impossible situations parallel his own cunning and tenacity during Contracts. The relentless pace of the track mirrors his approach to challenges, striking hard and fast with no mercy.  

2. **"Twilight of the Thunder God" – Amon Amarth**  

   This powerful anthem encapsulates Grognar’s Viking spirit and devotion to Norse mythology. Like Thor battling Jörmungandr, Grognar faces his own "world serpents" with ferocity and strength, always striving for victory.  

3. **"The Last Stand" – Sabaton**  

   Grognar’s life is a series of desperate stands against overwhelming odds, whether on the battlefield or in Contracts. This song reflects his undying will to fight until the end, no matter the cost. It resonates with his role as a survivor and a warrior.  

4. **"Hurt" – Johnny Cash**  

   A deeply introspective track, this song speaks to Grognar’s guilt over the innocent lives he’s taken. It represents the quiet moments where he reflects on his actions, questioning whether his relentless pursuit of his goal is worth the price.  

5. **"Valhalla" – Bathory**  

   Grognar’s connection to Norse mythology and his hope for redemption as a warrior make this song a perfect fit. It reflects his longing for an afterlife where his deeds are honored, despite his regrets.  

6. **"Through the Fire and Flames" – DragonForce**  

   This high-energy anthem captures Grognar’s unrelenting pursuit of his goal through every trial and hardship. It represents his resilience and determination to overcome anything in his way.  

7. **"Immigrant Song" – Led Zeppelin**  

   This classic track, with its Viking imagery and themes of conquest, perfectly embodies Grognar’s heritage and adventurous spirit. It’s a battle cry for his journey, filled with raw energy and a sense of destiny.  

Together, these tracks represent Grognar’s life as a Viking warrior turned Contract-bound fighter. They explore his pride in his heritage, his relentless determination, and the regrets that haunt him, creating a well-rounded portrait of his character.

Grognar's ambition is deeply tied to his sense of purpose, identity, and his ultimate longing to return home. As he gains power, his ambition will likely evolve in the following ways:  

### **Short-Term Evolution**  

Initially, Grognar's ambition is pure survival and adaptation. Being displaced in a world he doesn't fully understand, his focus is on mastering his circumstances and gaining enough power to navigate the Contracts effectively. He sees this as a necessary step toward achieving his ultimate goal: returning to his original timeline. His growing strength might also rekindle his warrior's pride, leading him to confront challenges head-on and seek out worthy adversaries, even if they aren't directly tied to his return.  

### **Mid-Term Evolution**  

As Grognar grows stronger, his ambition might shift from mere survival to actively seeking knowledge about the forces that pulled him from his timeline. The Contracts, the Harbinger, and the strange mechanics of his new existence would all become areas of interest, not out of curiosity, but because understanding them could be the key to escaping them. Grognar might become more ruthless, willing to make dangerous alliances or eliminate significant threats, as long as it brings him closer to home.  

### **Endgame: Retirement or the Inevitable End**  

Grognar doesn’t seek immortality or eternal glory. His version of retirement is either returning to his original timeline and embracing a quiet life—possibly living as a farmer or storyteller—or finding peace in death. If returning home proves impossible, Grognar will continue fighting until the inevitable end. His Viking nature would embrace this, considering a glorious death in battle a fitting conclusion to his story. However, if he does make it home, Grognar would likely never pick up a blade again, leaving behind the violence and chaos of his Contract-bound life.  

In essence, Grognar’s ambition will push him to keep going until he finds resolution—whether in victory or death. Only achieving his ultimate goal can truly allow him to rest.

Grognar despises those who abuse their strength, as he believes power is a sacred gift that demands responsibility and honor. This hatred stems from his own experiences as a warrior and his deep connection to his Norse values. Strength, in his worldview, is not just a physical attribute but a divine blessing, one granted by the gods to protect, defend, and conquer with integrity. For Grognar, abusing strength for selfish gain, cruelty, or to oppress the weak tarnishes its sacred nature and dishonors those who wield it properly. 

In his past, Grognar likely encountered leaders or warriors all kond of people with power who misused their power to exploit others, commit atrocities, or break the warrior’s code of honor. Such actions would have left a lasting mark on him, fueling his disdain for those who wield strength without purpose or respect. As someone who has spent his life battling for survival and upholding his sense of duty, Grognar finds it deeply offensive when power is used recklessly or maliciously. He believes it diminishes not only the abuser but also the value of strength itself, making it a hollow tool instead of a meaningful force. 

This hatred ties into his own moral struggle. While he has done many terrible things in pursuit of his goals, he has never harmed someone without any justification. Grognar has strict boundaries, refusing to harm the innocent or those who pose no threat. This self-imposed code is a reminder of his belief in wielding strength responsibly. 

The abuse of power is also a mirror for Grognar’s greatest fear: losing all control. He knows the weight of his own god given strength and the destruction it can cause. Seeing others abuse their power reminds him of what he could become if he ever lets his hatred or ambition fully  consume him.

Grognar doesn’t have any deep, dark or shameful secret that could consumes him, but there are certain aspects of his past he would rather not discuss openly. Chief among them is the terrible acts he committed during his time as a warrior. Though he understands that war demands brutality, he carries the weight of those actions and doesn’t see the value in sharing them. To him, those deeds are a part of his identity, but they are not something he is proud of or eager to relive. 

His reluctance to share isn’t due to shame or fear of judgment; it’s more practical and rooted in his stoic nature. Grognar believes that speaking of such things changes nothing and may even diminish him in the eyes of others. Ultimately, he lives his life openly, unburdened by any great secret, yet guarded when it comes to the darker aspects of his past.