Julian Zielinski

* Pre-Calamity
* Close-up

> When I see initials carved into a tree with a heart I think it’s so romantic. Two lovers on a date... one of them carrying a knife for some reason.
>
> Julian talking to his brothers one day

Julian Zielinski is the adopted younger brother of Jacob Zielinski and John Zielinski. Julian has a distinct hatred for Jacob after the death of their father, and their rivalry only deepened over the years. The two have sense cut contact, and refuse to communicate with each other. This tragic event became a catalyst for animosity between Julian and Jacob, turning them into bitter enemies. The family dynamic is strained, with tension and resentment running high. Julian's feelings of betrayal and anger toward Jacob are palpable, creating a hostile atmosphere within the Zielinski household.

## Backstory

Julian was born into a small, impoverished Mexican family where he was born. Life was challenging, and his biological parents struggled to provide for their children. Due to the difficult circumstances, they made the heart-wrenching decision to put Julian up for adoption, hoping that he would have a chance at a better life. The Zielinski family, residing in a different region, adopted Julian into their home. At that time, the Zielinski's already had two sons, Jacob and John. The family had its struggles, especially with an abusive father figure. Jacob, the second oldest brother, bore the brunt of their father's aggression and violent tendencies. The household was marked by tension and fear due to the abuse inflicted upon Jacob.

However, Julian's arrival brought a shift in dynamics. The father, recognizing Julian as a potential replacement for Jacob, treated him with kindness and favoritism. This contrasted sharply with the harsh treatment Jacob continued to endure. Julian, unaware of the family's history and the mistreatment his adopted brother faced, grew up in a more favorable environment within the Zielinski household. As the years passed, the family dynamics took a tragic turn. Jacob, burdened by the weight of his father's abuse and the constant reminder of his replacement in Julian, found himself involved in a desperate act. During a grocery store robbery, the situation escalated, leading Jacob to make a fateful decision. In the heat of the moment, he shot and killed their abusive father.

This act of violence not only ended the cycle of abuse but also set the stage for the complicated and strained relationship between Jacob and Julian. The trauma of their shared past, coupled with the events leading to their father's death, created a deep-seated animosity between the adopted brothers, further complicating the already troubled Zielinski family history.

## Personality

Julian is characterized by a stoic and reserved personality, embodying traits of silence, sturdiness, and emotional unavailability. His reserved nature makes him someone who tends to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself, rarely expressing them outwardly. This is actually a coping mechanism developed over time, perhaps as a result of the challenges he faced in his early life and the subsequent complexities within the Zielinski family. The stoicism in Julian's demeanor means that he often appears calm, composed, and unflappable, even in the face of adversity. This emotional restraint stems from a desire to maintain control over his own emotions, possibly as a response to the unpredictable and tumultuous environment he experienced growing up.

Sturdiness is a key aspect of Julian's personality, suggesting a resilience and inner strength that allows him to endure difficulties without easily breaking down. This trait may have developed as a survival mechanism, enabling him to navigate the challenges of his past and cope with the adversities within his adopted family. The emotional unavailability in Julian's character suggests a reluctance or difficulty in forming deep emotional connections with others. It could be a result of past traumas or a defense mechanism to protect himself from potential hurt. This emotional distance may contribute to the strained relationship with his adopted brother, Jacob, as Julian may struggle to open up or connect on a more profound level.

## Abilities & Technology

### Abilities

#### Adaptability

Growing up in varied environments, from a struggling family in Mexico to adoption into the Zielinski family, has equipped Julian with the ability to adapt to different situations. He can navigate diverse social and cultural settings with ease.

#### Physical Endurance

Sturdiness in his personality translates into physical resilience. Julian possesses a robust physical constitution, making him capable of enduring challenging conditions and situations.

#### Multilingualism

Julian speaks two languages, Spanish and English.

#### Survival Instincts

The adversity he faced during his early years cultivated strong survival instincts in Julian. This includes quick thinking, resourcefulness, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

### Technology

To make up for his lack of innate supernatural powers, Julian has pieces of technology that grant him special abilities.

#### Graviton Boots

Boots equipped with graviton emitters that allow Julian to manipulate gravitational forces. This enables him to walk on walls, ceilings, or even float in mid-air, providing unparalleled mobility.

#### Adaptive Camouflage Suit

A high-tech suit that can dynamically change its color and texture to match the surroundings, rendering Julian practically invisible. This adaptive camouflage enhances his ability to infiltrate and move undetected.

## Weaknesses

### Human Limitations

Despite being powerful in his own right, Julian is still human, and has the weaknesses of any other human.

### Electromagnetic Pulses

EMP waves could disable Julian's tech, preventing him from using powers until they begin to work again.