Julian Amato

Julian's base sprite

Julian is a medium - also known as having a 6th Sense - and member of the Gifted Few. He is forced to participate in the Game of the Gifted at Espera's Keep alongside his fellow students.

## Appearance

Julian is tall and frail looking, with thin blonde hair and golden eyes. He appears very sickly at first glance, with dull, pale skin and dark shadows under his eyes. He wears a white shirt, a brown rough-spun tunic along with brown trousers, boots and a cape. Around his wrists and neck are thick, metal cuffs engraved with binding symbols in order to dampen his gift.

## Personality

Julian initially comes off as extremely timid, speaking in a soft, low voice and trying to avoid drawing too much attention to himself. His deeply religious upbringing led him to being constantly afraid of himself and his gift, believing it to be a satanic curse that will only end up hurting those he cares about. His mother strongly reinforced this by keeping Julian secluded for most of his life.

However, he still feels the need to please others and be as supportive a friend as he can be, likely coming from constantly trying to win his mother's approval. He endeavours to be kind and understanding to the best of his ability, though his fear of hurting others around him often holds him back.

In his brief moments of peace, Julian enjoys baking and other domestic tasks, particularly if he has someone with him for company. The simple distraction allows him to briefly forget about his situation and enjoy the peace of being with his friends.

## History

### Early Life

Julian initially lived with both his parents in a small, suburban neighbourhood. Both were deeply religious, and lived very conservative lifestyles even before Julian was born. However, once his gift manifested at the age of 3, his parents immediately saw it as a sign he was possessed by the devil. His father immediately abandoned them, while his mother decided to move deep into the countryside in a house so remote that they would be isolated from the rest of society. From that point, the two of them lived mostly self-sufficiently, growing their own vegetables and shopping only from farmers' markets in the closest villages.

Growing up, Julian had no memories of his father, only the stories his mother was willing to tell him. As a parent, she was both extremely protective and extremely critical of her son, blaming him for everything wrong with their lives while also acting as the only person who cares for him.

### The Prequels

Julian is baking break before he receives his summons, while his mother is out grocery shopping. She brings the letter home and chastises Julian for allowing himself to be "found". Julian immediately panics, desperately trying to convince his mother that he won't go to the Keep, though he knows full well he has no choice. His mother sends him to his room, asking him to pray for forgiveness.

### Game of the Gifted

#### Prologue

Julian is first introduced sitting with Malachi Linden by the patio of the Keep's rear grounds, and the two talk about Malachi's collection of stones. Kahia Rothwell approaches him and immediately makes things awkward by asking about Julian's gift, which he reluctantly tells her. He stays with Malachi until the group is called to the Great Hall.