Individual Character's full name: Julian Thadeus Grant
Alias/ Nickname/ Code name: Playboy, Casanova, The Spinner.
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Date of Birth: 02/09/1996
Birthplace/ Home/ Place of origin: Manhattan, New York, USA
Nationality: American
Ethnicity/ Cultural Heritage: Australian & Greek Heritage
AppearanceHair color and style: Julian’s hair is short, with slightly shorter sides than top, allowing him to style his fringe upwards.
Skin Tone: Fair, Caucasian
Eye Color: Light Grey
Height: 1.84 meters / 6 ft
Build: Athletic Mesomorph.
Visible mutation: Whenever Julian uses his ability to molecularly replicate the molecular structure of a touched object, his body’s appearance will drastically change. Whether this replication has occurred throughout the whole of his body, or just his arm, the molecular structure of the replicated object will be reflected in the changed appearance (ie: the affected area will reflect the colour, texture, material, and other physical attributes of the object replicated).
Scars/ Tattoos/ Piercings: N/A
Other features: N/A
Everyday clothing style: Julian does not believe that one can ever be over-dressed. Furthermore, he enjoys reflecting his status and wealth through his clothes, employing high-end attire at all times. Whether he is attending an event, partying, relaxing with his friends, or working at his company, Julian can be seen wearing black trousers and shoes, with a black or brown leather belt, and a dark blue or violet shirt tucked into his trousers. Colours may vary depending on his disposition and weather, sometimes opting for three-piece suits in the darker colour ranges.
Uniform: N/A
Sleepwear: If he is sleeping at his own residence, Julian will sleep in the nude. If he is sleeping elsewhere, then the mutant will endeavour to wear a pair of black boxers.
Miscellaneous clothing: N/A
CharacterPersonality:
The very core of Julian’s personality is his permanent desire to be in control. This need to be in control, joint with his understanding of the aspects that lead to how one is perceived, has led to the creation of an extremely manipulative creature. Julian will manipulate, persuade, or coerce others into committing deeds that they might not want to do, or that they strongly oppose, in order to meet his needs. He believes that the only important person in the entire universe is himself, with everyone else serving to satisfy him and his desires. Most of the times, he will be inconspicuous about it, but if he feels targeted, threatened, or as if facing a set-back, he will be upfront about his selfish intentions.
If one were to be asked to describe Julian, they would not hesitate in calling him the centre of attention. Is there an event happening this evening? Is it a popular, or exclusive event? Does it involve any form of mischief or debauchery that tethers on the brink between legality and illegality? You can expect Julian Grant to be attending this event and to be spearheading everyone into a psychedelic night (sometimes days) of animalistic enjoyment. Even when he is not attending such events, and is instead just relaxing with a couple of friends, Julian will inconspicuously ensure that he is the focal point of the gathering.
Julian is a man of passion. That can be interpreted in a variety of manners. Those whom like or admire him will describe him as ‘passionate’ and ‘full of zest and life’, whilst those that dislike his lifestyle will critique his passion and love for life, labelling him as a ‘hedonist’ who ‘craves attention’ and ‘objectifies others’. The mutant believes that both of those interpretations are entirely accurate; but, he would prefer it if others chose to view him through the former lens. If they do not, he will attempt to persuade them. Failing his attempts, he’ll disregard them entirely.
The mutant has an internal, automatic mechanism which helps him distinguish between set-backs and obstacles. Set-backs, Julian believes, are external forces that are actively working against you, or are working to prevent you from attaining your goals. They would not exist had they not been someone’s creation or intention. Obstacles, on the other hand, are natural occurrences, and are to be expected when attaining any goal whatsoever. Their existence is inherent. The distinction between the two is crucial to Julian, as he will meet the former with uncontrollable fury, which needs to be expressed prior to him overcoming it. However, obstacles are treated differently by Julian. He does not feel targeted, or under threat, so he has a calm and methodical approach, employing strategy and tactics into overcoming obstacles. He does not believe that the line between the two could ever be blurred.
Unfortunately, Julian’s bursts of anger are not always directed at the objects in his surroundings. Whilst he would much rather destroy every item around him whilst enraged, if someone enters his path or provokes him, he will unleash his wrath upon them in an animalistic manner instead. However, due to the legal ramifications involved in hitting another, he will always attempt to seclude himself prior to letting the rage take hold of him. If he is to hit another whilst enraged, he will stop after the first few blows.
Julian’s opinion on others can be held to be contentious, at best. Given his rough upbringing, he does not hold his father, or the concept of family itself, in high esteem (regardless of the fact he relies upon him on some matters). He believes family to be a burden and a crutch- things he could do without. Friends, especially the ‘best’ kind, are not especially important. It is vital that one can share their successes and (rare) failures with others, but forming strong attachments to those individuals can only leave one vulnerable and encumbered by other’s problems. He would rather have none of that, so he tries to keep his friends to a minimum. Romantic interests are treated in the same way as friends: disposable. Julian has yet to meet a woman whom he could say he loves. The mutant is satisfied with using those he believes to be attractive, prior to disposing of them once he has grown bored. Regular individuals, especially those of the lower socio-economic status, are to be disregarded and frowned upon, as they have not been sufficiently intellectual or persuasive to change their standing in society. Powerful individuals? They are to be respected, admired, and surpassed at all costs.
Despite being exposed to others’ opinion on mutants and the events surrounding them, Julian has reserved himself from forming an opinion on the species. Aside from not knowing any mutants, this is based upon Julian’s awareness that mutants are facing humanity and, regardless of their intentions, they are bound to contradict the interests of large, powerful corporations- whom have control over how aspects of society are perceived. Forming an opinion on mutants, without proper knowledge and whilst being influenced by corporations, would mean that he allowed himself to be controlled. He would never allow that.
Hobbies/ Interests: If one could make a hobby out of hedonistic activities, it would be Julian Thadeus Grant- and he has. Consuming large amounts of alcohol, attending parties, and being unhealthily promiscuous are only some of the many similarly-oriented hobbies that the mutant enjoys.
Job & Description: Owner and CEO of Scorched Earth Ltd. The company centres on re-branding, marketing, and influencing the perception surrounding companies, organisations, and individuals. Its motto is “Burning the past to improve the future”. Its clientele mainly consists of organisations, businesses, and political individuals within New York City, looking to improve their image and appeal to the public, but some of their clients reside in other states and even other countries.
Fears/ phobias/ concerns: Julian has a fear of failure. He believes that failure is something that happens to other people, not to himself- an attitude which has made him as successful as he currently is. Each setback (which is different to an obstacle in his mind) is magnified and interpreted as a sure sign of failure, leading to anger and anxiety. Only once those feelings have been expressed is he able to surpass this fear and approach the issue methodically. Julian also has a phobia of the ocean and anything residing within it (whilst it is in the ocean, unlike sea food). He believes it to be unnatural and dangerous.
Special talents: N/A
MoralityChaotic Neutral: Julian believes that in survival of the fittest; but he is aware that, in our current society, the fittest are those which can shape whom they are and how they are perceived. As such, he has a selfish attitude, looking out only for his own benefit. Whether it is building someone up, or tearing them down, Julian will do anything if he believes that it will ultimately benefit him.
MutationsMutation description: Molecular Replication
Julian’s mutation allows his body to replicate the molecular structure of the (solid) object touched, thereby replicating its features for a period of time, whilst striving to maintain his anthropomorphic traits. There are two possible states for him: the altered state (in which he has replicated the molecular structure of the touched object) and the original state (in which no molecular replication has occurred, having the molecular structure of a regular mutant).
Strengths:
Beneficial Properties: By replicating the molecular structure of another object, Julian benefits from the properties possessed by the other object. Aside from the Molecular Enhancement which takes place (detailed below), Julian may also be able to change the shape of his physical form (if allowed by the new molecular structure). Furthermore, if the object replicated is impervious to certain elements, those traits will be possessed by Julian in the altered state (ie: durability of metals).
Molecular Enhancement: As the replication of the molecular structure of another object takes place, Julian’s weight and density will inherently change (as well as shape in particular conditions). Depending on the new molecular structure, and its impact upon the aforementioned traits, Julian’s strength and speed might increase or decrease. (eg: replicating the molecular structure of steel might increase strength alongside increased density, but will reduce Julian’s speed due to the additional weight).
Regression to the Mean: Whenever Julian reverts back from his altered state, his body assumes the shape and properties it had prior to the molecular alteration. Minor damage and irregularities are effectively corrected. For this to take place, the damage suffered must have been minor (eg: dents, scratches, minor burns), and the alterations must be minimally different from his body in its original state (eg: minimally enlarged limbs, deformed facial features, etc).
Weaknesses and Limitations:
Detrimental Properties: Whilst molecular replication comes with benefits, the object replicated will inadvertently be weak against certain elements, or have certain unfortunate traits. Whilst in the altered state, Julian will possess those traits as well (eg: if the object is susceptible to fire, Julian will assume this trait in the altered state).
Molecular Enhancement: The changes to Julian’s strength and speed whilst in the altered state are limited. The maximum improvement is that those traits are doubled, with the minimum being that they are halved. This is calculated in relation to Julian’s general physical attributes whilst in his original state. Other limitations, such as size, weight, and density, are detailed below.
Regression to the Mean: In order for Julian’s body to assume the exact shape and properties it had prior to the molecular alteration, the damage and/or alteration must have been minimal. If the damage suffered whilst in the altered molecular state was extensive (eg: torn limbs, serious burns, deep cuts, holes, etc), his body will replicate said damage when reverting to its ordinary state. As such, any extensive damage suffered will be retained and interpreted in light of the ordinary human body. Similarly, if any alteration to Julian’s shape differs too much from the shape of his ordinary human body (eg: fewer/more limbs), the alteration will be interpreted in light of the ordinary human body.
The Law of Averages: If Julian’s palm touches multiple objects, the molecular structure which covers the most surface of his palm(s) will be molecularly replicated. He cannot choose otherwise, in favour of the second or third most present structure/object.
Type of Objects: Julian can only reproduce the molecular structure of solid objects, meaning that liquids and gaseous bodies cannot be replicated by his DNA. Materials which can alter their molecular structure (ie: changing from the solid, gaseous, or liquid state, to any of the other states) will only be molecularly replicated if they are in their solid form, and they will not change state whilst Julian is in the altered form. Furthermore, Julian cannot replicate the molecular structure of animal DNA, or the molecular structure that is the result of the X-Gene.
Amount of Objects: Molecular replication can only replicate the structure of one object at a time (whilst potentially maintaining the ordinary molecular structure in other areas), meaning that Julian cannot replicate multiple solid objects at one point in time- he would have to stop the replication of one object to initiate that of the other.
Size of Objects: In order for Julian to molecularly replicate the structure of another object, it must be at least 3 cm x 3 cm (1.1 inches x 1.1 inches)
Pain: Whilst in the altered state, Julian is not impervious to pain. The altered molecular structure might affect his pain threshold and the type of contact that will cause injury, but pain is an ever-present threat. If Julian’s physical shape alters whilst in the altered state, then dull aches will be felt until he will return to his original (ie: anthropomorphic) shape.
Range: Julian can only replicate the molecular structure of objects that he is touching with his palms. No other part of his body will trigger his mutation. The mutant is further limited by the fact that the object replicated is that which is making direct contact with his palms. Julian cannot choose to replicate the molecular structure of objects hiding underneath the surface which is being touched.
Size and Weight during the Altered State: Whilst in the altered state, Julian’s weight might change. The extent of this change is limited, with the maximum weight in the altered state being that of 110 kg, and the minimum weight that of 20 kg. Aside from forcefully shaping his physical form if his molecular structure allows it, Julian is confined to the anthropomorphic form he has in his original state.
Density during the Altered State: Whilst in the altered state, Julian’s density might change. This change cannot be extreme (ie: frail as glass or durable as a tank) but can be significant (ie: malleable shape or durable as steel).
Time: The molecular replication of the object touched progresses at an exponential rate. In total, it takes 14 seconds for the replication to occur in the following order: arm (4 seconds), lower body and legs (4 seconds), upper body, arm, and head (6 seconds). If both palms are used, then the time is halved. It takes Julian 56 seconds to return to his original molecular structure; the process occurs in the reverse order of the replication. This process cannot be sped up. Therefore, if Julian were to be stopped from replicating the material structure of the object at a peculiar time, he may be left uneven and vulnerable for a period of time. Furthermore, he must wait at least 5 minutes before replicating the molecular structure of another object.
Duration: Once the process has been completed, Julian will be able to retain the integrity of the molecular replication for 10 minutes, regardless of the type of object replicated and the extent of replication. During this period of time, he may choose to return to his original molecular structure, in which case the aforementioned process occurs. Whilst the process occurs, he is free of pain (unless events have occurred which would cause pain, such as serious damage) and free to move as he wishes. However, if he chooses to wait until those 10 minutes have elapsed, then he will remain paralyzed and in agony until the restoration has finished.
Amount of Molecular Replications per Day: Julian can only replicate the molecular structure of another object 6 separate times during one day. This is regardless of the type of object, extent of the replication, and the duration of the replication. After the sixth molecular replication, he must sleep for at least 6 hours in order to ‘reset the counter’.
Emotional Replication: If Julian is experiencing intense negative emotion, such as rage, then he might lose control of his molecular replication and automatically replicate the first object that either of his palms touches (subject to the other criteria being met). If this occurs, the speed at which the molecular replication happens is highly flexible and uncertain (ie: it might occur in a few seconds or in a minute).
Over-Usage: If emotional and situational circumstances dictate that Julian must prolong his altered state, he may be able to do so for a very short amount of time, at great cost to himself. During this prolonged period, he will be in extreme amounts of pain. Afterwards, he will automatically be rendered unconscious.
Physical AbilitiesGeneral Physical Capabilities:Julian is a physically active individual. In his quest for perfection and being adored by as many as possible, he works out frequently. This involves regular exercise, such as jogging and attending the gym, sprinkled with rare boxing training. Therefore, his strength, speed, reflexes and stamina are slightly better than that of the average individual. Julian’s stamina and flexibility is often increased- and required- during the proceedings which follow his romantic endeavours.
Fighting Style: Amateur Boxer
Fighting Style Pros/Cons:During his last two years in high school, Julian had reached his prime in terms of boxing. Since then, due to rare practice sessions, he no longer possesses as much skill in the martial art as he did before.
The main benefit of his fighting style is his ability to strike fast and hard with his fists. This can be aimed at the body or the head. His reflexes are also above that of the average individual, allowing him to block and counteract strikes at times.
Given the restrictive nature of boxing, Julian is only able to efficiently strike with his fists. Any other types of strikes, such as elbows or kicks, are bound to have the same (or lesser) effect as if they were delivered by the average individual.
Julian’s wrestling and grappling skills match that of the average individual.
History Of Your Character
Life tends to be difficult. For most, it is an uphill battle, having to make tough decisions in order to survive. For most, thirst and hunger are demons that lurk in the shadows; demons waiting to prey upon those vulnerable. For most, luxury is an unattainable dream, one which they will pursue until their eternal slumber. However, he was not most people. For him, life was not difficult. Not in the ordinary sense, at least.
It started as Hell. His mother, a radiant twenty-year old who brought joy to everyone she met, died giving birth to him. It appeared to have changed things, as the tales he heard of his father did not resemble the man that he had been raised by. Where the man he knew was calculated, cold, and unforgiving, the man in those stories was kind and compassionate. Julian sometimes wondered if he would have grown up any different- any better- if he had been raised by his parents, as they had been prior to his existence.
Even as a child, Julian did not believe his mother’s death to be his fault. Those things happened. It was unfortunate, but life was riddled with unexpected obstacles and set-backs. However, his father did not seem to agree. Whenever he would see Julian, he would see the spark of life and kindness that once shone bright inside his wife. To allow himself to heal, he had to extinguish that spark.
That was the reason why his father, the affluent Marcel Grant, had taken to training Julian ever since the age of three. The day after his birthday, Julian had been signed up to more than a dozen classes for him to learn and perfect a variety of skills. He had to be the best, no matter what. The classes and the ramifications of his father’s control persisted until high school when, as a rebellious teenager, Julian made it his life’s purpose not to succumb to his father’s wishes. Instead, he would be his own man, as he had always wanted.
He regained control by gaining popularity. No longer was he the ‘smartass’ or the ‘snob’ that other children had referred to him as in middle school. Julian Grant was the one that everyone loved. Throughout his life, he had observed the traits that made one popular, and he mimicked them until they became his own. A party animal, a rebel, an intellectual: that was who Julian had become.
Not a particular fan of the sports that the ‘jocks’ used to play, but wanting to attain high status with the ‘sporty crowd’, Julian decided to learn boxing. He practiced the sport frequently for the last two years of high school, and he made sure that everyone knew that. Nobody would dare challenge his authority.
Yet, high school does not last forever. Julian wished to pursue his dreams of attending college and studying business and marketing-related matters. However, he could not do so without the financial support of his father. The rebellious teenager had turned into a financially-sensitive man, who, whilst still very reckless, realised he needed financial backing if he were to get anywhere in life. He allowed his father to believe that he would be his marionette, keeping up the façade of an obedient boy, working for his father, whilst retaining his lifestyle in private. This allowed Julian to attend New York University.
University was uneventful during the day, with Julian attending lectures and seminars like any other good student, but chaotic at night, with the young Casanova partying as much and as hard as he could. There was no club in a ten-mile radius from campus that had not heard of Julian Grant, or that they had not served or kicked out at one point or another. The man was slowly becoming infamous. He was deemed to be a part of New York City’s rebellious socialites. He did not care for such labels, but he tried his best to keep word from reaching his father’s ears.
For a long while, he succeeded.
Nearing the end of his time at university, Julian began planning for the future. He wanted to be in control. He wanted to be his own boss. That much he knew. After ruminating on what he would love to do in the future, he realised that there was nothing in the world that he knew better than image. Everything about it: how it was formed, what factors shaped one’s image, and how a negative image could be remedied. As such, he convinced his father to become a major investor in his company, Scorched Earth Limited. The company aimed to deal with a variety of matters concerning image, but it mainly focused on changing the negative publicity surrounding one individual, collective, or corporation.
The first clients were of the political nature, provided by Marcel. They were both a test (as it seemed nothing could dig them out from their metaphorical holes) and the means to market himself. If Julian proved himself capable of shaping how the media perceived those individuals after their escapades, he would be allowed to keep the company and run as he wished- with his father resigning himself to the position of silent partner.
He succeeded; yet he felt as if his father was still present.
Julian pondered over those thoughts as he cusped the wine glass in his hand and allowed the ember liquid to swoosh gently. Both of his eyebrows rose lightly, realising the chronological nature of his thoughts. A mild chuckle escaped his lips as he brought the glass to his lips and allowed the rest of the wine to grace his being. It felt powerful, yet subtle and intricate. It reminded him of himself.
Out of the corner of his eye, he could spot the catch of the day, looking out the tall window. He assumed she enjoyed being able to look down at the entirety of the city, as if she were powerful and significant. He found that most people did.
She was exquisite, with long, slender legs and red hair that draped over her back graciously. The black dress she had worn to the gala that evening complimented her features. Julian could not stop himself from pursuing the lady, something that he did not now regret. He had won her heart, or at least her interest, for the evening. The CEO smirked to himself.
“Shall we move this party to the bedroom?” His smooth voice called out, as his left arm ceremoniously extended towards the open door. She did not hesitate to agree and venture into the lion’s den.
Julian placed the glass into the sink, allowing the water to wash over it for a few seconds. Suddenly, it happened. Something was wrong. His chest was tightening, his vision was growing dark. His hands were shaking. He coughed and thudded at his chest with his fist, as he leaned against the wooden counter. He hit and slammed until whatever had been caught in his throat had been swallowed down.
The man was about to find out that what he had become could not be repressed.
His left hand had been pressed against the wooden counter. An odd feeling caused him to glance towards it. What he saw shocked him to the core, causing him to wonder if he was having a nightmare. His hand was slowly turning into mahogany. It kept its shape and size, but the feeling and the visage before him were undeniable- his body was changing before him. He retracted his hand in horror, his right wrist wrapping around the left forearm, just before the elbow, where the mutation had stopped.
Julian Thadeus Grant had just lost control. Everything had been perfect- until it wasn’t anymore.
The newly discovered mutant dashed into the bedroom and made his way into the bathroom, locking the sturdy door behind him. He could hear the model asking him if he was alright as he was scrubbing at his wooden forearm, hoping that it would all wash away. Logic had been evidently thrown out the window.
“Yes. I’ll just… be out in a minute!” Julian shouted, trying to mask the horror that had engulfed his very being. He could not be a mutant. What would others think? What would his father think? What would happen to his image? What would happen to his life? These questions circled in his head as he slid towards the floor, leaning against the tiled wall as he did. His back leaned against it as he kept his hands at eye level. He was not going to touch anything else.
For ten minutes straight, his gaze did not leave his arm. As soon as the time elapsed, he felt dull aches at his very core, growing into sharp pains that spread throughout his body and conferred at his forearm. The pain was paralysing. Julian gasped for air as he saw the arm slowly revert back to what it once was.
A sigh of relief escaped his lungs. He did not even care that the front door had just been slammed. Another day, another catch, he thought.
The relief did not last longer than two minutes, for the cycle repeated. This time, his hand replicated the white tiles it had accidentally touched. The panic, anxiety, and paralysing pain followed before his body once more returned to normal.
For the following hours, he was careful not to touch anything beside his smartphone, which he used in order to anonymously post on medical and mutant-oriented boards. He wanted to know if there was anyone out there that could help him. Someone that could explain this to him, help relieve him of it or teach him to control it.
Hours passed with no response. As he was sleeping on the cold bathroom floor, palms pressed against his chest, his phone buzzed.
A reply.
RoleplayWhat’s your OOC alias?: Spike
Where did you learn about this site?: I was previously a member.
Do you have any other characters on MRO, if so who: Matthew Hughes (retiring character upon return)
Sample RP:Ta-dum. Ta-dum. Ta-dum.
The low sound echoed within the chambers of his skull, perforating his temples with each, slow beat. The pain was dull but powerful, spreading from the top of his nape to his forehead in an arc that covered the back and sides of his head. Once the veil of darkness had been removed and aching hands scrubbed at the eyes, confusion set in.
Julian was, for all intents and purposes, completely lost. Most of the memories concerning the previous evening had been lost in the abyss of music, alcohol, and dancing, with some resurfacing when prompted by the visual stimuli around him. The clothes splattered around pale-coloured bedroom floor reminded him of someone that was tall, slim, and somewhat attractive- he’d learned not to judge himself for mistakes made whilst inebriated. The items draped over the wooden dresser at the edge of the room, were his own. If only they had not been stained with… what appeared to be a variety of fluids. He was certainly not touching those.
He could still hear his heart beating.
Ta-dum. Ta-dum. Ta-dum.
Ah, it still hurt.
Even worse, he could hear the recognisable cacophony of New York City invading the bedroom through the ajar window: cars honking, people shouting, children playing. The smell was unbecoming; for a moment he feared he had ended up in Brooklyn, but he reminded himself that even his drunk self would not have made such a mistake. That place was deplorable.
“Why is everything so loud?” Julian Grant thought as he pressed his palms against his forehead for a few seconds, trying to quiet down the noise. Of course- it did not work.
“Why am I aching?” was the following thought but, as he looked around, he realised what the outcome of last night’s party most likely was. His neck cracked, which provided him a second of relief.
He exhaled deeply.
It took him a few nudges and grunts, but Julian escaped the avalanche of limbs which had pinned him to the floor. Everyone was either asleep, or awake enough to absent-mindedly dart glares towards the noise-maker.
The CEO darted towards his items, almost tripping once or twice in the sea of people which had found solace in the stability of the floor. He grabbed his phone and his wallet, the latter being strapped to his left wrist as soon as possible.
Of course, there was the issue of clothes, as the braggadocious man had decided to sleep in the nude. A smile formed as he looked at himself in the mirror, examining both his facial and physical features for a few moments. There was always time to admire yourself and your successes, Julian believed.
It did not take him more than two minutes to find a pair of clothes which fit him. They hadn’t been his before, but they were now. A black shirt with small circles staining the lower part of the back, a pair of dark blue trousers, and black leather shoes. They would do for now.
“Well, this was fun, but I must bid you all adieu!” the young adult exclaimed, a bit too loud even for himself (in his current state), as he took a ceremonious bow. He dialled a number on the phone and he left the residence.
“Antonio? I know you’re usually not open on Sundays, but how about making an exception?”
Love the new character. And your profile, it was delightfully long. <3