infamous

Paper refers to the ability to control and manipulate every form of paper. The ability is first seen in Infamous: Second Son and is used by Celia Penderghast, the only known Conduit to have this ability.

Abilities

Paper manipulation is surprisingly versatile, allowing its user to effortlessly manipulate as well as assume the properties of paper. A Conduit of this kind can create pulp and stock out of only trace elements and shape it into any density and form that they see fit. While most other users, when using paper to create constructs, end up with rough, jagged results similar to ordinary folded paper, this Conduit is able to make their creations seamless appearing as if crafted from a single sheet rather than requiring multiple pieces bound together.Because they can generate and control pulp directly, the Conduit can adjust the size, thickness, and texture of each “sheet” at will. Pulp itself is fibrous and string-like in structure, which means the Conduit can tightly bind and weave it together with remarkable precision. This allows for the creation of constructs that are not only smoother and more refined but also stronger and more resilient than ordinary paper creations. With practice, the user could reinforce these bindings to rival wood, stone, or even metal in durability, while retaining the lightweight and flexible properties of paper when desired.

Using these abilities a Conduit can mold the paper with ease and fold it in ways that would normally require hundreds of pounds of mechanical force. Due to these folding techniques the paper can be made deceptively durable in contrast with paper’s generally perceived weakness. By doing this the Conduit can construct armor, projectiles and even animated constructs that have proven formidable in combat.

Whilst not obvious to most people, paper can make for a dangerous offensive strategy. With the Conduit’s control over paper, they are able to strengthen and sharpen its edges to the point that it can inflict deep cuts on flesh and even pierce concrete. In the case of Celia, she was able to use origami paper doves to inflict thousands of small cuts on a woman's face to mangle her features beyond recognition.

For less offensive needs the Conduit can temporarily transform themselves into their paper constructs, or simply adopt the lightness of paper to ride wind currents. This allows them to break up their body into smaller pieces of paper and move through the environment much faster and with far more versatility. A seemingly more advanced form of this ability lets the Conduit teleport from one location to another with only a collection of scrap paper left where they were stood.

Paper is also highly effective for restraint and control. The Conduit can coil or fold paper into ropes, chains, or cocoon-like bindings capable of immobilizing even powerful opponents. When reinforced with pulp fibers, these bindings can hold with a strength comparable to steel while remaining flexible enough to tighten and adapt around a struggling target.

In addition to direct combat, paper constructs can act as extensions of the Conduit’s senses. Thin sheets can be spread across surfaces as listening devices, while origami animals may be animated to scout ahead. By maintaining a subtle connection to these constructs, the Conduit can “see” or “feel” through them, granting them a form of distributed perception over an area filled with paper.

Due to its natural absorbency, paper can also be used for utility and elemental amplification. The Conduit may soak their constructs in flammable liquids to create incendiary weapons, absorb toxins to poison enemies, or layer sheets to dampen sound and vibration. Similarly, tightly packed pulp can disperse kinetic impact or even ground electrical attacks, giving the Conduit unique defensive options.

Scale manipulation further demonstrates the adaptability of this ability. A Conduit could create massive sheets to form walls, gliders, or even temporary shelters, while also producing micro-thin blades or needle-like projectiles for precise attacks. Whether on a small or large scale, their mastery of pulp control ensures that these creations maintain both durability and flexibility.

Finally, the versatility of paper lends itself to camouflage and deception. A skilled Conduit can flatten their body against surfaces, disguising themselves as wallpaper, books, or posters to blend into the environment. They can also generate paper clones and decoys, animated with enough realism to mislead enemies. In the chaos of battle, such trickery allows the user to strike from unexpected angles or vanish entirely into their surroundings.

Trivia