Second Son is set seven years after the good ending of Infamous 2, in which Cole MacGrath activated the Ray Field Inhibitor (RFI) to destroy a conduit (super humans, named for their ability to channel powers) named John White, also known as the Beast. The explosion resulting from activating the RFI was originally thought to have killed all conduits across the globe, but it seems that some have survived. Fearing the abilities of the conduits after the destruction of Empire City and New Marais (in Infamous and Infamous 2, respectively), the Department of Unified Protection (DUP) is formed, and major cities across the United States are heavily monitored for conduit activity, whom the DUP have labeled collectively as bio-terrorists. The game is set inSeattle, Washington, and players control Delsin Rowe, a 24 year-old graffiti artist with no real direction in life. One day, Delsin witnesses a bus crash, and attempts to help; in the process, he comes in contact with a conduit, and his own dormant conduit abilities are awakened. While his power initially appears to control smoke, Sucker Punch has stated in interviews that Delsin's ability is actually to absorb the abilities of other conduits. With his new abilities, Delsin will dedicate himself to fighting back against the oppressive DUP.