Possession

Lore & Background

The lore suggests that the Void permeates all living things, creating a bridge between souls. When Corvo Attano or Emily Kaldwin uses this power, they do not destroy the host's consciousness but rather overlay their own will upon it. This is most evident when possessing animals; the user retains human intelligence and awareness while navigating through the creature's instincts. The ability to possess humans has profound implications for the nature of identity in the Empire, raising questions about whether a soul can truly be separated from its vessel.

In Their Own Story

The fog rolled thick off the cold waters of the Drowned City as Corvo crouched atop a gargoyle. Below, two Whalers argued over a map, their voices muffled by the wind. He took a breath, closed his eyes, and felt the familiar tug of the Void. In an instant, the stone beneath him vanished, replaced by the frantic beating of tiny claws against wet wood. He was no longer Corvo; he was a rat scurrying through the grime. The world smelled of salt, rust, and fear. He darted under the table, his heart pounding in a chest too small to hold it, listening as the guards whispered their plans. They never saw him coming.

Reader's Guide

Possession is acquired early in the main campaign after receiving the Mark from the Outsider. It functions by targeting specific creatures within range; smaller animals like rats and seagulls are always available, while humans require a higher investment of Willpower or specific upgrades. Strategically, this power is essential for high-stealth playthroughs. Players can possess rats to bypass locked doors by triggering mechanisms from the inside or to scout enemy patrol routes without alerting them. Seagulls provide an aerial view of large courtyards and rooftops. Possessing humans allows for silent eavesdropping on critical plot information, though it cannot be used to force a host to attack others. Upgrades enhance the utility of this power significantly. Increasing Willpower extends the duration one can remain inside a host. Special upgrades allow for the possession of larger creatures, such as wolves or whales in specific missions, and enable the user to possess multiple humans simultaneously for mass surveillance. Mastery of Possession turns the environment itself into an ally.

Did You Know?

• Possessing a human enemy does not kill them; they remain unconscious while you inhabit their body.
• The ability to possess whales is unique to specific missions and requires significant Willpower investment.
• Rats can be used to trigger pressure plates and open locked doors from the outside by possessing them first.
• In Dishonored 2, Emily Kaldwin utilizes this power with similar mechanics but distinct visual flair.