Arkadi-Lamppost Special Feature

Arkadi-Lamppost Special Feature

No Story is Too Dark

By Tina Hayward

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The War of the Ghouls: A City Under Siege

Arkadium’s nights have grown darker, and the shadows longer. Reports of gruesome attacks leave survivors shaken and fearful, whispering about horrors they barely survived. It seems the Renfields, once whispered to be a mere myth among Arkadium’s underground, have evolved. These ghoul-like creatures are shifting their bodies in terrifying ways—morphing the space between their ribs into blood-filled sacks and revealing proboscises from their tongues to extract blood from their victims. Adding to their menace, their tongues release a potent coagulant that ensures every drop of blood is theirs to slurp.

The Man in the Shadows

Amid these attacks, survivors have spoken of a mysterious figure watching from the darkness. Dubbed The Man in the Shadows, his intent remains unknown. Is he an ally or yet another predator preying on Arkadium’s most vulnerable? Authorities remain silent on his identity, fueling speculation among the city's citizens.

Vigilantes Rise: Silent Adder, Street Avenger, and... the Retri-Butcher?

The chaos has not gone unanswered. The enigmatic vigilantes Silent Adder and the Street Avenger continue their war against crime, each bringing their own brand of justice to the streets. Yet, another figure has emerged in Arkadium’s growing roster of masked warriors: the Retri-Butcher.

Little is known about this brutal new arrival. Survivors of Sons of Crete gang ambushes speak of a relentless force that leaves no trace of mercy. Witnesses describe the Retri-Butcher’s methods as surgical and chillingly efficient. Whether a friend or foe to the other vigilantes remains unclear, but one thing is certain: Arkadium’s criminals are feeling the heat.

The Sons of Crete: Unraveling the Chaos

As the Renfields feed, the Sons of Crete seize the opportunity to expand their territory. This criminal syndicate thrives on fear, leaving Commissioner Rowland scrambling to regain control of the city. Despite public condemnation of vigilante actions, it’s undeniable that these masked heroes (or antiheroes) have stalled the Sons’ progress.

Stay Vigilant, Arkadium

The city teeters on the brink. The question remains: can Arkadium survive its monsters, both human and supernatural? Silent Adder, Street Avenger, and Retri-Butcher may stand as the city’s last line of defense, but even their combined might may not be enough to stem the tide of chaos.

Thank you for staying tuned with Arkadi-Lamppost.

Until next time, Arkadium, stay in the light.

— Tina Hayward

Remember, Vanadium Comics—Stories Stronger Than Steel!