Vanadium Comics Presents:

Arkadi-Lamppost

By Staff Writer Tina Hayward

MÄRLÜK AND RETRI-BUTCHER CLASH WITH RENFIELDS IN BLOODY NIGHT BATTLE

City Officials Form Task Force to Take Down Minos Family

ARKADIUM — Last night, the streets of East Dagger Heights erupted into chaos as citizens reported a ferocious battle between two vigilantes and a pack of Renfields—ghoul-like enforcers of the supernatural underworld. Witnesses described a scene "straight out of a horror film" as Märlük, the masked martial artist of myth, fought alongside the brutal and enigmatic Retri-Butcher to repel a Renfield incursion near the old Koba rail yard.

"He moved like smoke—fast and quiet," said a shaken local business owner, referring to Märlük. "And that other guy... he was like a walking tank with a butcher’s cleaver. No mercy. Blood flew."

The Renfields, believed to be under the control of the Empusas and acting on orders from the shadowy Minos Family, have grown bolder in recent weeks. This marks the third attack in Arkadium in as many days—raising concerns of an all-out turf war among rival supernatural factions.

In response, Commissioner Rowland and veteran detective Hiroshi Miike announced the formation of a multi-agency task force focused exclusively on dismantling the Minos crime syndicate. “We’re done sitting back,” Rowland stated at a press briefing. “The Minos Family has corrupted our streets for too long—through fear, manipulation, and blood. That ends now.”

Meanwhile, two other vigilantes—Flash Foxy and the elusive Silent Adder—have reportedly turned their sights on the Sons of Crete, a violent gang with ties to ancient occult practices. Their crackdown has already disrupted several of the gang’s drug corridors in the South Slopes.

On the western front, Ben Ferguson, a local bouncer and vigilante known for wielding a spiked bat, has been seen single-handedly fending off Renfield scouts near the harbor district. Residents say his presence is the only thing keeping their neighborhoods safe. “Ben’s a beast,” one teenager told me. “He doesn’t run. He protects.”

Tensions continue to rise as Arkadium teeters on the brink of open supernatural warfare. Though City Hall publicly denounces vigilantes, many citizens believe these street warriors are the only thing standing between them and total darkness.

As always, the Lamppost will keep the lights on. Stay vigilant, Arkadium.

— Tina Hayward, Staff Writer

Tips? Eyewitness footage? Contact [email protected]