About The Arcane Foundry
The Arcane Foundry was built from a very specific vision, a space where dark fantasy, gothic horror, and dark academia all collide into something real and tangible. This isn’t just a shop or a studio, it’s a creative outpost where storytelling, craftsmanship, and atmosphere come together. If you’ve ever wanted to step into a world that feels a little more immersive, a little more mysterious, you’re in the right place.
The Man Behind The Arcane Foundry
My name is Daclaud Lee, and The Arcane Foundry is a direct extension of who I am and what I’ve been building toward for years. I’ve always been drawn to dark fantasy, gothic horror, grimdark and especially the kind of eldritch horrors you’d find in the works of H. P. Lovecraft.
I’m an avid 3D printing enthusiast, a miniature painter, and someone who spends a lot of time exploring scary stories, whether that’s through existing lore or creating my own. I consider myself a connoisseur of horror, not just the surface level stuff, but the deeper themes behind monsters, myths, and the unknown. If you want to see some of the stories and ideas I’ve worked on, you can explore them here: https://therealdaclaud.wordpress.com/
All of my interests stay rooted in creativity, discipline, and experimentation. I enjoy plant propagation, especially darker varieties like Black Diamond Crepe Myrtles and coral bells in black, silver, red, and toffee tones, along with blending my own teas and growing herbs.
I’m also deeply into Warhammer Fantasy, with Empire, Cathay, Orcs, Chaos, and Dwarfs as my top armies, though I appreciate the full spectrum of lore and aesthetic of all the models. On the physical side, I train with 40 lb weighted hikes as a form of endurance exercise, along with axe and knife throwing and modern firearms, all of which tie back into focus, control, and skill building.
- Favorite Books: The Black Company Series, Blood Meridian,
- Favorite Bands: Hollywood Undead, Depeche Mode, Bellamorte
- Favorite Movies: Kingdom of Heaven, The 9th Gate, From Hell, 8MM
- Favorite Anime: Berserk, Record of Lodoss War, Gungrave, Cowboy Bebop
- Favorite Season: Fall
Where It All Started: The Obsidian Lantern Society
Before The Arcane Foundry became a physical space, it started as a private group on Meetup in 2023 called The Obsidian Lantern Society. This was where everything began.
It was a smaller, more controlled environment where I hosted candle making sessions, miniature painting events, and haunted hikes throughout Columbus. It was experimental, but it worked. People showed up, they engaged, and it proved there was demand for something different.
While the original version of the group is now defunct, the spirit of it still exists. You can still join The Obsidian Lantern Society today through a candle or miniature subscription, where members receive a new themed candle or miniature each month tied to the same dark fantasy and horror concepts that built this brand.
From Concept to Location
At the end of 2025, I purchased the property at 723 S. Richardson Ave in Hilltop Columbus. The corner lot was a strategic decision.
As someone who balances a full-time job, rental properties, and this business, I needed a location that could support growth without limitations. Instead of renting the house out to a tenant like I normally do, I saw the location as a great place to host not only indoor events but eventually expand into outdoor experiences as well.
What The Arcane Foundry Is Becoming
Right now, The Arcane Foundry is focused on what built it in the first place:
- Candle making experiences
- Tabletop miniatures and paint sessions
- 3D printing for small scale creations
- Haunted hikes and ghost tours throughout Columbus
But the long-term vision goes further.
Expanding Into Outdoor Experiences
The property opens the door for future workshops and events like blacksmithing, axe and knife throwing, and woodworking. These aren’t just ideas, they are part of the roadmap.
Community Driven Creativity
Free outdoor movie nights, themed events, and immersive experiences are all part of what this space is becoming. The goal is to create something that feels less like a business and more like a hub for people who share the same interests.
Haunted Hikes and Ongoing Events
The haunted hikes never stopped. If anything, they’ve become a core part of what The Arcane Foundry represents.
These events take place throughout Columbus and focus on local legends, dark history, and immersive storytelling. If you want to experience that side of things, you can check out the ghost tours page and join an upcoming hike.
The Vision Moving Forward
The Arcane Foundry is still evolving. Every event, every product, and every experience builds on the last one.
This isn’t about scaling into something generic. It’s about building something intentional, something immersive, and something that stands out in a way most places don’t even try to.
If you’re into dark fantasy, horror, or just want to be part of something different, you’ll fit right in.
What Our Customers Are Saying
There’s something different about creating your own candle at The Arcane Foundry. It’s not just a product, it’s an experience. From fantasy-inspired builds to horror-themed creations, our customers come for the creativity and leave with something truly unique.