John Arthur Evans (U-15)

John Arthur Evans is a knight and lieutenant in the Stellungian Army, hailing from House Evans in Stellung. Born into privilege, he was groomed as a promising heir and betrothed to Irmegard, the daughter of Lord Johann Lutterstitz, in a strategic alliance to unite the counties of Denderburg and Lutterstrom. However, tragedy struck when John was arrested for the murder of his wife, shattering their plans and sealing his fate.

Sentenced to exile, John was reassigned to the distant colony of Ghaba, where he found himself under the command of the incompetent Captain Friedrich Stauffenberg. Amidst a devastating famine that plagued the fort of Walstung, John and his fellow soldiers, weary and disillusioned, rose against Friedrich's leadership and abandoned him to his fate within the confines of the fort.

In the aftermath of his rebellion, John sought a new path and swore allegiance to Alastair Redsea, the enigmatic and powerful pirate king ruling over the treacherous waters of Dragon's Harbor. For a time, he found solace and purpose under Alastair's banner, but as their relationship soured and trust eroded, John suffered a brutal mutilation at the hands of the pirate king and was cast aside. Driven by an unyielding desire for vengeance against Alastair, John's quest for retribution led him to discover a mysterious portal that transported him into the ethereal realms of the Astral Lands. There, he served as the second-in-command to captain Alexander Trebek, honing his skills and plotting his triumphant return to confront and vanquish his nemesis.

With his heart aflame with a burning desire for justice, John Arthur Evans sets his sights on reemerging from the Astral Lands, ready to embark on a perilous journey that will bring him face-to-face with his greatest adversary, Alastair Redsea. Determined and driven, he will stop at nothing to fulfill his oath and claim the ultimate revenge he so fiercely seeks.

## Character

John Arthur Evans stands tall and imposing, his frame exuding strength and resilience. His brown hair, once vibrant, now bears the distinguished marks of age with scattered strands of gray. A meticulously groomed mustache and sideburns frame his weathered face, adding a touch of elegance to his rugged appearance. John's attire typically consists of the regulation red coat adorned with protective armor, mirroring the fashion sense of his trusted comrade, Lotharwulf. To further accentuate his enigmatic presence, he drapes a cape over his right side, discreetly concealing his arm and weapons.

After his fateful departure from Walstung, John made the decision to shed his heavy armor, opting to retain only his distinctive red coat, which serves as a symbol of his past allegiance. During the harrowing Red Fidelity Rite, he made a profound sacrifice, willingly sacrificing his right eye as an act of unwavering loyalty. A black leather patch now conceals the empty socket, a constant reminder of his commitment to a higher cause.

Emerging from his transformative journey in the Astral Lands, John underwent remarkable enhancements to compensate for the physical losses inflicted by Alastair Redsea. The missing eye was replaced with a gleaming mechanical counterpart, while his severed hands and leg were seamlessly replaced with advanced prosthetics. With these enhancements, he not only regained his mobility but also embraced a newfound sense of empowerment. Symbolizing his complete detachment from his previous life, John discarded the iconic red coat and embraced a new identity, donning a resolute green coat that signifies his rebirth and his unwavering determination to forge his own path.

John possesses a pragmatic and strategic mindset, complemented by his natural leadership qualities. His comrades hold him in high regard, viewing him as the epitome of a perfect leader, especially when compared to the ineptitude of Captain Friedrich. Leveraging his commanding presence and innate charisma, John deftly maneuvers those under his charge, utilizing their skills and loyalty to further his own objectives. With unwavering determination, he steadily marches towards his goals, leaving a trail of calculated success in his wake.

## History

### Background

John Arthur Evans was born in the picturesque town of Denderburg, nestled in the southern region of the Kingdom of Stellung. He hailed from House Evans, a noble lineage embroiled in an ongoing feud with the influential House Lutterstitz. Even in his youth, John rebelled against the predetermined path set for him, fiercely resisting the arranged marriage that his father had orchestrated between him and Lord Johann Lutterstitz's daughter, Irmegard. Determined to evade this fate, John devised countless schemes to escape the union.

Alas, as John and Irmegard reached the age of sixteen, the weight of societal expectations bore down upon them, forcibly binding them together in matrimony. Their union was marked by turbulent discord from its inception. Though initially attempting to fulfill his marital duties, John's resentment grew with each passing day. The couple's desire for a child to solidify their union remained unfulfilled. Frustrated and disenchanted with his domestic life, John made a momentous decision—he would enlist as an officer in the esteemed Stellungian army, seeking solace and a chance to forge his own destiny on the battlefields of the War of the Lions, which erupted several years later.

Amidst the chaos and camaraderie of war, John found respite from the chains of his familial obligations. The horrors of battle became his crucible, shaping him into a formidable warrior. His unwavering determination and skill garnered recognition, propelling him to the esteemed rank of lieutenant. Among his peers, John stood as a beacon of promise and leadership, admired for his strategic acumen and unwavering loyalty.

However, upon returning to his hometown, the shadows of the past enveloped John once more. The trials of war had left an indelible mark upon his psyche, and a newfound resolve simmered within him. In a chilling act devoid of remorse, he perpetrated a heinous crime—the brutal murder of his wife, Irmegard, whose lifeless remains he callously consigned to the depths of the sea. Yet, fate conspired against him, as whispers of his nefarious deed reached the ears of vigilant knights. Brought before a tribunal of military justice, John was swiftly convicted of his unspeakable act.

The punishment was both severe and damning. John Arthur Evans, once a respected knight and decorated officer, was cast into the abyss of exile. Sentenced to toil in the remote colony of Ghaba as part of a grueling colonization project, he found himself stripped of his military rank and condemned to the ignoble status of a fallen nobleman. From that moment onward, John would wander the lonely path of a disgraced knight, burdened by the weight of his heinous crime, forever condemned to a life of exile and remorse.

Upon his arrival in Ghaba, John quickly discovered that he would be placed under the command of Friedrich von Stauffenberg. John had heard numerous accounts of Friedrich's incompetence and ignorance, and he immediately recognized an opportunity to exploit this to his advantage. Utilizing his impressive array of titles and credentials, John portrayed himself as a highly esteemed envoy sent by the government of Stellung. Impressed by his supposed prestige, Friedrich appointed him as his second-in-command at the fort, a decision that sparked tension among the more experienced soldiers, particularly Wilhelm Hauff.

Leveraging his knowledge and experience gained during his time in Walstung, John swiftly endeavored to establish his reputation as a respected and capable leader among the soldiers. It didn't take long for his prowess to become evident, and he soon overshadowed Friedrich as a far superior captain. His strategic acumen and unwavering command earned him the respect and admiration of his comrades.

However, as misfortune would have it, the supply lines from Vergeltung abruptly ceased, leaving the fort on the brink of starvation. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, John implored Friedrich to consider plundering the nearby villages for provisions. Alas, Friedrich staunchly refused, clinging to his misguided principles. This conversation did not go unheard, as two soldiers, Harry and Jochen, happened to eavesdrop on their exchange. Driven by their own desperation and swayed by John's pragmatic reasoning, they took it upon themselves to carry out a daring plan: they would launch a covert operation to pillage the nearby Drallin Village in search of the sustenance their comrades desperately needed.

### Arcarea: The Legend of the Stormreavers

#### First Arc: The Tolling of the Bells

##### The Iron Captain (1x03)

Smallish Threat arrives in Walstung with a mission to gather information about the ruthless raids on the Drallin Village. Determined to uncover the truth, the group of heroes engages in conversations with the emaciated soldiers who reveal tales of a remarkable leader named John Arthur. The soldiers express their admiration for John, highlighting his superior leadership skills. Intrigued by these accounts, Wilhelm Hauff takes it upon himself to arrange a meeting between John and the heroes, creating an opportunity for a potential alliance.

##### The Warden at Mectitan (1x04)

Ivar Toogen successfully infiltrates Captain Friedrich's quarters and masterfully kidnaps him, skillfully evading detection from the vigilant Sir Roderick. With Friedrich securely held captive, the group seizes the moment to confront Sir Roderick, ultimately compelling him to surrender. In a display of justice, John presides over a concise yet impactful trial, holding Friedrich accountable for his role in the atrocities committed. Asserting his authority, John declares that he and his loyal men will return to Stellung, their homeland. Recognizing John's valor and capability, the soldiers unanimously appoint him as their new captain, acknowledging his exceptional leadership.

Eager to tie up loose ends, John endeavors to uncover the whereabouts of Drallin Village, which had been subjected to blackmail by Harry and Jochen. However, Kross adamantly refuses to disclose this crucial information, creating an intriguing obstacle for John and his newly formed alliance.

**-- Time between games --**

John and his soldiers set sail for Madan Alyaqa with the intention of securing a journey back to Stellung, but John had a different plan in mind. The newly appointed captain managed to persuade his men that Stellung had betrayed them by sending them to a cursed island, and returning would only reveal their weakness. The majority of the soldiers stood by their captain, pooling their resources to acquire a ship and steering towards Algae Bay.

Upon reaching the Dragon's Harbor, John humbled himself before the throne of Alastair Redsea, the notorious pirate king, and pledged his unwavering loyalty to the pirate. Alastair, seeking to test John's dedication, demanded that he undergo the Red Fidelity Rite, a ritual that required John to willingly sacrifice his right eye. Without hesitation, John willingly offered up his eye as a symbol of his commitment. With this act, John and his men were officially welcomed into the pirate ranks, granting them the freedom to plunder enemy vessels. Their primary targets were the supply ships arriving from Stellung and the ships belonging to Madan Alyaqa. These raids attracted the attention of the Merchant Princes, who sought to inform General Lotharwulf Greenblood about the situation. In response, Wakil Ashraf dispatched Kress to deliver the urgent message. However, Ivar intercepted and stole the letter, effectively preventing it from reaching its intended recipient.

#### Second Arc: High in the Clouds

##### Born amidst Salt and Foam (1x12)

Smallish Threat arrives at the harbor, confronting John Arthur for his misdeeds. John engages in a heated argument with them until Captain Alastair arrives on the scene. With Kross having accused John of betrayal, Alastair turns to the kobold for a fitting punishment. Kross demands John's hand, which is promptly severed. John is then imprisoned, and a pursuit ensues to capture his men. However, unbeknownst to John, Wilhelm Hauff secretly aids Smallish Threat in their escape from the harbor.

**-- Time between games --**

Following Alastair's return to the port, he discovered Wilhelm's betrayal and opted to punish the entire Stellung crew to maintain his standing among the other captains. Alastair issued a horrifying order for the men to be boiled alive, leaving John utterly horrified as he helplessly witnessed the atrocity. Subsequently, John endured torturous acts for Alastair's sadistic pleasure, losing his remaining hand and one of his legs. Finally, Alastair sentenced him to exile on a desolate island, condemning him to a slow and agonizing death.

Fortunately for John, an unstable portal to the Astral Lands existed on the deserted island. Driven by sheer desperation, John dragged himself towards the portal and painstakingly traversed it, eventually emerging in Ulthios, the infamous city of crime. There, he was discovered by Hans, a compassionate individual who healed his wounds and provided him with prosthetic hands and a new leg. Consumed by an unwavering thirst for vengeance against Alastair, John allied himself with Hans and joined Captain Alexander Trebek's crew, aiming to amass wealth and seek a means to defeat Alastair.

Over the course of several months, John gradually ascended to the position of second-in-command under Captain Trebek. Despite his inner longing to become a captain and possess the astral ship for himself, he found in Trebek a leader worthy of respect and chose to remain fiercely loyal to his newfound captain.

##### The Wandering Lobster (1x26)

Upon encountering Smallish Threat once again, this time in the Astral Lands, John makes the bold decision to establish a truce with them. He declares that their common enemy is Alastair and that they should join forces against him. Smallish Threat reluctantly agrees to the truce, but deep down, they remain skeptical of John's true intentions, never fully trusting him.

##### Eclipse (1x28)

On board the Wandering Lobster, John stands alongside Captain Alexander as Valissa and Lucy launch their attack on Smallish Threat. They attempt to provide aerial support to the heroes, but their efforts are swiftly thwarted when Lucy Yang unleashes a barrage of magical spears, shooting down their aircraft. The fate of John and Captain Alexander hangs in uncertainty as Smallish Threat departs from the Astral Lands.

## Appearances

### Arcarea: The Legend of the Stormreavers

* The Iron Captain (1x03)
* The Warden at Mectitan (1x04)
* Born amidst Salt and Foam (1x12)
* The Wandering Lobster (1x26)
* The Astral Muses (1x27)
* Eclipse (1x28)