CALIBOS

 Working with that as a starting point here is what I came up with as reinterpretation that blends his story with Caliban (who is often depicted as neanderthaloid) 

 There is a remnant population of Neanderthals on this world that have been steadily displaced by humanity. The only home they have left is an inhospitable marshland, even here they are still harried by human hunters and occasionally captured as slaves/curiosities. A female shaman of this tribe (who is far smarter than the rest) knows that this is the end of the road for her people. She begs the spirit world to send them a saviour great leader who will help them fight back against humanity and regain the territory they have lost. The shaman becomes pregnant (even though she is beyond childbearing years). She gives birth to Caliban. His appearance frightens the other Neanderthals, but the shaman insists that he is a gift from the spirit world and is the key to their survival.

 He grows rapidly and is at first a great benefit to the tribe. He is incredibly strong and tough and is an intellectual genius. He also has the ability to summon and control various unnatural creatures (like the giant vulture) Under his leadership they are able to push back against humanity and extract vengeance. They now extract tribute for several nearby human city states. For the first time in centuries the Neanderthals are thriving and their population is growing.

 Yet they have cause for concern. Caliban is cruel and sadistic. He is a rapacious hunter who kills animals for pleasure and enjoys causing them as much suffering as possible (something the Neanderthals find repulsive). He treats his people with barely concealed contempt and has begun to obsess over human material culture (he has become a connoisseur of fine clothing and jewellery) and he lusts for human females (particularly those of high lineage). He now wants to be a leader of humanity and would not hesitate to sacrifice his people if it enabled him to do so.

The Neanderthals are starting to serve him more out of fear than loyalty but are reluctant to give up what they have gained."

Thanks Tom for the commission and thank you all who follow my artwork. I hope you enjoy this new piece.
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