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[hider=Neanderthals]Neanderthal anatomy differed from modern humans in that they had a more robust build and distinctive morphological features, especially on the cranium, which gradually accumulated more derived aspects as it was described by Marcellin Boule, particularly in certain isolated geographic regions. These include shorter limb proportions, a wider, barrel-shaped rib cage, a reduced chin and, perhaps most notably, a large nose, which was much larger in both length and width, and started somewhat higher on the face, than in modern humans. Evidence suggests they were much stronger than modern humans, with particularly strong arms and hands, while they were comparable in height; based on 45 long bones from at most 14 males and 7 females, Neanderthal males averaged 164–168 cm (65–66 in) and females 152–156 cm (60–61 in) tall. Samples of 26 specimens in 2010 found an average weight of 77.6 kg (171 lb) for males and 66.4 kg (146 lb) for females. A 2007 genetic study suggested some Neanderthals may have had red hair and blond hair, along with a light skin tone.

A 2013 study of Neanderthal skulls suggests that their eyesight may have been better than that of modern humans, owing to larger eye sockets and larger areas of the brain devoted to vision. Neanderthals are known for their large cranial capacity, which at 1600 cm3 is larger on average than that of modern humans. One study has found that Neanderthal brains were more asymmetric than other hominid brains. In 2008, a group of scientists produced a study using three-dimensional computer-assisted reconstructions of Neanderthal infants based on fossils found in Russia and Syria. It indicated that Neanderthal and modern human brains were the same size at birth, but that by adulthood, the Neanderthal brain was larger than the modern human brain.[/hider]

[b]Tribe Name:[/b] First Men

[b]Demonym:[/b] Neanderthals 

[b]Population:[/b] 700

[b]Government Style:[/b] Anarchy - There is no central form of government (at the start of the RP, in any case), and authority stems from the heads of the scores of wandering familial groups of Neanderthals. However, these groups do tend to cooperate with each other, but any fall out is usually resolved through violent means on a local level. 

[b]Religious Beliefs:[/b] The Neanderthals are simple folk, with simple beliefs. Much of the world scares them, and they stray far from any attempts to really understand it. Instead, they look upon things like the Sun, the breeze, the stars, the moon, the ground, as something akin to Gods. They have no real traditional methods of worship, but they give all things respect, lest they tempt the wrath of whatever terrifying creator lies beyond their foundation. 

[b]Location on the Map:[/b] Start as scattered villages and hunter posts across the breadth of the island, but will later go on to form a territory. 

[b]History before the Collapse:[/b] The Neanderthals of The Exile are the last of a dying breed; the First Men. 

They walked the globe for half a million years, hunting and gathering their way through their short lives, and never remaining in one place long enough to create a true civilisation. Their culture remained almost the same, regardless of how far a tribe was from another, or where it was located. This lack of imagination, was perhaps their greatest downfall. 

As the Second Men came into being, the Neanderthals found themselves fighting a ten thousand year long war of survival against an enemy that knew only how to dominate all that it saw. Whilst humans were diverse in not only appearance, but in their methods, the Neanderthals were broadly stagnated. They failed to develop weapons strong enough to keep pace with their ever advancing cousins, and as the centuries passed, they were slowly driven from the major landmasses. 

That as until Zoog, the Last Elder, led his people across the great waters on a fleet of ships built from mud. The journey was perilous, and of the thousands that set sail, only a few dozen survived the voyage. They arrived at what is now known as The Exile, but to them as [i]Neanderthalis[/i]. 

Here they lived for centuries more in relative peace. Their simple lives of hunting and gathering restored. 

Until now...

[b]Survival Legend:[/b] Zoog, the Last Elder, was the Neanderthals' only ever known war chief. It was he who rallied his dying peoples, forced them to remain in one place, and spearheaded a rapid technological development to challenge the already victorious tides of humanity. 

Under his leadership, the Neanderthals made war on Humans. They sacked and pillaged several cities, destroyed a dozen armies, but were abruptly beaten and crushed during an especially fierce winter campaign. His forces broken, Zoog led the last of his kin on an epic retreat known as The Long Walk, where tens of thousands of Neanderthals made a hurried march to the nearest coast line. 

Once at their destination, Zoog led them in a tenacious defence against pursuing bands of human warriors. Meanwhile, his most trusted and brightest set about building hundreds upon hundreds of ships, made from wood and mud. These seafearing contraptions were adequate for shallow streams and rivers, but no match for a sea. 

Nearly all of Zoog's followers died on their seaborne journey, before reaching Neanderthalis (The Exile). With just a few dozen of their kin left, in the entire world, Zoog is said to have taken his own life out of guilt, by walking into the sea and not returning. His followers, confused and heartbroken, erected a giant stone slap on Neanderthalis' eastern shore, as a permanent tribute to their once mighty leader.

Far removed from mankind, the Neanderthals went about re-establishing their way of life, and have maintained it to the present day. 

[b]History Since:[/b] The Neanderthals have blossomed on the island, although not in the same way as a human might measure "blossomed". Their population has remained relatively stagnant, and they boast no real settlements to speak of. Instead, they travel the island hunting game and gathering herbs; enough to feed themselves, but not enough to trade. 

A few individuals arise to the challenge of becoming the next Elder from time to time, but they are always ultimately defeated by a union of groups who detest the idea of having a singular leader. 


[b]Other:[/b] Not sure yet; still deciding how to play this out, if I do get accepted. A smattering of minor characters, or a singular protagonist on a quest to unite his peoples.