Caliban

Caliban is a character in Sunwing. He is a mastiff bat who became stranded in the southern jungles after being captured by the humans. He is appointed as the new leader of the group of bats at Statue Haven after the former leader, Cassiel, is captured.

Appearance
Caliban is a mastiff bat, substantially larger than other northern bats. His fur is thick and dark, but he is thin and gaunt. He has large incisors and is described as having a face with a "savage look" to it. He has low-scooped ears and a long tail like that of a rat that extends past the end of his wing membrane. There is a large, partially healed scar on his belly where his explosive disc was attached.

Personality
Caliban is wise and stubborn. Appointed as the de facto leader of Statue Haven after Cassiel is captured, he looks up to his former leader and laments his absence, believing himself to be a "pale replacement". He speaks in a matter-of-fact tone of voice, remaining calm and welcoming, but still willing to put his foot down. He is protective of the other survivors at Statue Haven and tries to act in the best interests of the group as a whole.

Sunwing
Caliban meets Shade and Chinook while scanning the bombing site for any survivors. He scolds them for being so loud, warning about the various dangers in the jungle. He escorts them to Statue Haven and explains how the humans had captured both bats and owls to fly the bombs to the buildings, but that there were other survivors. When Shade and Chinook question why they have not gone back north, Caliban cites the threat of the owls and Vampyrum spectrum in the skies. He adds that there are still many bats with healing wounds, reasoning that no one will be left behind. He applies mushed up berries to Shade's wound while they talk. He reminisces about Cassiel, complimenting his bravery and resilience. He proclaims himself to be just a replacement and wistfully states that, if anyone could lead them back north, it would be Cassiel.

While out on a hunting trip, Shade notices Orestes on the horizon and approaches to speak to him. Caliban calls back to him, advising him to turn back, but quickly gives up and continues flying. After Orestes and Chinook are seized by the Vampyrum spectrum, Caliban chastises Shade for his recklessness.

Having escaped from the Vampyrum temple, Ishmael arrives at Statue Haven. Caliban requests Shade's help in carrying him inside and gives him some water to drink while he rests. He listens on as Ishmael recounts his experience as a prisoner in the temple. When Shade suggests going back to free the prisoners, Caliban shuts him down, reminding him that the journey north is only in a few days.

Shade tells Caliban about the message he received from Zephyr, but Caliban dismisses it, believing it to be a mix of auditory hallucination and wishful thinking. Ishmael joins the conversation and corroborates Zephyr's message, with Caliban brushing him off and urging him to keep resting. When a plan is put in motion for a rescue mission to the Vampyrum temple, Caliban again protests Ishmael's involvement, believing him to not be in any condition to be making such a journey. After realizing his concerns fall on deaf ears, Caliban relents and volunteers to accompany the group on their mission.

After the group arrives at the temple, Caliban is sent with Ariel to keep on the lookout for Vampyrum. When the prisoners are all released and chaos breaks out, Caliban retreats to the tunnel they came from, hollering at Shade to do the same. However, he still sticks around, and dives in with Ariel, Marina, and Chinook to save Shade from Goth. He carries Cassiel on his back and flies out of the temple, escorting him along with the other northern bats to Bridge City.

Etymology
Caliban is the name of an important character from William Shakespeare's play The Tempest. Caliban is the half-human, half-monster son of the witch Sycorax who becomes enslaved by the play's protagonist, Prospero.

Trivia

 * Caliban is the only mastiff bat in the series referred to by name.