Societal Allegory : The Filial - Religion

The Filial and the Radiant are opposites in many social attitudes and their systems of faith are no exception. The religion of the Radiant could be described as a veneration of scientific advancement and the code of ethics for proper research. On issues of morality it was largely silent, individuals left to their own devices and judgements. A judicial system was established, under the domain of Saroza, but for the most part, the rest of the gods were unconcerned with morality.

In contrast the belief system of the Filial is based on ideals of community and a continual striving by works and actions to reconcile the Repentant to harmony with Eleyon. I have a feeling that this sort of focus would result in a strict legal codex, akin to the lengthly compilation of Leviticus or Islamic Law. Some actions would be clearly delineated as sins, but as expected, unusual cases would spring to light. There would be a gradual inflation of specifications, exceptions and justifications as the Filial struggle to balance on the hairline between justice and mercy.

Some guidance would be provided by the intact moral compass of the Guardians. They would probably have had greater authority on all matters concerning righteousness and sin. Of course this would lead to disputes where some individuals of the fallen Repentant disagree with the final judgement of the elves. Fragment groups, splinters, schools of thought, doctrinal disputes.

Over the duration of two millennia, a key problem would reveal itself, the same problem that plagues our courts today. Simply put, no man can ever see into another's true heart. People may fulfill all ritual expectation and keep all the laws, but their hearts turn callous with pride in the process. The true attitude that was supposed to be the source of devotion to the law is lost. The external display supersedes the internal belief and the essence of obedience is lost.

The arrival of the physical aspect of Eleyon to Yevanis would have had a significant impact on religious development. He would have set many laws straight and given a lot of advice surely. I should really say more, but I'd be at risk of revealing as of yet unconfirmed plot details. All in all, since the Filial have a religion that fits I suppose, the conventional character of religion, it does not warrant much further explanation. It is a belief that good works and a willing heart can redeem the sin that lies within us all.