The scientific philosophy of the Filial is entirely unlike the manner in which the Radiant strive for advances. Instead of a focus on mechanics, computing and physics, the Filial directed their research into biochemistry, ecology and genetics. To me, this has come to symbolise the Älloran and Yevanian contrast between the two factions. It isn't that biology is inherently Yevanian while physics is inherently Älloran, that's not it at all. I am considering the attitudes they adopted as they pursued knowledge in these areas. The Älloran attitude of focusing on an idealised, visionary goal at the expense of understanding things around us is exemplified by the choice to focus on the heavens and light at the cost of neglecting the rest of creation.
The key point with Ällora is that he sets himself on a dream, and drives towards it with ambition, but doesn't take time to appreciate what he already has. Yevassë lives more from day to day, developing as necessary, and through that, achieves another species of societal progress. The society of the Filial is consequently one that is integrated into the mesh of its supporting environment. As much as properties are understood, they are linked to practical purpose. Problems that are encountered are viewed less as obstacles, but more as opportunities to identify new utility from a characteristic of nature; its just waiting for someone to find a way to channel that trait constructively.
Now this all certainly seems in line with the idea behind biomimicry, learning from nature. Nonetheless there is a distinction between Yevanian technology and our biomimetic devices. Our nature inspired designs are still artificial in their construction. The Filial have designed their directives into the organisms themselves, their designs are organically based and grown. Perhaps it would be useful to describe it as artificial selection for useful traits in plants and animals, but in more areas than simply agriculture and farming.
Most of the technology would have come from the Elves, instead of the Repentant. Elves, with their mastery over energy, would have been able to sense workings of living organisms in intricate detail. It is possible that they would be able to identify the functions of organic compounds much more easily than we have historically. Being in tune with the strong nuclear force would have revealed clusters of energy that were concentrated in the nuclei of atoms. Detecting nuclei would make the shapes, bonds and relationships between organic compounds apparent to an experienced magic user. Not to mention these living processes could be observed in real time, without having to dissect an organism or subject it to microscopic scrutiny. How much clearer their knowledge of the molecular processes of life would be compared to ours!
Based on this line of thinking, and the time frame of the story, the Elves would have ample opportunity to craft many organisms into specialised functions. I'm imagining water giver trees, that draw up water from the soil, purify it and secrete it into leaves grown into bowl like forms. Lamps based on bioluminescent bacteria in a symbiotic relationship with algae; light energy taken in during the day and released in a gentle glow at night. Trees that house silkworms that produce silk to be harvested, before using a final reserve for their own cocooned metamorphoses. Vines that grow into thin, strong and flexible ropes with interlocking carbon chains as their structural basis. Of course their crop varieties would be extremely well crafted as well, efficient in nutrition and yield.
The technology of the Filial may not have the raw power and exuberance of the Radiant technology, but it is a system built to last, sustainable and cohesive, ubiquitous but unassuming.
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