The troll/lusus relationship is very much a cultural exchange. The lusus bestows upon the troll the ways of the wild, provides them with services that help them survive in a wild and vicious world, and teaches them the advantages of being independent; in return, the troll bestows upon the lusus the ways of civilisation, provides it with services that help it survive in a civilised world, and teaches it the advantages of being able to depend on someone.

The Alternian empire is half the way it is because of the animals that make up 50% of its population.