1) Most of the information in the research facility focuses on technological advancement and on the history of the planets that were swallowed up by the Storm. Nadril citizens focus on not losing the knowledge of the worlds they come from and place a great deal of importance in recording the history of the lost stars. The information is recorded in digital archives, accessible by consoles and tablets, so yes, a higher technological level.
2 + 3) The previous refugees are all aliens from other worlds who have been swallowed by the Storm, and thus their history is broadly alien to reflect this. They came to El Nysa over the course of several centuries, saved by the Natha as the current group of refugees was, with Magda's refugee group arriving first. Magda worked tirelessly for the Natha for quite some time, but eventually, something soured Magda's relationship with Darma and he chose instead to move to the fledgling hamlet of Nadril, growing the city and using the Natha technology of the downed drop ships to shield the city from the Orbiters' sight.
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2 + 3) The previous refugees are all aliens from other worlds who have been swallowed by the Storm, and thus their history is broadly alien to reflect this. They came to El Nysa over the course of several centuries, saved by the Natha as the current group of refugees was, with Magda's refugee group arriving first. Magda worked tirelessly for the Natha for quite some time, but eventually, something soured Magda's relationship with Darma and he chose instead to move to the fledgling hamlet of Nadril, growing the city and using the Natha technology of the downed drop ships to shield the city from the Orbiters' sight.