All this Cython discussion got me thinking.
I believe after recruiting Light and then Jade Colleges we should attempt to recruit Cython, which Boney confirmed is via "[ ] Attempt to bring a non-Order magical tradition into the Waystone Project (specify which)" action.
First, why?
Cython lived at the lei-line lined archipelago where the Arabyan Colleges equivalents are now, and then chose to live at the Karak Eight Peaks, which is a Waystone nexus, and then keenly felt Karak Eight Peaks Waystones reconnection even through its sleep, so it has relevant knowledge. Moreover, given that it's an Emperor dragon and lived for a very, very long time, it can be a source of historical and other Waystone and lei-line related knowledge we can't get anywhere else.
Cython also is a being of magic and so has insights no other possible project members --- not Runesmiths, not College and Elven mages --- have, and it is incredibly magically powerful, but also can be very precise with its magic, which could help greatly with any magical Waystone investigations / experiments.
Cython knows Khazalid and Eltharin, so no communication problems.
Another benefit of Cython associating with the project is the prestige it would bring, the project would have better image with it; why? Because draconic Fuck Yeah! energy is real. Compare Dragomas and hypothetically, Algard, as a Supreme Patriarch; no one would say that Supreme Patriarch Algard is undeserving of his position, or doesn't has required puissance, but one look at Dragomas and how he can turn into a dragon leaves no place for doubts at all. The same with Elspeth von Draken, her dragon companion greatly enhances her image as obvious Supreme Matriarch material. So, dragon associate? Instant attention and respect.
Second, possible obstacles.
As Boney said, Cython is about puzzles it likes and not about knowledge acquisition for knowledge's sake; but that's what Coin is for, if we could make Cython interested in the Waystone research as a puzzle, by properly enticing arguments and a little beneficial probability fudging, we would get a Hysh Emperor dragon with personal interest in the matter we are trying to investigate, and it would extremely helpful. When such a dragon is interested in something and politely asks you for a bit of info, you would need a very, very good reason to flat out deny its request.
Another possible obstacle is Cython's distaste for elfs, or water-folk, as it refers to them. But, as we've seen from Kazrik's investigation, it only ever attacked Naggarothi ships, so presumably it does not hold death-level grudges against Ulthuan, and with Laurelorn distancing itself from either, and with Cython's own interest in the matter and with us possibly doing some favors for it it will be manageable; in any rare extreme cases Mathilde can be an intermediary to preclude direct interactions, but such cases don't seem likely.
Then, possible draconic arrogance and casual disdain for lesser races. Doesn't seem to be a problem, as Cython is quite chill for an Emperor dragon, and on accounting of its age, power and general greatness earned a right for some slightly insulting condescension. Again, in the worst cases Mathilde can be an intermediary, and again, such cases don't seem likely.
In general, it looks like it's worth it.
