I would say Magic and governing the cities. For instance I was tasked with creating fire out of ice. I had alot of theories about this and discussed it at length with Yean who by the end of things suggested an emotional parameter along the more ... scientific ones that Valkyneth was working with. It was that in the end that got him to succeed with the experiment but never got to show Yean.

Another realisation I had in my talks with Yean was the nessecity of Outlanders to force the Spire to constantly improve. Perfection and the beauty that comes with it is not constant but rather a process.

Yeah by the end of things we never got raided when I was on even against though odds - but then by the end of things most previously active outlanders had become dormant or deleted. Manacles and conscription is a nasty combination to be sure.