The Academy questline feels incredibly impersonal. Every decision you make is based on "We heard whispers of a something-something in this system" and "We got the vague idea that the Heretic is going to do this"


What if the Heretic's contacts to you were treated like diplomacy with another faction? He shows up, has an actual voiceline, and his message to you is personal. 


"I have a plan to change the universe," he says, "And I need your help."


You could potentially even expand on the Academy-As-Faction concept by giving him fleets and ships that visit your systems, granting bonuses to your people. Each faction could have interesting responses to him, allowing them to really feel like they're making decisions as a civilization about the Heretic and what they're going to do about the Lost.


I think humanizing the Heretic and making him an active figure would benefit the power of the Academy Questline. Thanks!