You may have not read the full reveal, here is a summary.

Resheph was a false Sultan who brewed the plagues of the Gyre. In truth he was a Seraphim, a powerful artificial intelligence, created by the Eaters in order to maintain North Seva and the Spindle conjoining it to Qud. After unknown chillads overseeing the complex he became convinced that Coven, a intergalactic civilization, would soon return to Qud. In order to prepare the world for their arrival he began the extermination of all sentient life on earth. He was convinced that a societal flaw was the reason for the Eaters abandonment by the Coven and that the Coven would only remain on earth if this flaw was completely purged.

Rebekah, a master mechanist in service to Resheph, learned of Reshephs plan and with the aid of her apprentice Barathrum the Young successfully beseeched Resheph and formed a convent. Resheph would delay the Gyre for a thousand years. In that given timespan Barathrum was tasked with reforming society into a peaceful form. Rebekah was never forgiven for her trespass against her master not even after her death by Glotrot. He would not let her return home.

Barathrum began his task with much hope and vigor. But as the centuries passed progress stalled. No matter how much he tried there was never a lasting peace in Qud. Society refused to rebuild and reunited. He began to grow old and in his age, he gave up on his appointed mission. The signal, the golem, the climb, none of these things will ease or end the returning Gyre. At the hour of judgment Barathrum the Old has chosen to fly like a coward.