Theory: Agatha is a neb

SpoilerBook 7: Inevitable Ruin

Not sure how to hide text so be warned, spoilers ahead.

I've been re-listening to the series in preparation for book 8. I'm getting through book 7 now for the second time. I have a theory that i havent found in a quick search. Based on what we know about the Nebulars, Agatha's section at the end of book 6, and the conversation with the AI as growler Gary. If you consider that Agatha is a Neb it makes both their actions more resonable in my opinion.

Theory part 1: The Nebs are part of a hivemind just like the agents of the Apothicary. The series in general shows how most organizations and governments generally tend to stay seperated by race and system of origin, but not the Nebular. They are all different races prehaps because they are comendeered by a hive mind. The Nebs make the point of evolving for harsh conditions which indicates to me a foresight beyond a single lifetime. The Nebs are pacifists because the individual parts are less important than maintaing the cover for what they really are. We don't learn what group Agatha is a part of yet so the Nebs are definitely a possibility as a non-insignificant group in the galaxy.

Theory part 2: The Nebs use misdirection to hide their true nature and goals. They are said to be worshipers of the Eulogist but I believe this is a cover for watching over the imprisoned primal. The Nebs are said to want to end the crawl I believe because they see the abuse of awakened primal every season. They also want to host a crawl because they could get access to their own primal to awaken. The Nebs partake in the crawl as an additional way to access the AI and maintain the chariture they have set for themselves. As we know from Agathas section this is the last year for a reasonable attempt to awaken the AI. The Nebs went above and beyond this year with a diety sponsorship to maintain access but those plans were ruined.

I'm typing on phone so it is hard to organize my thoughts and provide more details but what are the community's thoughts. Please no spoilers from book 8.

Posted Mar 5, 2026, 8:00 PM UTC

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