Pictured: The Flotilla in a space nebulae. The rings of human settlements are visible on Mother Umbra. A small convoy of Solarian merchant ships are seen towing a sailbarge in the foreground.

In the depths of the Aether, there exists many wonderful creatures who have adapted themselves to survive in the unique conditions of the cosmos. One such species is the Comet Jellyfish which are known for their long and glowy tendrils stretching kilometers in the night sky. These jellyfish are drawn to Aetherium rich areas, as that is their primary source of sustenance, and often use Aetherium lanes to migrate between such places. The Flotilla consists of a mindbogglingly large number of such jellyfish, banding together for mutual protection during their constant migration across the Aether.

Comet jellyfish tendrils are a useful commodity, found in the manufacturing of bio-lamps and assorted household items, as well as a tasty delicacy for those with the appetite for it. The jellyfish are calm creatures, but if aggravated by attempts to hunt it, will retaliate fiercely with their tendrils that cause flashburns on ships. Thus, people have always been on the trail of the Flotilla, waiting for loose tendrils to shed from their owner, then processed on board to be sold at trading posts. Some found it more economical to erect small outposts on the jellyfish themselves to harvest and process the tendrils, then shipped off later.

Eventually, this has resulted in a sizeable population of people living on the biggest jellyfish, lovingly named ‘Mother Umbra’. An entire city-state has sprung up on the mantle centered around the industry of harvesting, processing and trading the tendrils of Mother Umbra and other jellyfish in the Flotilla. They export raw or processed tendrils alongside derivative products on a set schedule of shipping plans, based on the projected trajectory of the migration. Due to the lack of arable land on Mother Umbra, food is grown in rudimentary hydroponics, though most are still imported from off-creature.

The residents of the Flotilla come from many backgrounds, and multiple generations have been born and raised on it to create its own identity. They are friendly, soft-spoken people with great respect towards the creatures they are surrounded by and owe their success to. Great care is taken not to harm the jellyfish, including special building techniques to construct directly on the jellyfish without disturbing any nerves. Some would even say the local populace worship the creatures, though they are quick to deny it if pressed on the matter.

Due to the constant migration of the Flotilla, residents of the Flotilla do not consider themselves part of any established nation and have instead created their own identity as Jellyfish-dwellers. They maintain close economical ties with the major powers in the Aether, such as the Solarian Kingdom and the League.