Enormous, diaphanous creatures (at least it is commonly believed they are animal, though there is much that is plant-like about them) that live in the skies of Gelfestiir. While not ubiquitous, they are common enough, especially around cities, that most people hardly notice them anymore.
Their bodies are composed of thin, translucent membranes that are silky and dry to the touch. They have a large, central mass, though nothing can be seen within that could rightfully be called organs. Several sets of protrusions are typical, beginning with a cluster smaller, thicker, almost tentacle-like filaments emerging from what is generally considered its head that appear to be capable of independent movement. Near the center of the mass emerges a set of four to seven ribbons that hang downward and flow with the surrounding air. From either side of the creature’s flanks extend thicker ribbons that both move with the air and move autonomously.
Essicaelia float or hover, sometimes flowing along with the breeze, sometimes moving against it. Almost never is one seen in extreme weather, however. They seem to possess an innate sense of changing conditions and leave an area before the arrival of weather severe enough to potentially damage them. They generally remain in a altitude range from just above the ground to a few thousand feet in the air, though they will go higher for reasons known only to them. They do not touch the ground, though they will sometimes drift low enough that their central ribbons will brush against trees or buildings. Oddly they never seem to get stuck on anything
The creatures show little indication of intelligence, and barely any indication they are alive at all. And yet some believe there is a pattern to their migrations. Those who study them have noted that there will usually be an essicaelia around when great events occur. Other times they will be seem almost obsessed with individuals or single buildings, though no one can determine why. Sometimes they appear to follow Inquisitors around; other times they almost seem to be avoiding them.
It is generally accepted that essicaelia are harmless, and neither a bad or good omen. They simply are, and if they have any purpose to their existence there is nearly no indication. An essicaelia in close proximity may be a little unnerving; otherwise, they are no more a concern than grass, or birds flying overhead.