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Pudenda Clam — Description

In this land where fluid is sacred, there are times when flesh is not just mere meat. While some cuts may be fine for a good meal, certain choice pieces mean a whole lot more than a hearty supper. For some, there is a great deal of difference between meat harvested from livestock and that taken from a hunted beast. While indeed flavor and texture may differ, there is more to it than that. What is cut from plump and happy livestock is said to be infused with the pleasantries and easy living that the animal enjoyed in its life. Thus, this is the sort of meat you would serve for family feasts and relaxed get togethers, so that your company can savor in its warmth. However, the flesh of a wild hunted beast can hold a more feral spirit to it. The energy and excitement in the hunt, the dangerous ways of the wild and the cunning held within their minds to survive such a harsh land. To others, this is not a meal you would serve at a lovely reunion, it is best eaten during long hunts or before major activities. Be it battle or sport, the meat of a wild animal would invigorate the essence and fill one with the speed and strength found far from the reach of man.
It should be noted that these beliefs are ones of luxury, only followed when food is plentiful and times are easy. Obviously, for those where every meal is an uncertainty, they do not waste their precious morsels for such ideals. When things get tough, meat does indeed become just meat, but there is no denying these prevalent beliefs. Even in hunger, some may still make note of the fitting nature of the flesh they are about to consume, but will still dig in nonetheless. Back when times were good and joys flowed freely, there were many dishes and meals designed around this idea. Of course, there is a world of intricacies to it, of what kind of animal, what age and what they consumed before they died. And not all meat was meant for moods around meal time. Some were specialized for more... intimate gatherings.
The Pudenda Clam is a coastal creature whose entire group is targeted solely for these sort of beliefs. It wasn't just the Pudenda that was harvested, but all clams were prized for their special tender flesh. It should be said that clams are believed to be tied to the unofficial humor of Milk, the liquid of mortal reproduction and fertility. The white fluids they produce are not the only signs of this nature, as one need only look at them to see the organa they associate with. Stout trunks and yawning folds, the comparison is obvious, and thus their potential was seen. The flesh of clams and other members of its family is said to be an excellent aphrodisiac, ensuring the right mood, proper performance and great stamina. The potency was believed to be tied to certain pieces of the clam, as some folk favored their long necks, while others dug into the tender hidden flesh within the shells. Many dishes were made from these clams, all with one purpose in mind. At certain erotic gatherings or risqué parties, such foods are a necessity. Thus, this belief led to many clam species being harvested in large quantities. And then when one factors in the pearls, you can see why many coastal areas have had their clam populations absolutely decimated.
The pearls of a clam are prized treasures, a beautiful stone born from congealed reproductive fluids. It takes many years for one to form, calling for larger older specimens and a healthy dose of luck. Yet, their symbolism makes them widely sought. Pearls are objects of fertility and sexual ability, and possessing one greatly boosts such things for the bearer. Thus to own one is to be blessed with such aura, as well as showing off for potential suitors. This is why a pearl necklace is the most common form of jewelry that bears this fertile stone, as it is a popular gift for lovers. But due to such demand, it meant more clams being harvested.
During the times of plenty, folks believed the bountiful gifts of nature would never end. Always more humors to draw from the ground, more ivory to mine and more clams to crack open. Their meat and stones fetched high prices, and thus collectors were driven to harvesting as many as possible. In just a few years, many local populations were driven to extinction. Yet the Pudenda Clam lingers on. As it turns out, when the slow and peaceful clams are taken out in mass, it means that only the most aggressive and dangerous ones survive.
The Pudenda Clam is indeed a large meaty specimen that does provide the titillating flesh and precious pearl, but such a species does not give up its prize easily. These clams have spiny tendrils, razor lined shells and a thick siphon capable of unleashing powerful bursts of milky water. While other clams may be content to sit and sift through the tides, the Pudenda is a bit more mobile and quick to lash out. They not only filter the water for food, but devour smaller creatures as well. In fact, some believe the Pudenda has noted the greed surrounding their shiny pearls and now realize it makes the perfect bait. The species practically presents these stones within the fleshy folds of its shell. Yet, those who reach for them will find them unable to retrieve their limbs, as a toothy shell slams shut on greedy hands. The only sure way to claim this prize is to kill the monstrous clam, but that is no easy task. Their shell is sturdy and their weapons great, quite a few novice clam hunters have fallen to these beasts. Yet, people still try, even in these harsh times. It truly seems that there is never a bad time for trying to get one more thrill...
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This world is based upon bodily fluids and parts, so you know this sort of thing is inevitable!