Gulaabeep

The Gulaabeep (Imperial Wythia: Pink Clam) is a carnivorous mollusk that inhabits the Bay of Palourdes in Guarda Lagona. When they die, their shell will sometimes break apart making many of the beaches around the bay appear to have pink sand.

Biology

The Gulaabeep have the appearance of a normal clam, but their hunting method is more akin to a predator. They sit at the bottom of the seabed with their mouths open to allow the Sun to shine off their inner mouth in an attempt to lure fish or other creatures. When the unfortunate prey is close enough, the gulaabeep will quickly shut it's mouth and unsheathe an internal stinger which pumps venom inside the victims, paralyzing it and allowing the gulaabeep to slowly digest it.

Uses

It has been sought after for centuries by fishermen, merchants, and craftsmen for it's pink shell, which when crushed can be used to make dyes, cosmetics for royalty, etc. Entire economies around the bay are reliant on the clam for their foreign trade. As such many communities, and companies work together to manage safe and sustainable fishing practices, sometimes having to pull their resources to fight off foreign governments from exploiting the bay, whether they be Wythian or Lagonan.

The Clam Wars

After the Wythian Lagonan war, the pro-Wythian government established in Guarda Lagona attempted to monopolize the Gulaabeep, inviting Wythian merchant companies and fishermen to establish themselves within the bay. This prompted the local communities to band together and attempt to negotiate with the new government and Wythians. When negotiation failed, those who were effected took up arms in their boats, and for a year there were organized skirmishes and raids in the bay. The increasing demand for the clam forced the Wythians to renegotiate with the rebels, allowing them to continue their traditional practices if they gave up their leaders for public trial. The leaders accepted, and an example was made of them, thus ending the conflict.