Massive, armored insects native to Voss, shaclaws used their powerful foreclaws primarily for burrowing into the soil in search of the roots and subterranean mammals that made up their diet. If challenged, however, they could also use their claws as savage weapons capable of shredding the flesh or armor of their enemies. The Gormak consider the meat of the shaclaw to be a delicacy, but within minutes of dying the insects release a deadly toxin into their tissues that contaminates the flesh. To circumvent this, the Gormak became quite skilled at capturing shaclaws and cooking them alive. Xenoanthropologists were quick to note that Gormak only dine on shaclaws during special coming of age feasts in which the capture and preparation of the meal was considered an essential part of the ritual celebration. The Voss reject this symbolic justification, however, and point to the practice of cooking any creature alive as proof of Gormak savagery and barbarism.