Nanka

Nanka stands for choice. It puts the decision whether to have children solely in the hands of us women. We can not take this choice lightly though. The survival of our motherhouse is dependent on this choice.

— A ghynzuan mother to her daughter

Nanka is a medicine used as birth control. It is one of the most important medicines in Ghynzua and an integral part of the matriarchal culture of this nation. Women who wish to prevent a pregnancy will take one tablet a day with some water. It is safe to use nanka over a large period of time. Overdose can result in vomiting.

Distribution

Nanka pills are available in every apothecary in Ghynzua. Only in the most remote area's it might be difficult to buy. The formula is part of the constitution of Ghynzua. Every apothecary is obligated to use this official formula to create the nanka pills. It is forbidden by law to temper with the formula. Harsh punishment, ranging from large fines to prison sentence, keeps most people from creating their own mixtures. The price of nanka is kept low to make sure every woman can afford it. Woman who for some reason are unable to afford nanka pills can get nanka vouchers if they petition with their local council. These vouchers will allow them to get the nanka for free.

Learning to make nanka was the highlight of my apprenticeship. From that day on I was officially part of the Apothecary Order.

— Apothecary Owner

Cultural Significance

For a foreigner the cultural significance of birth control might not be obvious. To understand its importance we must look at the empire's earliest history. In a time where East Eghea was mostly clan territory women faced the obvious hardships that any woman faces when she is caught in the middle of men at war. The women of Miraiy were even in greater danger of abuse. The patriarchal clans had a hard time excepting a female led village, this only got worse when the empire was founded. Birth control became the women's right to say no to unwanted pregnancies. When the nanka formula was perfected in 306 it became an integral part of ghynzuan culture. It was a firm NO against the patriarchal clans surrounding them. This right to decide for yourself whether you want a pregnancy or not has since been ingrained in society. Its importance has never dwindled and even today it is one of the most iconic symbols of the Ghynzuan Empire.

Content Warning
Suggestion of sexual violence.

Type

Composite

Value

5 ravens for 30 pills

Rarity

Common

Color

Grey with green specks

Common State

Tablet (pill)

Related Locations

• East Eghea

Nanka Root

The nanka plant grows in abundance in central ghynzua. It has a large white root with fine leaves. None of the plant parts are used in cooking due to its very bitter taste. For nanka pills the roots are harvested, cleaned and dried.

How it is made

Nanka is a mixture of materials that is grounded and then pressed into pill form. The key ingredient is dried nanka root, hence the name nanka pill. The other ingredients are unknown because the official formula is a trade secret only handed down from master to apprentice.