Iskariota

Iskariota is a fictional ancient civilization created for fantasy literature and tabletop role-playing games. The name is a constructed term with multiple suggested etymologies across different works, and there is no single canonical origin. In most settings, Iskariota is presented as a distinct cultural entity with its own history, geography, and social customs within a broader imagined world.

Geographically, Iskariota is commonly placed along a coastal and riverine belt within an archipelago- or delta-heavy landscape. Its chronology varies by author, but depictions often place Iskariota in a developmental arc from late Bronze Age to early medieval periods, emphasizing maritime trade, shipbuilding, and fortified urban centers. In many portrayals, important public spaces include harbors, citadels, and ceremonial complexes that overlook the sea.

Culture and society are typically described as stratified, with a warrior-aristocracy, a priestly class, and skilled artisans or merchants forming the core social groups. Religion frequently centers on a sea deity and ancestral or seasonal cults, with rituals that involve processions, offerings at water’s edge, and ship-based ceremonies. Material culture features geometric motifs, marine life imagery, and durable construction using stone and carved wood. Iskariota art and pottery often emphasize rhythm, pattern, and navigation symbolism.

Language and writing associated with Iskariota vary across works. The Iskariotic language is described as agglutinative or syllabic in different sources, and its script appears on inscriptions and coins in some canons. There is no universally accepted grammar or vocabulary, reflecting its nature as a fictional construct. Contemporary references to Iskariota mainly appear in fantasy novels and role-playing game supplements, with fans expanding lore through fan fiction and conlangs.