Ionia

""We are the children of the First Lands, and we will not be slaves!""

Ionia, in original Vastayan nomenclature: The First Lands, is a land of unspoiled beauty and natural magic. Its inhabitants, living in scattered settlements across this massive archipelago, are a spiritual people who seek to live in harmony and balance with the world. There are many orders and sects across Ionia, each following their own (often conflicting) paths and ideals. Self-sufficient and isolationist, Ionia has remained largely neutral in the wars that have ravaged Valoran over the centuries - until it was invaded by Noxus. This brutal conflict and occupation has forced Ionia to reassess its place in the world. How it reacts and the future path Ionia will follow is as of yet undetermined, however, animosity against Noxus has led to militarization and vigilantism. Thirst for the dark arts is on the rise.

Lore
Known as the First Lands, Ionia is an archipelago of natural beauty and magic. Its inhabitants, living in loosely collected provinces, are a spiritual people, seeking harmony with the world. They remained largely neutral until their land was invaded by Noxus—this brutal occupation forced Ionia to reassess its place in the world, and its future path remains undetermined.

Other Related Champions

 * is a celestial that intervened at the Battle of Bard Mountain.
 * was a Noxian field commander during the Noxian invasion.
 * is searching for remaining Lunari in Ionia.
 * is a Bilgewater pirate that ransacked Temple of the Jagged Knife.
 * traveled to Raikkon and Sudaro in search of the Black Mist and any traces of recent Harrowings.
 * is a Marai Tidecaller searching for the Aspect of the Moon in Ionia.
 * visited Hirana Monastery during his search for the World Runes.
 * was born in Ionia and resided in an orphanage before being adopted by House Buvelle of Demacia.
 * participated in the slaughter of numerous Ionian citizens during the Noxian invasion.
 * participated in the slaughter of numerous Ionian citizens during the Noxian invasion, and lost his arm to.
 * was brought to Ionia during the Noxian invasion and was later trained under.
 * is the vessel for four eternal spirits and defended Ionia during the Noxus invasion.
 * was born in Ionia, though he was captured and spent some time as a gladiator in Noxus before being released by Jarvan III.
 * currently resides in Ionia, having been adopted by the Konte family after deserting Noxus and put on trial for the murder of Elder Souma.

Birth of the Vastaya
The vastaya's origins can be traced back to a hidden corner of Ionia. The mortals lived in harmony with nature until a race of titans came from the skies and waged war against them. Most enlightened mortals taken the power of the spirit realm into themselves becoming the Vastayashai'rei to defeat the titans. Initial generations of Vastayashai'rei were deathless and held immense magical power. Deciding to live among their mortal kin, their future descendants would start mixing with mortal kin and be known as the vastaya - a blanket classification for any number of species of chimeric creatures. Over time, the varied offshoots began to settle in different regions and naturally adopted different forms -, , even - according to the creatures which most embodied their strongest characteristics.

Many vastaya later migrated to faraway lands outside of their original home of Ionia.

Destruction of the God-Willow
Some of the Vastayashai'rei resided in the sacred grove of Omikayalan, the "Heart of the World". In its center stood the God-Willow. This massive tree, dripping with long gossamer leaves that shimmered with golden-green light, was of immense importance to both human Ionians and the vastayan people of the continent, which guarded the tree from anyone who wished it harm. Unfortunately, the tree was destroyed by an invading war party from the Freljord, its leader transformed by its natural energy into the being known as, the Green-Father.

The Golden Demon
For years, Ionia’s southern mountains were plagued by the infamous “Golden Demon.” Throughout the province of Zhyun, a monster slaughtered scores of travelers and sometimes whole farmsteads, leaving behind twisted displays of corpses. Armed militias searched the forests, towns hired demon hunters - but nothing slowed the beast’s grisly work.

In desperation, the Council of Zhyun sent an envoy to beg Great Master Kusho for help. Upon hearing of the region’s plight, Kusho feigned an excuse for why he couldn’t help. But a week later, the master, his son Shen, and star apprentice Zed, disguised themselves merchants and moved to the province. In secret, they visited the countless families emotionally shattered by the killings, dissected the horrific crime scenes, and looked for possible connections or patterns to the murders.

In time, they journeyed together with their master to track down the infamous Golden Demon. When they finally succeeded in capturing this feared “monster,” it was revealed to be a mere man named Khada. The young Zed marched forward with his blades held high, but Kusho stopped him, ordering that Jhin be imprisoned in Tuula instead.

Though Shen and Zed both thought the killer deserved heavier punishment, Shen accepted his father’s decision. He strived to emulate the Eye of Twilight’s dispassion, and so found himself failing to console a bitter and resentful Zed.

Noxian Invasion


From its formation, the residents of Ionia preferred to pursue personal enlightenment instead of waging constant battles with other nations. The militaristic nation of Noxus saw their "weakness" as an opportunity. Noxian spies began to trade aggressively with the Ionians, traveling through provinces to study its weaknesses and identify critical targets.

Not long after, the warhosts set sail for Ionia as part of the long-planned Noxian invasion.

As the central province of Ionia, the invasion began in Navori, many villages and settlements feel, thousands Ioniands died as their magical artifacts were stolen to extend the life of their crazy emperor.

This agression forced the religious leader, known  for her peaceful teachings, to fight back. Across Navori, dissenting voices began to band together. A resistance was forming, one that would not rest until Ionia was free once more.

At one of the most important points of the war, a warhost lead by , captured the Placidium and took its defenders hostage, hoping to lure the inevitable reinforcements into a trap, but an 14 years old girl named   unleashed the power of Ionia ancient dances, and though it, the power of Ionia itself at the Noxians. A dozen of Swain’s veterans fell, sowing chaos in their ranks as the other captives joined her, before she struck down the general himself—the sight of this rebellious girl hefting his severed arm over her head would be the turning point of the war.

The growing resistance was led by Irelia for almost 3 years of war, but as Ionia united on resistance, Noxus doubled their war efforts, childrens were sent as foot soldiers, trying to exploit Ionian mercy and Chemtech bombs bought from an infamous  bombarded both Ionians and Noxians.

Those Chem bombs had gruesome effects on the lands, perpaphs the place where those conquesenques are most notable is the Wuju village, rumors of an raised Noxian atention. In a single night, the entire village was destroyed, its people and culture obliterated by chemical fire. Even now, years after the end of the war, nothing can grow on this land and the souls of those who died on that horrible night lay trapped by the corrupted magics of their own land.

After almost three years of grueling battle since the Battle of the Placidium, Irelia triumphed over the killer of her family, Admiral Duqual, at Dalu Bay. She left the leadership of the resistance and shortly after the Noxian warbands retreated from Ionia due to power shifts on their own land...

The resistance once lead by Irelia may be the actual Navori Brotherhood, an extremist group who believes Ionia should unite and militarize itself, teaching all nations to fear Ionia. The Navori Brotherhood is one of many groups at constant civil war in Ionia, fighting each other almost as bitterly as they fought the Noxians. What shall happen to Ionia, only the future knows...

The Order of Shadows


The hunt for Jhin, left Zed haunted by his murders and he began to struggle in his studies. The rising tensions between Ionia and the imperialistic forces of Noxus only worsened his disillusionment. Many of the provinces were occupied by the enemy. Despite this, the Kinkou focused on maintaining spiritual balance and Kusho refused to fight back.

Zed ventured deep into the temple’s hidden catacombs, and there he discovered a black box. Even though he knew it was forbidden, he peered inside. Shadows enveloped Zed’s mind, feeding his bitterness with contempt for the weak, and hinting at an ancient, dark magic.

Zed demanded the Kinkou strike at the Noxian invaders with every means at their disposal. When Kusho refused, Zed left the Kinkou Order and their doctrines. He joined the growing resistance at Navori and raised a following of warriors to resist Noxus. Any soul who threatened his homeland, or stood idle in its defense, was marked for death without mercy—including native vastaya who wavered in their allegiance. Zed urged his followers to embrace the fervor of war, but he realized his own abilities would never match his ambitions without the black box.

Amassing his new acolytes, he returned to the Kinkou temple, where Kusho implored his former pupil to renounce the shadows in favor of a more balanced path. Zed answered bringing in one hand, the black box—and in the other, his freshly bloodied blade.

The Kinkou fell in droves as Zed’s warriors cut them down. He then claimed the temple for himself, establishing his Order of Shadow, and began training his acolytes in the ways of darkness. They etched their flesh with shadowy tattoos, learning to fight alongside shrouded reflections of themselves.

Far from home, Shen felt a imbalance within the Kinkou Order—rushing back, he came upon the survivors of the bloody coup. Repressing his anguish against Zed, he led the remnants of the Kinkou to safety in the mountains. Shen took up his father’s spirit blade, as well as the title of Eye of Twilight. Following the core tenets, he began to recruit and train others, hoping to rebuild the Kinkou Order.

Though Zed did not reconcile with Shen and the remaining Kinkou, now scattered throughout the provinces, they reached an uneasy accord in the aftermath of the war.

The Battle of Bard Mountain


Noxian troops tried to capture Bard Mountain and obtain a valuable magical artifact kept by the locals. During the battle, the village sage was tasked with taking the artifact to one of the Celestial shrines on the top of the mountain. The Noxians mortally wounded him with arrows before he could reach the shrine. But as his last act of defiance, he used the artifact to strike his would-be-killer, obliterating him and slicing a nearby peak in half. This misuse of the artifact's power had drawn the attention of a, who promptly intervened in the event. He retrieved the artifact and took it away from the mortal plane before the Noxians and Ionians could use its power for war.

The Dreaming Pool


Many years have passed since the Noxian-Ionian War, in which both sides never achieved complete victory. While Ionians were able to repel further Noxian invaders from the heartland, Noxus still retained a few coastal territories. Among these was the island of Fae'lor, governed by a vastayan turncoat named Kalan.

Several Ionians that once called this island their home infiltrated its Noxian fort - formerly a monastery - in the hopes of reaching Dael'eh Ahira, the Dreaming Pool, and kill the immensely powerful who was imprisoned inside decades before. She was being guarded by Noxian forces, who the Ionians feared would accidentally release her and her power.

Their mission proved unsuccessful. Syndra was released, and Fae'lor was all but destroyed, its fortress lifted from the ground by the now freed into the sky and moved northward to an unknown location.

Locations
Ionia is a large archipelago located off the east coast of Valoran. The currently well-known locations encompassing Ionia are:

Ionia Island
The main island of Ionia is split by a mountain range into two regions, Navori and Shon-Xan. It is also the location of the Ionian Capital, The Placidium, and Vlonqo.

Navori
Located on Ionia, the province of Navori spans the western half of Ionia and is home to various villages, prestigious schools, sacred magical gardens, and the iconic Placidium of Navori.


 * Azure Farms: are a coastal area in Navori region of Ionia.
 * Kinkou Monastery: The Kinkou Monastery was the home of an ancient warrior clan known as the Kinkou Order. During the war against Noxus the Monastery was taken over by Shadow Order, who now use the location as their own headquarters.
 * Lhotlan Village: Deep within the Lhradi Forest of Navori live the endangered Lhotlan vastaya, whose most prominent members are and.
 * Ionia City: A large city on which Ionians were gathered and harmonized by the magic that is within the First Lands. Magical Quinlons scatter all across the borders. Like any other nations, the Capital is the seat of power for the Ionian Ruling Council which members include  and
 * Omikayalan: Known as the Heart of the World, or the Greenglade, the grove was a sacred place to all Ionians. The vastayashai'rei protected its most important landmark: the God-Willow, a massive tree, dripping with long gossamer leaves that shimmered with golden-green light. During ancient times, a battle between the groves protectors and Freljordian warriors ended with the God-Willow's destruction. The whimpers of countless beasts, the bawling of rivers, the howling of trees and the dripping tears of moss, they lamented the God-Willow’s death in a symphony of mourning. Centuries have passed and at the place where the God-Willow once stood, a being known as the emerged with a clear mission and purpose: to protect all life and teach the world's people to respect and appreciate all that is.
 * The Placidium of Navori: Situated at the heart of the continent, the Placidium is one of Ionia’s most sacred places. Many have journeyed here to study at renowned schools, or meditate in its wild, magical gardens. Many of Ionia’s most successful diplomats have spent at least some time studying at the Placidium. Undoubtedly, this was why it became such a tempting target for the invading armies of Noxus. It was at the Placidium that the people of Ionia finally took up arms against their Noxian enemies. But the cost of that day’s victory was immense, and some now question if fighting back was the right decision, since the harmonious balance of their homeland may have been lost forever.
 * Weh'le: Weh’le is a phantom port, a hidden coastal village, protected by the mystical properties of Ionia. Unlike Fae’lor, she doesn’t welcome outsiders, and you won’t find her on the maps. Should Weh’le appear at all, it is always on her own terms, daring people into doing very dumb things. Most approach from the sea, dreaming of riches, discovery or maybe just a new start, only to have their hopes dashed in an instant. First, the shoreline that once called to them vanishes behind a dense wall of cobalt fog crackling with arcane power. The sea rises and falls violently before unleashing torrents of crushing waves. As the survivors cling to their splintered vessel, the fog pulls back for the briefest of moments, allowing them one look at the flickering lanterns of Weh’le cruelly saying goodbye just before the water pulls them down to the bottom of the Breathless Bay. Akali is a frequent visitor to the village, where she gets additions to her impressive dragon tattoo - and assassinates betrayers of Ionia seeking to flee the archipelago.

Shon-Xan
Not much is known about Shon-Xan, the eastern region of Ionia Island, though it is presumably the origin of one of favorite weapons, the Shon-Xan footed glaive.


 * Puboe: A human town that was the center of a few recent events. and  freed several vastaya from a prison here, and  was assigned to kill a corrupt councilman who sold the town out to Noxus, though the murder did not actually occur in Puboe.
 * Puboe Prison: Previously controlled by Shadow Order disciples, the Prison was used to imprison numerous vastaya.
 * Garden of Forgetting: The garden may be located here. has visited the garden at least once to erase her troubled memories. Its keeper is Ighilya (Ionian: 'Great grandmother'), also known as the Eater of Secrets, the Forgotten, or the Witch Gardener. The flowers and the fruit of the Garden have deep magical properties that can take away a person's memories or life essence.

Fae'lor
Fae'lor is a small island to the west of the main island of Ionia. It is the location of the Dael'eh Ahira, the Dreaming Pool, which previously imprisoned. Its famous monastery school was converted into a Noxian fort during the invasion. The island has since been stripped bare by Syndra's power, and the fort ripped free of its foundations.
 * Fae'lor Castle: The fortress of Fae’lor was built upon the westernmost island of Ionia. Highly defensible, this place had remained for centuries, standing against countless foes, before being finally overrun after a long siege during the Noxian invasion. Its famous monastery school was converted into a Noxian fort during the invasion.
 * Dael'eh Ahira Pool: Dael'eh Ahira, or the Dreaming Pool, a spiritually magical pool that previously imprisoned . Currently it imprisons a vastaya named Kalan.

Bahrl
Bahrl is an island in the central part of the chain, south of the main island of Ionia. The villages of Tevasa and Wuju are located here, as is the Epool River, where found.


 * Epool River: It is located in the southern part of Bahrl island in Ionia. It is the place where found.
 * Tevasa: It is located on the north side of the island region of Bahrl. At the footholds of the mountain, there is a small peaceful village with approximately hundred people. During the Noxian invasion of Ionia, pillaging Noxian soldiers were defeated by the hands of who grew attached to all the villagers and had a desire to protect them from harm.
 * Urvash: A coastal settlement located in southern part of Bahrl island of Ionia.
 * Wuju: Located on Bahrl, it is the birthplace of and the art of Wuju. It has since been destroyed during the Noxian Invasion of Ionia.

Bard Mountain
Possibly is located somewhere in Ionia. It was the site of a battle over an ancient artifact that resulted in the appearance of.

Houhjo
The Houhjo are an Ionian human tribe that occupy the two southernmost islands of the Ionian Archipelago, Galrin and Sudaro. The Houhjo's culture is centred around their custodial duties within The Temple of Pallas, which fell into disrepair after the Noxian invasion detailed in the comic, Heartlight, as well as the subsequent emergence of the Darkin,. Little is known of this island nation other than its involvement in Varus' backstory.
 * Galrin: One of two islands in the region of Houhjo (the other being Sudaro), located near the southern tip of the Ionian Archipelago island chain.
 * Ghetu Sea: The Ghetu Sea is located at the center of the Galrin island of Ionia.
 * Nistaram Forest: Nistaram Forest is located on the northernwest tip of Galrin island of Ionia. It is a day away from Pallas by horseback. This forest is rich with biodiversity, having numerous dangerous monsters and plants. Professional hunters are often enlisted to hunt down dangerous creatures that pose a threat to neighboring towns and villages.
 * Pallas: The ancient village Pallas was established upon the coastal shores. The inhabitants of this village have forgotten much of their long history, but their duty as custodians to the Temple of Pallas was never abandoned - until Noxus arrived.
 * Temple of Pallas: Aeons ago a gold-armored figure arrived upon the western shore of Ionia, bringing with her an insatiable device. Here she imprisoned a bow within a deep chasm and sealed it off using the natural magic from the Ionian landscape. The nearby settlement was tasked with maintaining the seals as what lurked inside was powerful enough to break its bonds and eventually be unleashed. Erecting a grand temple around the chasm, the villagers rarely wavered from this task, despite its purpose being entirely forgotten. sought refuge in the water-filled chasm when Noxian forces attacked Pallas, and the darkin Varus was released. Master Kobayashi Master.jpg Kobayashi was the Temples leader during the Battle of Pallas, where she was later slaughtered by Noxian soldiers.
 * Sudaro: A small island at the southern tip of the Ionian Archipelago. It is part of Houhjo region along with Galrin.

Oulin, Qaelin, and Ralin
These islands make up a small cluster in the northeastern part of the archipelago. Hirana Monastery is located on Ralin.


 * Hirana Monastery: The monks of Hirana Monastery are renowned for self-control. and  defended this place.

Zhyun
A mountainous island in the south of the Ionian archipelago, it was previously plagued by the infamous. Before the Invasion of Ionia, Zhyun was known to have its own council.


 * Jyom Pass: This was where was captured by Kusho,, and . There is a Blossom Festival held here.
 * Kashuri: It is a coastal settlement located at the southern part of Zhyun island of Ionia.
 * Kashuri Armories: The armories forged traditional weapons for a long time, mostly swords and bows. The war against Noxus changed that, and they began making poor copies of Piltover's hextech weapons. Now they have been 'inspired' to make new weapons harnessing the abundant magic in Ionia, like pistol-rifle.
 * Raikkon: A coastal settlement in the southern tip of Zhyun island of Ionia. Its native berries are used for creating quality tattoo ink mixture.
 * Swirl Rocks: A unique rock formation located in the northern part of Zhyun island of Ionia.
 * Temple of the Jagged Knife: Located in the island province of Zhyun, it is controlled by Order of Shadows. It was previously ransacked by  and his pirate crew.
 * Tuula: A city located in the southern mountainous province of Zhyun. was initially imprisoned here by Kusho,, and.
 * Tuula Prison: A highly fortified prison for one of the worst criminals in Ionia. It is the place where was imprisoned for years before being released by corrupt Ionian politicians.
 * Yasuo's Village: A place once ravaged by the Noxian invasion, it was once the location where warriors would learn rare Wind Techniques from masters like Elder Souma. It is the current residence of.
 * Zhyunia: located on Zhyun island of Ionia.

Wildlife
Land= The people of Ionia’s many provinces have always seen themselves as part of the natural world, and adapted their ways to live alongside all manner of fantastical flora and fauna. To outsiders, such a close relationship may appear strange, but it is through this interdependence that both the land and its inhabitants have thrived for countless generations.

Bahrl Jays
Bahrl Jays are an avian species native to the Ionian island region of Bahrl. They are quite active during the morning and they have melodic song like chirps.

Cloud Drinkers
Cloud Drinkers are large fish-like creatures that originate from Ionia. Their unique features are their long fins that are used as wings. These white scaled creatures live in high altitudes, consuming nutrients from the clouds. Its songs could be heard from the villages. Long, low waves of sound rippling from sky to hillside, each as formless and strange as the afternoon clouds.

Dragons
Winged, elemental-breathing reptiles that can reach near-giant sizes over their long, long lifespans, they are the indisputable ruler of the skies. Both fearsome and majestic, dragons have a society that revolves around strength and might and because of their egoistic and narcissistic pride, mixing their blood with that of races outside of dragonkind are seen as an abomination, a cancer that must be eradicated utterly. Many dragons persecute such defiled creations and their perpetrators to no end, a thing that, the Half-Dragon, found out firsthand. There are five types of dragons:, , , drakes (all Elemental Drakes), and. The firstborn female dragons of certain dragon bloodlines have elemental rune shards within them, which gives them their elemental powers. According to, Ionia has over 200 different species of talking dragons. Those who study these dragons speak of ancient, elemental runes split between the bloodlines. Empyreans are a breed of wingless wind dragons of Ionia that reside above the clouds, constantly moving with the wind.

Ghost-Willow
One of the oldest magical trees in Ionia, it was destroyed by when she was a child.

God-Willow
One of the oldest magical trees in Ionia, it was destroyed centuries ago by Ivern the Cruel, who absorbed its power and became the.

Herald of Spring
Herald of Spring is a mythical creature that resides in Shon-Xan of Ionia. A Stag like being, it has the ability to bring new life and bring the end of winter.

Jeweled Protectors
The Jeweled Protectors are giant mythical winged carnivores of Ionia with a mix of tiger and lion features. are born wingless and without manes until a certain age when they grow their manes while their wings grow out from their backs. Their other noticeable features are their two tails and gems embedded along their spines and forehead that glow with a mysterious power.

Luonn Kon
Luonn Kon are giant spirit animals located in Ionia. They take the appearance of massive stone golems and are often benevolent in nature. Some of them assist local inhabitants in creating makeshift dams.

Raikkon Berries
Raikkon Berries are a type of flora native to Raikkon on the island of Zhyun, these berries along with the enchanted flower petals from Vlonqo are used by tattoo artist of Weh'le as tattoo ink mixture.

Sapphire Roses
Sapphire Roses are a type of rose native to Ionia. Some merchants have adapted them to the robust Kumangra soil. Sold in the markets of Kumangra, their distinct sent is heavily sought after by flower collectors.

Scaled Snapper
Scaled Snappers are giant turtle-like lizard creatures that reside in Ionia. One of the oldest inhabitants of the Greenglade, they have withstood the test of time through constant adaptation.

Serpentleaf
Serpentleaf is a type of predatory flower native to the Nistaram Forest of Galrin. Serpentleaf poultice, if properly made, is used as an effective healing agent that dulls the pain but not the mind. If the flower isnt picked properly, its leaves are poisonous. The flowers lure insects with its scent and color. Some animals have adapted an immunity to the flowers poisons, eating it from the inside when its leaves close.

Sun Apples
Sun apples are a common type of tree located in Ionia. Its fruit can warm a person and even tan a person's entire body.

Vlonqo Flowers
Vlonqo Flowers are a type of flower endemic to the southern faces of the Vlonqo cliffs. Their enchanted flower petals along with Raikkon berries of Raikkon are used by tattoo artist of Weh'le as tattoo ink mixture.

Vulkodalk
Vulkodalk is native to the Nistaram Forest of Galrin. This terrifying predator is a theropod-type creature with eight eyes on each side of its head, a large horn atop the snout, and a maw with multiple rows of pointed teeth.

Windfarers
Windfarers are mythical creatures of Ionia's cliffsides. Their unique aspects are their mixed avian and feline features, having cat-like heads and bodies while having avian feet and wings. Their fur is of different shades of white while their feathers of different shades of grey. Windfarers lay eggs like birds and their young hatch during the beginning of the Ionian spring.

Worax
These herd animals are described as goat-like buffalo. Pregnant Worax are considered to be quite noisy.

Zephyr Sage
Zephyr Sage is a mythical avian creature that resides somewhere in Ionia. The unique features of this giant being is his emerald green, brown, and white feathers. It is believed that this creature is a wise sage that is able to aid people in their quests.

The people of Ionia’s many provinces have always seen themselves as part of the natural world, and adapted their ways to live alongside all manner of fantastical flora and fauna. To outsiders, such a close relationship may appear strange, but it is through this interdependence that both the land and its inhabitants have thrived for countless generations.
 * -|Aquatic=

Lighted Lilies
Lighted Lilies are a type of aquatic flora native to Ionia, such as the Lake of Lighted Lilies. The unique feature of these pond lilies is their ability to produce light from the head of the flower.

Rivers of Grass
Quite literal rivers of grass, flow and move with the tides of magic. Landfishers, if intinued with the magic of the landscape, can cultivate and collect all the grains and fruits that grow in these areas.

Yellow Crabs
Located near the coastal Azure Farms of Ionia Island, these specific crabs are attuned to the spiritual energies of the area. At certain times of the year, people might give offerings and gifts to the local sea spirits. If those offerings are appreciated, thousands of yellow crabs might walk onto the beaches and just wait to be captured later in the year.

Culture
General= The Ionian continent is a haven for those who seek spiritual evolution and enlightenment. Magic suffuses every part of Ionia—its people, its history, and most of all the land itself. All aspects of life there hang in a balance, with still so much left to be discovered and explored. Those who call this vast continent home strive to find harmony among the diverse races and habitats, far older than most others on Runeterra. While populated primarily by humans and vastaya, some yordles and other beings also make Ionia their home. There are many spiritual centers and schools of enlightenment in Ionia, though they might not always agree about important questions. Such pursuits leave little time for thoughts of imperialism; the Ionians have historically been extremely peaceful by nature. That does not mean, however, that they are helpless or unable to defend themselves.



It is certain Ionia has a much longer and richer history than any living soul could claim to know. Indeed, in the more remote mountain passes, the landscape is still littered with evidence of great wars from ages past—but instead of clearing the ruins, the Ionians choose to respect what remains, even if they no longer fully understand what it represents.

Ionia is home to many human languages & dialects, though the Zhyun dialect is the most-spoken of the Ionian, possibly descending from the ancient Ionian language still used by to chant her mantras. It's unknown if Yasuo speaks another dialect from the same dialect chain or a completely different language.
 * -|Languages=


 * Ionian : (-based? )
 * Anar - "Brother" (cf. *ɐnḗr "man")
 * Dyeda - "Daughter" (cf. *dʰugɐtḗr "suckling")
 * Erzai - "Son" (cf. *wérsēn ~ *sḗn "man")
 * Emai - "Mother" (cf. *am- )
 * Fair - "Father" (cf. *pɐtḗr "protector ~ provider")
 * Svasa - "Sister" (cf. *swésōr "same-blooded")
 * O-fa - "Grandfather" (also to address an elderly man)
 * O-ma - "Grandmother" (also to address an elderly woman)


 * language:
 * - Reap the winds of.
 * Jia - Pain.
 * - Weave the threads of.
 * Phyla - Tranquility.
 * - Discover the meaning of.
 * Saera - Magic.


 * language: (- based, though flawed)


 * Other:
 * - Destruction (?).
 * - Golden Excellence.
 * Kobayashi Master.jpg (小林) - Small Forest (possibly from Yasuo's language)

Apart from the human languages on Ionia, there is also the Vastayan language, one of whose various dialects is Baraashi, as spoken by Lhotlan's tribe-members and. (Baraashi used elements of the Finnish & Arabic languages as its basis)


 * Vastaya Baraashi dialect (Lhotlan Tribe)
 * Baasi - I (future tense).
 * Eli, Ella - Love (masculine, feminine).
 * Faash - They (present tense).
 * Ighilya - Great Grandmother.
 * Iminha - Little One.
 * Mi - My.
 * Mieli, Miella - My Love (masculine, feminine).
 * - A slang for "Blood traitor".
 * Na - To not be.
 * Om - Magic.
 * - Farewell.
 * Soura - To Gather.
 * - Rest in peace/well.
 * Tann - Here.
 * Va'h - To be (present tense).
 * Vastaya - Vastaya (the people).
 * Vi - Wild.
 * Vi-om - Wild-magic.
 * -|Objects=
 * -|Objects=

Architecture
Ionia's millennia of isolation has meant that this balance-attuned culture placed a high value on keeping up healthy traditions. These customs and attitude often manifest in Ionian architecture. The structures built here are characterized by a sense of natural flow and grace, aspiring to reflect the ethereal beauty of the land. Also, grand, open spaces ensure that one is never fully divorced from what organically existed there before.
 * Farms: Living in armony with the land means that form tends to follow nature. Farms and villages sit gracefully within the environment. Their floors, doors, and walls echoing the rise and fall of the earth and sky.
 * Living Housing: Unlike houses in places such as Demacia, where people would cut down trees, turn them into planks and then nail them together into houses, Ionians respect nature. They do not want to upset the local tree spirits. Doing so would have negative repercussions for them, their families, and further generations. Instead they would hire local wood weavers, who would try and convince the trees to grow in house-like shapes most beneficial for the future occupants. However, due to it being living housing, the tree branches can grow and move, sometimes seemingly over night due to natural magic of the trees.
 * Temples: Some temple houses in the highland valleys are shaped into the rocky hillsides, with living whipwillows serving as archways and support columns. The transitions between the walls and other elements of these sacred buildings are smooth to the touch, with few hard edges or corners.

Clothing
Ionian clothing comes in various shapes, sizes, coloring, and designs as diverse as its people. Due to easy access to various flora and fauna, Ionian clothing incorporates rich patterns and colors inspired by the surrounding nature. The Lhotlan vastaya use the heads and feathers of Raptors as ornate accessories, while other Vastaya use large insect wings and flowers in their clothing. People of higher standing tend to have clothing with rich patterns and accessories, with large ornate decorative headdresses and shoulder pauldrons. Those of lower standings such as farmers and villagers have more earthy and practical garments. Some Ionian orders and other organizations have their own unique clothing laws and traditions.
 * Tattoos: Tattoos are a common with Ionian youth such as those found on Weh'le. has a traditional design of an Ionian Dragon etched on her back, while  has hers going across her right leg.

Tools

 * Farming Equipment: Ionian farming equipment is mostly crafted from dead or fallen tree branches roped together with a metal head in various shapes depending on the need of the users. Carts, wheels, and other farming objects are made of easily bending dead tree branches and vines which are then shaped, stitched, and connected into desired shapes.
 * Boats: Ionian boats much as their architecture has a more elegant design. Made out of dead or fallen tree branches, leaves, and/or other floral parts the boats can also vary in shapes and sizes depending on the need of the users.


 * -|Mythos=

Saga of the First Lands
The Saga of the First Lands is an Ionian legend retelling the tales of the mythical guardians of the lands. "* As the warrior wept for his loss, the elder consoled him: 'Seek the sage of the skies. Only he can return that which is lost to this world, but still held in memory.'
 * Spring blooms first on Ionia's cliffsides, where the beating of newly formed wings bathes the land in the season's gentle breezes.
 * In times of conflict, villagers sought the ancient guardian of Autumn Valley. Those who swayed her heart were granted blessings that could turn the tide of battle."

Shon Xan Poems
"* During winter's reign, we heard the tread of Footsteps 'cross the snowy floor. In its wake, new vine and leaf emerged to rearrange The forest floor and herald season's change."


 * -|Festivals=

Blossom Festival
A festival where painters, musicians, calligraphers and other types of artists celebrate the artistry of Ionia. One such festival was held in Jyom Pass in the Zhyun province, where the infamous was finally captured.

Harvest Festival
Most Ionian settlements have their own way of celibrating a harvest festival. In Vlonqo, musicians, singers and dancers perform in front of the townsfolk to give thanks for another year of bountiful harvest. , a Lhotlan vastaya, sang old vastayan songs during one of Vlonqos harvest festivals.

Government
General= Not much is known about Ionia's government currently, but most areas seem to have regional administrations that don't always share philosophies. Each village has its own small council.

The Ionians have created some of the most remarkable martial art forms on all of Runeterra – a manifestation for their pursuit of enlightenment. Though the birthplace of many specialized forms of martial arts, Ionia maintains no standing armies. Rather, the ways of battle are tied to differing philosophies, passed on with reverence and care. In the northeastern mountains, the monastery of Hirana has long been a sanctuary for those seeking to better understand their connection to the spirit realm.
 * -|Organizations=

Hirana Order
The Hirana Monastery is home to many skilled and enlightened monks. Their adepts are some of the most devout proponents of personal harmony within one's self. Though the monks deplore violence, they are not defenseless as they are skilled enough to turn and redirect an opponent's strikes. In an act of selflessness, the monks took in, and taught him how to harness and control his animalistic fury... most of the time. blinded himself in a desperate fury while defending the monastery.

Kinkou Order
The Kinkou are an ancient clan dedicated to the preservation of balance. Order, chaos, light, darkness - all things must exist in perfect harmony for such is the way of the universe. The Order is led by a triumvirate of ninjas -, , and - who uphold its causes in the world and are each entrusted with one of three sacred duties: Watching the Stars, Coursing the Sun, and Pruning the Tree. However, Akali has since left the order to pursue her own path.

Navori Brotherhood
The Navori Brotherhood are an ultra-nationalist group established during the Invasion of Noxus. Although they aim to defend their people from foreign attackers, they also aspire to control the continent under one rule, and are willing to attack and kill fellow Ionians who don't align with their vision for Ionia - including.

Shadow Order
The Order of Shadows is a new clan that has dedicated themselves to learning the forbidden art of the shadows and killing anyone who refuses to learn. Their leader,, rediscovered these ancient techniques and used them to take over the Kinkou Monastery.

Shojin Order
The Shojin Monastery is home to peaceful monks that have long practiced the martial arts of inner healing. Through meditation, the monks are capable of rejuvenating from injuries at a heightened rate. Some of these priests can also display acts of incredible willpower, such as suffering through agonizing amounts of pain for weeks without crying out. was raised here.

Wuju Order
The was founded on obtaining absolute spiritual awareness of one's self and one's enemy. , the keeper of this ancient art, descended from one of the few tribes dedicated to the preservation of Wuju. Due to the massacre of his kin, Master Yi is now the last master of his art. He has pledged to keep the Wuju style alive by teaching the art form to other individuals, such as.

Bilgewater
During Noxus' invasion of Ionia, many pirates from Bilgewater sailed to the island nation. For years they ruthlessly pillaged the settlements along the island's coastlines and fought naval battles with Ionian vessels when engaged. Even after the war, many Ionians still feel deep enmity towards Bilgewater due to its denizens' actions.

Demacia
While Demacia campaigned against Noxus's imperial ambitions, it was unable to prevent the disasters that were inflicted on Ionia. It is unclear if Ionians feel animosity towards Demacia as a result.

Freljord
Not much is known about the current relations between the two nations. The first known interaction between the two cultures ended up with the destruction of the by a stranded band of Freljordian warriors... but the second was a friendship between  and.

Noxus
12 years ago, the long planned Noxian invasion to Ionia began under Boram Darkwill orders. Rumors spread of abundant magic flowing from the land, convincing many Noxians to indulge in the conquest, seeking riches beyond their wildest dreams. But Darkwill desired immortality above all, tasking legions to search for anything relevant wherever it could possibly be obtained and annihilating those who stood in their way. In short time the presence of Noxians would increase and turn violent, eventually becoming a full-scale war.

Over the course of the invasion things became an uphill battle, the likes of which Noxians and Ionians had never experienced. As the Ionians fought in defiance, so did the land itself. This Ionian victory at the Great Stand at Navori a decade ago ensured that everyone in Ionia knew the name of, and looked to her for leadership. Exhausted and nearly defeated, the war would eventually end with ascension to power and most Noxian armies were withdrawn from Ionia. After the defeat of Noxus and the return of most annexed lands, it is unclear of the present political conditions. It is well-known, however, that many Ionians have a vendetta against Noxus.

Trivia
General=


 * The name Ionia comes from the Ἰωνία, after the tribal name  Ἰά(ϝ)ωνες, with unclear etymology, possibly from:
 * noun *wiH-s "force", whence Greek (ϝ)ī́s (w)is;
 * verb *h₁eysh₂- "to push, to strengthen", whence ῑ̓ός īós "arrow".
 * The real-life namesake is, after , located in , now in modern-day.
 * There are also the located at the western part of modern-day.
 * Ionian names are usually derived from, e.g. , , , etc. with some influences
 * Exceptions exist, however: e.g. from ;  from ;  from.
 * Ionia's crest resembles Mantle of Decorum.
 * Ionians practiced : the deceased's corpses are left to the elements and scavengers, then collected and cleaned by.
 * Ionia has over 200 species of talking dragons.
 * Ionian prisons are known to be humane. Unless they house vastaya.
 * Despite Ionia generally having low-tech weapons, their new high-tech weaponry is generally housed in the Kashuri armouries and used by people who have authorization by the regional authorities, such as.
 * The serpentlike crest of Ionia features its colors - white, teal green, and honeysuckle.
 * The, , , , , , , , , , , , , , and are Ionian artifacts.
 * The three blades of represent the Land, Name, and Nation of Ionia.


 * -|Skins=

Media
Music=
 * Related Music