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m (Housekeeping, typos fixed: couldn’t → couldn't (3), a imbalance → an imbalance, returning back → returning, isnt → isn't, ’s → 's (19))
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:For the [[Legends of Runeterra]] regions card set, see {{TipLoR|Ionia}}.
[[File:Ionia Crest.png|right]]
 
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{{Lore banner|{{PAGENAME}}}}
 
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{|align=right style="width:300px; margin:1em; border-collapse:collapse; border:2px solid #C9AA71; font-family:BeaufortLoL;"
'''Ionia''' is a land of unspoiled beauty and natural magic. Its inhabitants, living in scattered settlements across this massive island continent, 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 {{cci|Noxus Crest icon.png|border=false|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.
 
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|colspan=2 style="width:250px; text-align:center; text-transform:uppercase; font-size:120%; background-color:#061E36; font-weight:700; border-bottom:2px solid #C9AA71; padding:0.2em 0.5em;"|The first lands
 
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|-
{{Clr}}
 
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|colspan=2|
 
{{Tocright}}
 
 
==Champions of Ionia==
 
{{Exhibition|Ahri, Akali, Irelia, Jhin, Karma, Kayn, Kennen, Lee Sin, Master Yi, Shen, Soraka, Syndra, Varus, Wukong, Xayah, Rakan, Yasuo, Zed}}
 
 
===Other Related Champions===
 
* {{ci|Bard}} is a celestial that intervened at the Battle of Bard Mountain.
 
* {{ci|Darius}} was a Noxian field commander during the Noxian invasion.
 
* {{ci|Diana}} is searching for remaining Lunari in Ionia.
 
* {{ci|Gangplank}} is a Bilgewater pirate that ransacked {{cis|Zed}} Temple of the Jagged Knife.
 
* {{ci|Ivern}} is a God-Willow trainee.
 
* {{Ci|Lux}} is a Demacian spy who extracted valuable information for Ionia in the Noxus-Ionia conflict.
 
* {{ci|Nami}} is a Marai Tidecaller searching for the Aspect of the Moon in Ionia.
 
* {{ci|Riven}} is a former Noxian field commander during the Noxian invasion.
 
* {{ci|Sona}} was an orphan from this region.
 
* {{ci|Singed}} had caused the death of numerous Ionian citizens.
 
* {{ci|Swain}} had caused the death of numerous Ionian citizens, lost his arm to {{ci|Irelia}}.
 
* {{ci|Taliyah}} was brought to Ionia during the Noxus invasion and was later trained under {{ci|Yasuo}}.
 
* {{ci|Udyr}} is the vessel for four eternal spirits and defended Ionia during the Noxus invasion.
 
* {{ci|Xin Zhao}} is a Demacian that was born in Ionia.
 
 
== Lore ==
 
===Legends===
 
 
[[File:Ionia Crest icon.png|right|150px]]
 
 
Ionia is a naturally beautiful continent nation full of ancient trees, tall mountains and tranquil rivers. The entire landscape is covered with large patches of forests teeming with life.
 
 
;[http://na.leagueoflegends.com/en/creative-spotlight/curse-sad-mummy Curse of the Sad Mummy]
 
*Every child in Valoran has heard the tale before, about the cursed mummy boy who felt his heart no more.
 
 
<tabber>
 
<tabber>
  +
Greater=
Hide=
 
  +
[[File:Ionia Crest.png|center|300px]]
* Starring {{ci|Amumu}} and {{ci|Kindred}}.
 
 
|-|
 
|-|
  +
Lesser=
Show=
 
[[File:League of Legends Music The Curse of the Sad Mummy|center|640px]]
+
[[File:Ionia Crest icon.png|center|150px]]
 
</tabber>
 
</tabber>
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|-style="border-top:2px solid #C9AA71; background-color:#061E36; font-size:small;"
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|style="width:150px; padding:0.2em 0.5em;"|Governance:
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|style="width:150px; padding:0.2em 0.5em;"|Attitude towards magic:
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|-style="text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:700; color:#C9AA71;"
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|style="width:150px; padding:0.2em 0.5em;"|Regional provinces
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|style="width:150px; padding:0.2em 0.5em;"|Harmonize
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|-style="background-color:#061E36; font-size:small;"
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|style="width:150px; padding:0.2em 0.5em;"|Level of technology:
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|style="width:150px; padding:0.2em 0.5em;"|General environment:
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|-style="text-transform:uppercase; font-weight:700; color:#C9AA71;"
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|style="width:150px; padding:0.2em 0.5em;"|Low
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|style="width:150px; padding:0.2em 0.5em;"|Magical (varied)
  +
|}
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{{quote|{{sm2|Irelia 031.ogg}}''"We are the children of the First Lands, and we will '''not''' be slaves!"''|{{ci|Irelia}}}}
  +
'''Ionia''', in original [[Vastaya]]n 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 [[File:Noxus profileicon.png|20px|border]] [[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.
   
;[https://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/story/jhin-color-story/ Golden Excellence]
 
*Art requires a certain... cruelty.
 
* Starring {{ci|Jhin}}, {{ci|Shen}}, and {{ci|Zed}}.
 
   
  +
== Lore ==
;[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-BgDEy2AE Mind of the Virtuoso]
 
  +
Surrounded by treacherous seas, {{fi|Ionia}} is composed of a number of allied provinces scattered across a massive archipelago, known to many as the First Lands. Since Ionian culture has long been shaped by the pursuit of balance in all things, the border between the material and spirit realms tends to be more permeable here, especially in the wild forests and mountains.
* I will make you beautiful. I will make you perfect. Dive into the meticulous mind of Jhin, the Virtuoso.
 
<tabber>
 
Hide=
 
* Starring {{ci|Jhin}}.
 
|-|
 
Show=
 
[[File:Mind of the Virtuoso|center|640px]]
 
</tabber>
 
   
  +
Although these lands’ enchantments can be fickle, its creatures dangerous and fae, for many centuries most Ionians led lives of plenty. The warrior monasteries, provincial militias—and even Ionia itself—had been enough to protect them.
;[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nzeQ-vHF34 Death Mark]
 
* This assassin doesn’t just strike from the shadows - he is the shadow. And they don’t stand a chance.
 
<tabber>
 
Hide=
 
* Starring {{ci|Zed}}.
 
|-|
 
Show=
 
[[File:Zed Death Mark League Animation Workshop|center|640 px]]
 
</tabber>
 
   
  +
But that ended twelve years ago, when {{fi|Noxus}} attacked the First Lands. The empire's seemingly endless warhosts savaged Ionia, and were only defeated after many years, and at great cost.
;[https://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/comic/varus/issue-1/ Heartlight]
 
* Greef is the key, turned by loss. One needs only the glimmer of hope. That sound you hear is an arrow of retribution.
 
<tabber>
 
Hide=
 
* Starring {{ui|Kai|nolink=true}}, {{ui|Valmar|nolink=true}}, and {{ci|Varus}}.
 
|-|
 
Cover=
 
[[File:Varus HL cover.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
01=
 
[[File:Varus HL pr01.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
02=
 
[[File:Varus HL pr02.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
03=
 
[[File:Varus HL pr03.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
04=
 
[[File:Varus HL pr04.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
05=
 
[[File:Varus HL pr05.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
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[[File:Varus HL pr06.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
07=
 
[[File:Varus HL pr07.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
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[[File:Varus HL pr08.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
09=
 
[[File:Varus HL pr09.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
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[[File:Varus HL pr10.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
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[[File:Varus HL pr11.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
12=
 
[[File:Varus HL pr12.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
13=
 
[[File:Varus HL pr13.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
14=
 
[[File:Varus HL pr14.jpg|center|640px]]
 
</tabber>
 
   
  +
Now, Ionia exists in an uneasy peace. Different reactions to the war have divided the region—some groups, such as the [[Shojin Order|Shojin]] monks or the [[Kinkou]], seek a return to isolationist pacifism, and pastoral traditions. Other more radical factions, such as the [[Navori Brotherhood]] and the [[Shadow Order|Order of Shadow]], demand a militarization of the land's magic, to create a single, unified nation that can take vengeance on Noxus.
;[https://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/comic/varus/video/varus-music-video/ As We Fall]
 
*Witness the incarnation of vengeance.
 
<tabber>
 
Hide=
 
* Starring {{ui|Kai|nolink=true}}, {{ui|Valmar|nolink=true}}, and {{ci|Varus}}.
 
|-|
 
Show=
 
[[File:Varus As We Fall League of Legends Music|center|640px]]
 
</tabber>
 
   
  +
The fate of Ionia hangs in a delicate balance that few are willing to overturn, but all can feel shifting uneasily beneath their feet.
;[https://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/comic/varus/issue-2/0/ Retribution]
 
* I wear newly-woven flesh of meat and bone and skin to bear my form. But I am eternal.
 
<tabber>
 
Hide=
 
* Starring {{ui|Kai|nolink=true}}, {{ui|Valmar|nolink=true}}, and {{ci|Varus}}.
 
|-|
 
Cover=
 
[[File:Varus AR cover.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
01=
 
[[File:Varus AR pr01.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
02=
 
[[File:Varus AR pr02.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
03=
 
[[File:Varus AR pr03.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
04=
 
[[File:Varus AR pr04.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
05=
 
[[File:Varus AR pr05.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
06=
 
[[File:Varus AR pr06.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
07=
 
[[File:Varus AR pr07.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
08=
 
[[File:Varus AR pr08.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
09=
 
[[File:Varus AR pr09.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
10=
 
[[File:Varus AR pr10.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
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[[File:Varus AR pr11.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
12=
 
[[File:Varus AR pr12.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
13=
 
[[File:Varus AR pr13.jpg|center|640px]]
 
|-|
 
14=
 
[[File:Varus AR pr14.jpg|center|640px]]
 
</tabber>
 
   
  +
{{clr}}
;[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX8iSobsKTY Bard Mountain]
 
* ''When Runeterra's sacred treasures are misused, the Wandering Caretaker intervenes.''
 
<tabber>
 
Hide=
 
* Starring {{ci|Bard}}.
 
|-|
 
Show=
 
[[File:Bard Mountain|center|640px]]
 
</tabber>
 
   
  +
=== Champions of Ionia ===
;[https://na.merch.riotgames.com/en/ahri-statue#stray-fox Stray Fox]
 
  +
{{Exhibition| Ahri, Akali, Irelia, Ivern, Jhin, Karma, Kayn, Kennen, Lee Sin, Master Yi, Rakan, Sett, Shen, Syndra, Varus, Wukong, Xayah, Yasuo, Zed}}
* The curiosity of the outside world.
 
* Starring {{ci|Ahri}}.
 
   
  +
=== Other Related Champions ===
;[http://na.leagueoflegends.com/en/featured/taliyah-short-story The Bird and the Branch]
 
  +
* {{ci|Bard}} is a celestial that intervened at the Battle of Bard Mountain.
* A young stone mage from Shurima encounters an unlikely mentor in the mountains of Ionia.
 
  +
* {{ci|Darius}} was a Noxian field commander during the Noxian invasion.
* Starring {{ci|Taliyah}} and {{ci|Yasuo}}.
 
  +
* {{ci|Diana}} is searching for remaining Lunari in Ionia.
  +
* {{ci|Gangplank}} is a Bilgewater pirate that ransacked {{cis|Zed}} Temple of the Jagged Knife.
  +
* {{ci|Lucian}} traveled to [[Raikkon]] and [[Sudaro]] in search of the Black Mist and any traces of recent Harrowings. He also later traveled to another Ionian village with Senna to protect its citizens from the Black Mist and help another Sentinel.
  +
* {{ci|Nami}} is a Marai Tidecaller searching for the Aspect of the Moon in Ionia.
  +
* {{ci|Ryze}} visited Hirana Monastery during his search for the World Runes.
  +
* {{ci|Senna}} traveled to an Ionian village with her husband to protect its citizens from the Black Mist and help another Sentinel.
  +
* {{ci|Sona}} was born in Ionia and resided in an orphanage before being adopted by House Buvelle of Demacia.
  +
* {{ci|Singed}} participated in the slaughter of numerous Ionian citizens during the Noxian invasion.
  +
* {{ci|Swain}} participated in the slaughter of numerous Ionian citizens during the Noxian invasion, and lost his arm to {{ci|Irelia}}.
  +
* {{ci|Taliyah}} was brought to Ionia during the Noxian invasion and was later trained under {{ci|Yasuo}}.
  +
* {{ci|Udyr}} is the vessel for four eternal spirits and defended Ionia during the Noxus invasion.
  +
* {{ci|Xin Zhao}} was born in Ionia, though he was captured and spent some time as a gladiator in Noxus before being released by Jarvan III.
  +
* {{ci|Riven}} currently resides in Ionia, having been adopted by the Konte family after deserting Noxus and put on trial for the murder of Elder Souma.
   
  +
== History ==
;[[Confessions of a Broken Blade]]
 
  +
=== Birth of the Vastaya ===
* In the wake of war between Noxus and Ionia, Riven is accused of a heinous crime.<ref>[https://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/story/confessions-of-a-broken-blade-act-1-story/ Confessions of a Broken Blade Act 1]</ref>
 
  +
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 - {{ci|Wukong|simian}}, {{ci|Rakan|avian}}, even {{ci|Nami|piscine}} - according to the creatures which most embodied their strongest characteristics.
* Riven stands trial for the murder of Yasuo's master.<ref>[https://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/story/confessions-of-a-broken-blade-act-2-story/ Confessions of a Broken Blade Act 2]</ref>
 
* As the trial concludes, Riven must finally face the horrors of her past.<ref>[https://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/story-art/AOEN9deA-confessions-of-a-broken-blade-part-3-universe-of-league-of-legends Confessions of a Broken Blade Act 3]</ref>
 
* Starring {{ci|Riven}} and {{ci|Yasuo}}.
 
   
  +
Many vastaya later migrated to faraway lands outside of their original home of Ionia.
;[http://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/story/leesin-color-story All that Glitters...]
 
* The actions of one may sunder the world, but the efforts of many may rebuild it.
 
* Starring {{ci|Lee Sin}}.
 
   
  +
=== Destruction of the God-Willow ===
;[http://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/story/shen-color-story True Neutral]
 
  +
{{main|Ivern/Background|Green Father}}
*The Eye is blind to fear, to hate, to love - to all things that would sway equilibrium.
 
  +
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 {{ci|Ivern|Ivern Bramblefoot}}, the Green-Father.
* Starring {{ci|Shen}}.
 
   
  +
=== The Golden Demon ===
;[http://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/story/ahri-color/ A Fair Trade]
 
  +
{{main|Jhin/Background|Virtuoso}}
* Ahri walks in disguise, but th fortune-teller has her own secret. What are they both hiding?
 
  +
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.
* Starring {{ci|Ahri}}.
 
   
  +
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.
;[http://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/story/ahri-garden-forgetting/ Garden of Forgetting]
 
* More than memories are lost in the garden - what will become of Ahri if she surrenders hers?
 
* Starring {{ci|Ahri}}.
 
   
  +
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 {{ci|Jhin}}. The young Zed marched forward with his blades held high, but Kusho stopped him, ordering that Jhin be imprisoned in Tuula instead.
;[[Vastaya Field Journal]]
 
* Chimeras with human blood? Spiritual magic from an ancient race? In my humble inquiries I have stumbled upon afar greater questions...this shall make for quite the chronicle. A best-seller, in fact. "Eduard Santangelo, gentleman of Piltover, explorer of ionia, who discovered the wondrous vastaya in the wilds of Ionia." I can already hear them clamoring for the first edition.<ref>[https://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_GB/story/vastaya-field-journal/ Vastaya Field Journal]</ref>
 
* Starring {{ci|Ahri}}.
 
   
  +
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.
;[http://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/story/monkeyking-color/ Fast and Dumb]
 
* When a life hangs in the balance, there are two options; slow and smart, or fast and dumb.
 
* Starring {{ci|Master Yi}} and {{ci|Wukong}}.
 
   
  +
=== Noxian Invasion ===
;[http://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/story/rakan-color-story/ Nothing Rhymes with Tubebow]
 
  +
{{main|Irelia/Background|Blade Dancer}}[[File:Irelia Update promo 01.jpg|thumb|300px|Mural of the Noxian Invasion of Ionia]]
* Weaving through a monastery guarded by shadow acolytes is a dangerous dance...
 
* Starring {{ci|Rakan}} and {{ci|Xayah}}.
 
   
  +
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. 
;[http://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/story/xayah-color-story/ The Puboe Prison Break]
 
* ...but with your heartfire by your side, no mission can withstand your graceful strike.
 
* Starring {{ci|Rakan}} and {{ci|Xayah}}.
 
   
  +
Not long after, the warhosts set sail for Ionia as part of the long-planned Noxian invasion.
;[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4PDzBnBMU4 Wild Magic]
 
* Restoring the wild magic of Ionia won't be easy when a deadly enemy lurks in the shadows.
 
<tabber>
 
Hide=
 
* Starring {{ci|Rakan}}, {{ci|Xayah}}, and {{ci|Zed}}.
 
|-|
 
Show=
 
[[File:Xayah & Rakan - Wild Magic Promo|center|640px]]
 
</tabber>
 
   
  +
As the central province of Ionia, the invasion began in Navori, many villages and settlements feel, thousands of Ioniands died as their magical artifacts were stolen to extend the life of their crazy emperor.
;[http://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/story/kayn-color-story/ The Blade of Millennia]
 
*The child is gone. The killer remains.
 
* Starring {{ci|Kayn}} and {{ci|Rhaast}}.
 
   
  +
This aggression forced the religious leader {{ci|Karma}}, 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.
;[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmdkmPsmEnA The Path of Shadows]
 
* Will he deliver death with a whisper or make the world scream?
 
<tabber>
 
Hide=
 
* Starring {{ci|Kayn}} and {{ci|Rhaast}}.
 
|-|
 
Show=
 
[[File:Kayn The Path of Shadows New Champion Teaser - League of Legends|center|640px]]
 
</tabber>
 
   
  +
At one of the most important points of the war, a warhost lead by {{ci|Swain|Jericho Swain}}, captured the Placidium and took its defenders hostage, hoping to lure the inevitable reinforcements into a trap, but a 14-year-old girl named {{ci|Irelia}}  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.
;[https://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/story/irelia-color-story/ Stains on a Name]
 
* There was a time when I danced only for myself. Now, I dance for the First Lands.
 
* Starring {{ci|Irelia}}.
 
   
  +
The growing resistance was led by Irelia for almost 3 years of war, but as Ionia united on resistance, Noxus doubled their war efforts, children were sent as foot soldiers, trying to exploit Ionian mercy and Chemtech bombs bought from an infamous {{ci|Singed|Zaunite alchemist}} bombarded both Ionians and Noxians.
;[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPCnts6v_Pc The Defiant Blade]
 
* A decade after the Battle of the Placidium, Ionia honors the young woman who inspired a revolution.
 
<tabber>
 
Hide=
 
* Starring {{ci|Irelia}} and {{ci|Riven}}.
 
|-|
 
Show=
 
[[File:Irelia The Defiant Blade Champion Teaser - League of Legends|center|640px]]
 
</tabber>
 
   
  +
Those Chemtech bombs had gruesome effects on the land. Perhaps the place where those consequences are most notable is the Wuju village, where rumors of a {{ci|Master Yi|one-man army}} raised Noxian attention. 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.
;[http://na.leagueoflegends.com/en/champion-preview/wonder-above The Wonder Above]
 
* The stars tell their own stories. Some speak of past events. Some speak of... other things.
 
<tabber>
 
Hide=
 
* Starring {{ci|Bard}}.
 
|-|
 
Show=
 
[[File:The Wonder Above|center|640px]]
 
</tabber>
 
   
  +
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...
=== History ===
 
==== Creation of the Vastaya ====
 
The vastaya's origins can be traced back to a hidden corner of Ionia where a group of humans fled to escape the {{cci|Void Crest icon.png|border=false|Icathia|Great Void War}}. There, these refugees came into contact with a tribe of intelligent shapeshifting creatures who were greatly in tune with the world's natural magicks. These spiritual creatures, known as the Vasthayshai'rei, welcomed the human refugees and eventually produced what Runeterrans now refer to as [[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 (simian, avine, piscine etc.) according to the creatures which most embodied their strongest characteristics.
 
   
  +
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...  
Sometime after, many Vastaya migrated to far away lands outside of their original home of Ionia.
 
   
==== Destruction of the God-Willow ====
+
=== The Order of Shadows ===
  +
[[File:Zed Comic 3 pr08.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Zed, the Master of Shadows]]
   
  +
{{main|Zed/Background|Master of Shadows}}
In ancient times, after the creation of the Vastaya, some of these races individuals have started residing and protecting the sacred spiritual tree known as the God-Willow (or Heart of the World). Located in the sacred grove of Omikayalan. This massive tree, dripping with long gossamer leaves that shimmered with golden-green light, was of immense importance to both Human Ionians and the Vastaya people of the continent, which guarded the tree from anyone who wished it harm. Unfortunately, the tree was destroyed due to an invading war party from the Freljord, its leader transformed by its natural energy into the being known as {{ci|Ivern|Ivern Bramblefoot}}.
 
  +
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.
==== Ancient Darkin Influence ====
 
: Narrated by {{csl|Ezreal|Explorer|link=*none*}}
 
   
  +
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.
[[File:Aatrox Promo 9.png|thumb|250px|right|An Ionian woodblock <small>(With a carved image of a figure in blood.)</small>]]
 
   
  +
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.
"This Ionian woodblock was carved long before the war with Noxus. They're rare nowadays, but they're always more or less the same. They all depict things of beauty: landscapes, monks in meditation, the stars and the night sky, all of that "enlightenment" stuff they're always on about. All of them... except this one.
 
   
  +
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.
I've never seen anything like it. It's that same {{ci|Aatrox|dark figure}} with that same blade - and the worst thing - I don't think those red stains are ink... "
 
   
  +
Far from home, Shen felt an 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.
==== The Shadows Released ====
 
An orphan, {{ci|Zed}} was taken in and trained by a great ninja master. Only one other student appeared to be Zed's equal - the master's son, {{ci|Shen}}. It seemed Zed could never win the favor of the master, as every match between the rivals ended in a draw. Frustrated and jealous, he sought an advantage. The young ninja ventured into a sealed part of the clan's temple, where he found an ornate, foreboding box. Sensing the dark knowledge within, Zed knew he should not open it, but he peered inside nonetheless. In an instant, shadows touched his mind, revealing techniques that had long been hidden. Now armed with a secret edge, he challenged Shen, and this time he defeated the master's son. He expected praise and recognition in his moment of victory, but somehow the master knew Zed had used forbidden ways, and banished him.
 
   
  +
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. 
Humiliated, the young ninja wandered for years. His bitterness turned to ambition, and he began to train others in the style of the shadows. But he knew that without the box his style would never be perfect and thus he swore to return there one day and retrieve the box.
 
   
====The Fall of the Kinkou Order====
+
=== The Battle of Bard Mountain ===
  +
{{main|Bard Mountain (Video)}}
  +
[[File:Ionia Battle of Bard Mountain.jpg|thumb|300px|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 {{ci|Bard|Celestial being}}, 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.
[[File:Zed_Teaser.jpg|thumb|150px|The Kinkou Order falls]]
 
   
  +
=== The Dreaming Pool ===
One day, {{ci|Zed}} looked at his followers and saw that his students were now an army. He led them back to the temple to claim his prize. At the gates, he was surprised to find the old master waiting, receiving Zed and his disciples as if they were welcome guests. The old man laid his sword at Zed's feet, declaring that he had failed Zed as his master. By banishing his former student, the master had doomed Zed to the shadows, instead of leading him to the balanced path. The old man implored Zed to enter the temple, destroy the box, and lead his followers to balance. The dark ninja followed the master inside. Moments later, the assembled ninjas heard Zed cry out in pain. Mysteriously, he emerged unscathed and threw the severed head of the master at Shen's feet. Screaming in rage, Zed commanded his followers to slaughter the master's students and seize the box.
 
  +
{{main|The Dreaming Pool}}
  +
[[File:The Dreaming Pool.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Syndra inside 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.
That day, the old ninja order fell. Though many students died, some escaped thanks to {{cis|Shen}} heroic efforts. Now the temple is a dark training ground for the Order of Shadows. Zed rules as the Order's master, and his edict is simple: perfect one's technique, and kill all ninjas who refuse to embrace the shadows.
 
   
  +
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 {{ci|Syndra|mage}} who was imprisoned inside decades before. She was being guarded by Noxian forces, who the Ionians feared would accidentally release her and her power.
==== Noxian Invasion ====
 
[[File:Irelia Update promo 01.jpg|thumb|250px|Mural of the Noxian Invasion of Ionia]]
 
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. No longer in direct war with {{cci|Demacia Crest icon.png|border=false|size=16|Demacia}}, Noxus had turned its expansionist eye towards conquering those who remained outside of the Demacians' jurisdiction. Noxian spies began to trade aggressively with the Ionians, traveling the island to study its weaknesses and identify critical targets. When the plan was formed, the forces of Noxus struck.
 
   
  +
Their mission proved unsuccessful. Syndra was released, and Fae'lor was all but destroyed, its fortress lifted from the ground by the now freed {{ci|Syndra}} into the sky and moved northward to an unknown location.
The southern provinces of Ionia were the most open to trade and were also among the wealthiest. It was there that the Noxian forces landed under the cover of night. After being met with little resistance, Noxus’ forces formed their first beachheads and began their invasion. While the war was heavily in the favor of the Noxian forces, the Ionians would not surrender. In response to a growing Ionian resistance, Noxus brought in mercenaries from {{cci|Zaun Crest icon.png|border=false|Zaun}}. The mad scientists implemented unspeakable tactics, unleashing their cruel creations on noncombatant civilians. These acts of terror were what finally brought forth the full anger of the Ionians.
 
   
  +
=== Second Noxian invasion ===
Bringing all its might and martial traditions to bear, the island nation fought back fiercely. The turning point of the war came at the "Great Stand of the Placidium", where the Ionians forced the Noxians to stop their advance and give ground. Though they suffered high casualties, the Ionian warriors eventually brought the invaders to a stalemate, pushing them back to their power bases on the island. Despite their losses, the forces of Noxus remained in control of three of the wealthiest southern provinces – Galrin, Navori, and Shon-Xan.
 
  +
{{Main|Awaken}} In a near future, Noxus will start its second attempt to conqueror Ionia, with {{ci|Sion}} joining the cause. They are met with resistance leaded by {{ci|Irelia}} in a seaside village. Sion manages to overpower Irelia while the Noxian army is decimating Ionian farmers, but the arrival of {{ci|Akali}}, {{ci|Karma}},{{ci|Kennen}} and {{ci|Yasuo}} ultimately turns the tide of the battle.
   
  +
== Locations ==
  +
<gallery type=slideshow widths=300 navigation=true>
  +
Ionia An Ancient And Respected History.jpg|An Ancient And Respected History
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Ionia Coastal Region.jpg|Coastal Region
  +
Ionia Forest Market 02.jpg|Forest Market
  +
Ionia Lake Of Lighted Lilies.jpg|Lake Of Lighted Lilies
  +
Ionia Magical Coastline.jpg|Magical Coastline
  +
Ionia The First Lands.jpg|The First Lands
  +
Ionia The Rainbowed Canyons Of Shi.jpg|The Rainbowed Canyons Of Shi
  +
Ionia Shojin Monastery.jpg|Shojin Monastery
  +
</gallery>
  +
Ionia is a large archipelago located off the east coast of [[Valoran]]. The currently well-known locations encompassing Ionia are:
   
==== The Battle of Bard Mountain ====
+
=== 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]]===
  +
<gallery type=slideshow widths=300 navigation=true>
  +
Ionia The Placidium.jpg|The Placidium of Navori
  +
Ionia The Lesson 01.jpg|Navori Province
  +
The Placidium of Navori map.jpg|The Placidium of Navori Map
  +
Ionia Coastal Region.jpg|Azure Farms
  +
Ivern The Green Father 01.jpg|Omikayalan
  +
Ionia Life As One.jpg|Life As One
  +
Ionia Ionian Farm.jpg|Ionian Farm
  +
Ionia Salt Farms.jpg|Salt Farms
  +
Thanze Zed Comic.jpg|Thanze
  +
Temple of Thanjuul Zed Comic.jpg|Temple of Thanjuul
  +
White Cliffs Inn. Zed Comic.jpg|White Cliffs Inn.
  +
</gallery>
   
  +
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.
[[File:Ionia Battle of Bard Mountain.jpg|thumb|250px|Battle of Bard Mountain.]]
 
   
  +
* '''[[Azure Farms]]:''' are a coastal area in Navori region of [[Ionia]].
Noxian troops tried to capture the Bard Mountains and obtain a celestial artifact bestowed to the Ionians of the Floating villages. During the battle, the village sage was tasked to take the artifact to one of the Celestial shrines on the top of one of the villages peaks. The Noxians mortally wounded him with arrows before he could reach the shrine. However, as his last act of defiance, he used the artifact to strike his would-be-killer, obliterating him and slicing a nearby mountain in half (seemingly faltering in his duties). This misuse of the egg's power had drawn the attention of a {{ci|Bard|Celestial being}}, 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.
 
  +
* '''Lhotlan Village:''' Deep within the Lhradi Forest of Navori live the endangered Lhotlan vastaya, whose most prominent members are {{ci|Rakan}} and {{ci|Xayah}}.
  +
* '''[[Ionia City]]:''' A large city on which Ionians were gathered and harmonized by the magic that is within the [[Ionia|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 whose members include {{ci|Karma}} and {{ci|Irelia}}.
  +
* '''[[Omikayalan]]:''' known also as the '''Heart of the World''' or the '''Greenglade''', is a sacred grove 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 [[Freljord|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 {{ci|Ivern|Green Father}} 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.
  +
* '''[[Thanze]]:''' A city located in Southeastern Navori, it was ravaged by the Noxian Invasion of Ionia. The {{fi|Navori Brotherhood}} and Zed's {{fi|Shadow Order}} defended this city and its inhabitants.
  +
* '''[[Temple of Koeshin]]:''' Located in Northwestern [[Navori]], it is {{tt|presumably|Temple of Xuanain was the main headquarters right after the death of Master Kusho. The main base of operations might have moved afterwards.}} the main headquarters of the {{fi|Kinkou Order}} during the time of Master {{ci|Shen}}. The White Cliffs Inn, located closely to the Temple. is the place where {{ci|Shen}} and {{ci|Zed}} first [[The Man with the Steel Cane|met]] after decades in order to find {{ci|Jhin}}.
  +
* '''[[Temple of Thanjuul]]:''' Located in Southeastern Navori, it is the {{fi|Kinkou Order}} temple of Navori during the time of Master Kusho. During the siege of Thanze, Zed and his acolytes came for the Tears of The Shadow. Currently the Temple is controlled by the {{fi|Shadow Order}}.
  +
* '''[[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.
   
==== The Festival ====
+
===[[Shon-Xan]]===
  +
<gallery type=slideshow widths=300 navigation=true>
  +
Xayah Puboe Prison Break 05.jpg|{{ci|Xayah}} inside Puboe Prison
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Ahri Garden of Forgetting 01.jpg|{{ci|Ahri}} In The Garden Of Forgetting
  +
Ionia The Bow, and the Kunai.jpg|Neophyte Faey hunting near the Temple of Xuanain
  +
</gallery>
  +
Not much is known about Shon-Xan, the eastern region of Ionia Island, though it is presumably the origin of one of {{cis|Camille}} favorite weapons, the Shon-Xan footed glaive.
   
  +
* '''[[Garden of Forgetting]]:''' The garden may be located here. {{ci|Ahri}} 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.
[[File:Festivaloffire1.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Shen and Akali performing as guests of honor.]]
 
  +
* '''[[Puboe]]:''' A human town that was the center of a few recent events. {{ci|Xayah}} and {{ci|Rakan}} freed several vastaya from a prison here, and {{ci|Akali}} 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.
  +
* '''[[Temple of Xuanain]]:''' The village Xuanain is located in the southeastern part of Shon-Xan. It is located near a Kinkou Temple which was abandoned long ago until it became the new base of operation for the order after the death of Master Kusho during the Noxian invasion of Ionia. East of [[Temple of Thanjuul|Thanjuul]], high up in the mountains where glacial water ran. It was beside a lagoon of turquoise water, peppered with purple lantern florae. Although they were near the village of Xuanain, their haven was difficult to access, with its great elevation and surrounding hills.
  +
* '''[[Vlonqo]]:''' A remote mountain town in southern part of Sho-Xan region of [[Ionia]]. Vlonqo Flowers are highly sought after by [[Weh'le]] tattoo artists.
   
  +
===[[Fae'lor]]===
During the night of the Festival of Fire and Blood Moon, Ionian people were treated to various musical and theatric performances pertaining to Ionian history or legend. The headlining performance featured League Champions {{cit|Shen}}, and {{ci|Akali|Akali, the Fist of Shadow}}, who performed The Tale of Reina, a legend in which an ancient Ionian warrior is hunted by an evil spirit. Akali took the part of Reina herself, dressed in formal Ionian red and white battle garb, and Shen played the spirit that plagued her, adorned with a fearsome mask. As the legend goes, Reina fled the spirit for years, yet it always found and tormented her. Finally, Reina donned her own mask to confront the spirit, but when she turned to face it, it never came again, frightened away by her strength.
 
  +
<gallery type=slideshow widths=300 navigation=true>
  +
Syndra The Dreaming Pool.jpg|{{ci|Syndra}} inside The Dreaming Pool
  +
Ionia Master Yi Village.jpg|Wuju Village
  +
Master Yi Homecoming.jpg|Master Yi returning to his village
  +
</gallery>
  +
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 {{ci|Syndra}}. 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 {{ci|Syndra}}. Currently it imprisons a vastaya named Kalan.
   
  +
===[[Bahrl]]===
When the sun rose in the morning and the Tree had become almost fully concealed behind scrolls, an Ionian summoner lit them briefly aflame. As the magic dissipated, the sun shone brilliantly through the branches of the Great Tree. Master Hana, an Ionian adjudicator, stated that this was the festival's greatest lesson: out of any darkness comes the grandest of light.
 
  +
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 {{ci|Zed}} found {{ci|Kayn}}.
   
  +
* '''[[Epool River]]:''' It is located in the southern part of Bahrl island in Ionia. It is the place where {{ci|Zed}} found {{ci|Kayn}}.
==== The Celestial Fortress ====
 
  +
* '''[[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 {{ci|Ahri}} 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 {{ci|Master Yi}} and the art of Wuju. It has since been destroyed during the Noxian Invasion of Ionia.
   
  +
===[[Bard Mountain]]===
[[File:Syndra_OriginalSkin.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Syndra's Fortress]]
 
  +
<gallery type=slideshow widths=300 navigation=true>
  +
Ionia Bard Mountain.jpg|Bard Mountain
  +
Ionia Pallas 01.jpg|Pallas
  +
Ionia Noxian Invasion Of Ionia.jpg|Temple of Pallas 1
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Ionia Cliffside Temples.jpg|Temple of Pallas 2
  +
</gallery>
  +
Possibly is located somewhere in [[Ionia]]. It was the site of a battle over an ancient artifact that resulted in the appearance of {{ci|Bard}}.
   
  +
===[[Houhjo]]===
During her training, {{cit|Syndra}} discovered that her magic had stopped evolving. She went to her master to demand an answer for this. He said that he sealed her magic in hopes that she would learn restraint and control. Enraged, she assaulted him and demanded that he lift the seal. Her master threatened her that if she does not learn, he would be forced to strip her of her magic completely. {{ci|Syndra}} lifted her master instead and smashed him to the wall killing him and ultimately releasing her from the seal.
 
  +
The Houhjo are an [[Ionia|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 [[Noxus|Noxian]] invasion detailed in the comic, [[Heartlight]], as well as the subsequent emergence of the [[Darkin]], {{ci|Varus}}. Little is known of this island nation other than its involvement in [[Varus/Background|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 {{tt|a desert|or a underground sea}} 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. {{ci|Varus|Valmar and Kai}} sought refuge in the water-filled chasm when Noxian forces attacked Pallas, and the darkin Varus was released. Master [[File:Kobayashi Master.jpg|20px]] 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]]===
She refused to return to her village and so she turned the temple into her fortress and lifted it into the sky. She now plots her revenge against the Elders of Ionia.
 
  +
<gallery type=slideshow widths=300 navigation=true>
  +
Ionia The Great Monasteries.jpg|Hirana Monastery
  +
Qenjo Estate Zed Comic.jpg|Qenjo Estate at Jiekkasja
  +
Ionia Swirl Rocks.jpg|Swirl Rocks
  +
Ionia Swirl Rocks Altar.jpg|Swirl Rocks Altar
  +
Ionia Swirl Rocks Fusuma.jpg|Swirl Rocks Fusuma Painting
  +
Riven Yasuo Confessions of a Broken Blade 01.jpg|Yasuo's Village 1
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Riven Yasuo Confessions of a Broken Blade 02.jpg|Yasuo's Village 2
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Riven Yasuo Confessions of a Broken Blade 03.jpg|Yasuo's Village 3
  +
Ghajan River Zed Comic.jpg|Ghajan River at Jyom Pass
  +
Holn Zed Comic.jpg|Holn
  +
Kotha Zed Comic.jpg|Kotha Village
  +
Nanthee Zed Comic.jpg|Nanthee
  +
Olgathee Forest Zed Comic.jpg|Olgathee Forest
  +
Sotka River Zed Comic.jpg|Sotka River near Kotha
  +
Thonx Zed Comic.jpg|Thonx
  +
</gallery>
   
  +
These islands make up a small cluster in the northeastern part of the archipelago. Hirana Monastery is located on Ralin.
== Locations ==
 
=== Visions of Ionia ===
 
<tabber>
 
The First Lands=
 
[[File:Ionia The First Lands.jpg|thumb|center|640px|<center>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.</center>]]
 
|-|
 
Life as One=
 
[[File:Ionia Life as One.jpg|thumb|center|640px|<center>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.</center>]]
 
|-|
 
An Ancient and Respected History=
 
[[File:Ionia An Ancient and Respected History.jpg|thumb|center|640px|<center>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.</center>]]
 
|-|
 
The Great Monasteries=
 
[[File:Ionia The Great Monasteries.jpg|thumb|center|640px|<center>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.</center>]]
 
|-|
 
Built into Nature=
 
[[File:Ionia Built Into Nature.jpg|thumb|center|640px|<center>Ionian architecture is characterized by a sense of natural flow and grace, aspiring to reflect the ethereal beauty of the land. Grand, open spaces ensure that one is never fully divorced from what organically existed there before.</center>]]
 
|-|
 
The Placidium of Navori=
 
[[File:Ionia Placidium Navori.png|thumb|center|640px|<center>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. Undoubtedly, this was why it became such a tempting target for the invading armies of Noxus...</center>]]
 
|-|
 
The Great Stand=
 
[[File:Ionia The Great Stand.jpg|thumb|center|640px|<center>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.</center>]]
 
</tabber>
 
   
  +
* '''[[Hirana Monastery]]:''' The monks of Hirana Monastery are renowned for self-control. {{ci|Lee Sin}} and {{ci|Udyr}} defended this place.
Ionia is a continent-spanning nation off the east coast of the [[Valoran]], northeast of {{cci|Noxus Crest icon.png|border=false|Noxus}}. The currently well-known locations encompassing Ionia are:
 
  +
* '''Qaelin Highlands:''' The mountainous regions of Qaelin which span from the north to the south of the island.
  +
** '''[[Jiekkasja]]:''' A settlement and region located in the Southern Qaelin Highlands.
  +
*** '''Quenjo Estate:''' The current location of House Quenjo and the Lady Yevnai. {{ci|Zed}} visited this place in order to find the current whereabouts of {{ci|Shen}} during his search for {{ci|Jhin}}.
   
==== Bard Mountain ====
+
===[[Zhyun]]===
  +
A mountainous island in the south of the Ionian archipelago, it was previously plagued by the infamous {{ci|Jhin|Golden Demon}}. Before the Invasion of Ionia, Zhyun was known to have its own council.
Bard Mountain is the location of the Floating Villages which housed an incredibly powerful Celestial artifact and was the first recent location from which {{ci|Bard}} came to intervene in mortal affairs.
 
   
  +
* '''[[Kashuri]]:''' It is a coastal settlement located at the southern part of Zhyun island of Ionia.
==== Celestial Fortress ====
 
  +
** '''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 {{ci|Jhin|Khada Jhin's}} pistol-rifle.
Celestial Fortress is the floating castle of {{ci|Syndra}}, currently somewhere above Ionia.
 
  +
* '''[[Nanthee]]:''' A settlement located in Southern Zhyun, it is where a disguised {{ci|Zed}} went in search for {{ci|Jhin}} after his return. It was heavily destroyed by Jhin's bombs which he used for his escape to [[Piltover]].
  +
* '''[[Raikkon]]:''' A coastal settlement in the southern tip of Zhyun island of Ionia. Its native berries are used for creating quality tattoo ink mixture. {{ci|Xin Zhao}} was born here.
  +
* '''[[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 {{cis|Zed}} Order of Shadows. It was previously ransacked by {{ci|Gangplank}} and his pirate crew.
  +
* '''[[Tuula]]:''' A city located in the southern mountainous province of Zhyun. {{ci|Jhin|Khada Jhin}} was initially imprisoned here by Kusho, {{ci|Shen}}, and {{ci|Zed}}.
  +
** '''Tuula Prison:''' A highly fortified prison for one of the worst criminals in Ionia. It is the place where {{ci|Jhin}} 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 {{ci|Riven}}.
  +
* '''Zhyun Highlands:''' The mountainous regions of Zhyun which span from the north to the south of the island.
  +
** '''[[Ghajan River]]:''' Located in Southern Zhyun, the Ghajan river is the area where Kusho, {{ci|Shen}} and {{ci|Zed}} finally captured {{ci|Jhin}}.
  +
*** '''[[Jyom Pass]]:''' A fishing settlement located on the banks of the Ghajan River. This was where {{ci|Jhin|Khada Jhin}} was captured by Kusho, {{ci|Shen}}, and {{ci|Zed}}. There is a Blossom Festival held here.
  +
** '''[[Holn]]:''' Located in the Southern Zhyun Highlands. The Holn Mountain Road had the statue of Master Kusho, the former leader of the {{fi|Kinkou Order}} who banished a local demon, The Zogao. It is also the location where {{ci|Zed}} defeated and killed Master Althon.
  +
** '''[[Kotha]]:''' A village settlement in the Southern Zhyun Highlands, it was destroyed and most of its inhabitants brutally murdered by {{ci|Jhin}} during his early years as a serial killer. It is also the location where Kusho, {{ci|Shen}} and {{ci|Zed}} first witnessed {{cis|Jhin}} brutality. The village remains in ruins to this day.
  +
** '''[[Olgathee Forest]]:''' Located in the Zhyun Highlands, it is the place where {{ci|Shen}} banished a demon which terrorized the surrounding areas.
  +
** '''Temple of Raishai:''' The Village of Raishai is located in the southern part of [[Zhyun]]. The Raishai acolytes had been among the Kinkou order's most faithful, supporting the edict of pacifism during the Noxian Invasion of without question. The turmoils of the war lead to deep spiritual unrest in this area, which attracted evil spirits. It was only with the help of {{ci|Kennen}} that this evil was dispelled.
  +
** '''[[Shual]]:''' A settlement located in Southern Zhyun Highlands, it is one the locations where {{ci|Shen}} and {{ci|Zed}} went to in search for {{ci|Jhin}} after his return.
  +
** '''[[Sotka River]]:''' A river that originates from the Southern Highlands of Zhyun. Near Kotha it is one of the places where {{ci|Zed}} was searching for {{ci|Jhin}} after his return. A Local Blossom Festival was ravaged by Jhin's bombs used by him for his escape.
  +
** '''[[Thonx]]:''' A settlement located in the Zhyun Highlands, its river caverns have numerous taverns and fishermen buildings.
  +
*** '''Kwol Tavern:''' A river side tavern located at the outskirts of Thonx, it is the place where {{ci|Zed}} and his {{fi|Shadow Order}} have started their search for {{ci|Jhin}}.
  +
* '''[[Zhyunia]]:''' {{tt|A coastal settlement|Likely the capital city}} located on Zhyun island of Ionia.
   
====Galrin====
+
== Wildlife ==
  +
<tabber>
Galrin is an island in southern-most Ionia.
 
  +
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.
   
====Hirana Monastery====
+
=== Bahrl Jays ===
  +
'''Bahrl Jays''' are an avian species native to the [[Ionia|Ionian]] island region of [[Bahrl]]. They are quite active during the morning and they have melodic song like chirps.
Hirana Monastery is a place of which monks are renowned for self-control, located somewhere in the northeast regions.
 
  +
=== 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 ===
  +
{{main|Dragon|Dragons}}
  +
<gallery type=slideshow widths=300 navigation=true>
  +
Ionia Market.jpg|Dragon Attacking A Market
  +
Ionia Dragon's Nest.jpg|Dragon's Nest
  +
Dragon OriginalSkin.jpg|An Elemental {{ui|Dragon}} Of Fire
  +
01IO030-full.png|The Empyrean
  +
01IO031-full.png|Cloud Drinker
  +
01IO045-full.png|Herald of Spring
  +
</gallery>
  +
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 {{ci|Shyvana}}, the Half-Dragon, found out firsthand. According to {{ci|Irelia}}, 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.
   
==== Jyom Pass ====
+
=== Ghost-Willow ===
  +
One of the oldest magical trees in Ionia, it was destroyed by {{ci|Syndra}} when she was a child.
Located in the southern province of Zhyun, Jyom Pass was the location where {{ci|Jhin|Khada Jhin}} was captured by Kusho, {{ci|Shen}}, and {{ci|Zed}}. The Blossom Festival was held here.
 
   
==== ====
+
=== 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 {{ci|Ivern|Green-Father}}.
==== Kashuri Armories ====
 
Located in the southern parts of Ionia, The Kashuri Armories have been making weapons for a long time, mostly swords and bows. The war against Noxus had changed that. They began making poor copies of hextech weapons during the war. Now they have been "inspired" to make new weapons harnessing the abundant magic in Ionia. Hextech uses a little bit of magic very efficiently. {{ci|Jhin|Khada Jhin's}} weapons use a lot of magic.
 
   
==== Kinkou Monastery ====
+
=== 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.
[[Kinkou Order|The Kinkou Monastery]] is the home to an ancient warrior-clan, on the northwestern island.
 
   
==== Lhotlan Tribe ====
+
=== Jeweled Protectors ===
  +
<gallery type=slideshow widths=300 navigation=true>
Located deep within an unknown Ionian magical forest, it is the home of the Lhotlan Tribe of Humanoid Avian Vastaya of the same name. The most well-known inhabitants from this tribe are the freedom fighters known as {{ci|Rakan}} and {{ci|Xayah}}.
 
  +
01IO023-full.png|Jeweled Protector
  +
Ionia The Luonn-Kon.jpg|Luonn-Kon
  +
Ionia Wildlife And Fauna.jpg|Wildlife And Fauna
  +
Ivern OriginalSkin.jpg|{{ci|Ivern}}, The God-Willow
  +
Ionia Ionian Flowers 01.jpg|Ionian Flowers 1
  +
Ionia Ionian Flowers 02.jpg|Ionian Flowers 2
  +
Ionia Ionian Trees 01.jpg|Ionian Trees 1
  +
Ionia Ionian Trees 02.jpg|Ionian Trees 2
  +
01IO028-full.png|Scaled Snapper
  +
Serpentleaf.jpg|Serpentleaf
  +
Ionia Fruit Merchant.jpg|Merchant with Sun Apple Fruit
  +
Vulkodalk 01.jpg|Vulkodalk 1
  +
Vulkodalk 02.jpg|Vulkodalk 2
  +
01IO021-full.png|Windfarer Hatchling
  +
01IO016-full.png|Zephyr Sage
  +
</gallery>
  +
The '''Jeweled Protectors''' are giant mythical winged carnivores of [[Ionia]] with a mix of tiger and lion features. {{ccib|Jeweled Protector profileicon.png|Protector (Little Legend) (Teamfight Tactics)|Protectors}} are born wingless and without manes until [[File:01IO023-full.png|20px]] 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.
   
==== Master Yi's Village ====
+
=== Kiwas ===
  +
Kiwas are a type of fruit that can be found on [[Zhyun]] of [[Ionia]]. Its sweetness is said to help soak solemness whenever someone is too melancholy.
The birthplace of {{ci|Master Yi}} and the art of Wuju, it has since been destroyed during the Noxian Invasion of Ionia.
 
   
==== Navori ====
+
=== Luonn Kon ===
  +
[[File:Ionia The Luonn-Kon.jpg|20px]] '''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.
   
  +
=== Citrus Fruit ===
[[File:Ionia Placidium Navori.png|thumb|300px|The Placidium of Navori, Ionia <br><small>(by Riot Artist [[Patrick Faulwetter]])</small>]]
 
  +
{{quote|{{sm2|VO_CitrusCourier_ability_03.ogg|''"This from {{fi|Ionia}}. No seeds!"''}}|{{LoR|Citrus Courier}}}}
  +
Ionia have their own {{w|Citrus}} fruit, likely similar to a real-world {{w|Orange (fruit)|Orange}}, that is completely seedless. Nothing is known about how it reproduces. How similar these fruit's evolution and genetics are to real world citrus fruit is unknown.
   
  +
=== Raikkon Berries ===
Located across an archipelago, Navori is a central province home to verious villages, prestigious schools, sacred magical gardens and the iconic Placidium of Navori. These cluster of islands are linked together with large magical bridges that form roads between them.       
 
  +
'''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.
   
==== Omikayalan ====
+
=== 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.
Known as the Heart of the World, the grove is a sacred place all Ionians. Chimeric beings, the [[Vastaya]], half human, half animal 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 {{cci|Freljord Crest icon.png|border=false|size=16|Freljord|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 {{ci|Ivern|Green Father}} emerged with a clear in his mission and purpose in life, to protect all life and teach the world's people to respect and appreciate all that is.
 
  +
=== 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 ===
  +
[[File:Serpentleaf.jpg|20px]] '''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 isn't 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 ===
  +
[[File:Ionia Fruit Merchant.jpg|20px]] '''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.
   
==== Pallas ====
+
=== 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.
The ancient village Pallas was established upon the coastal shore, onlooking the sea that separates Ionia and Valoran. The inhabitants of this village have forgotten their uncounted and long history but their duty as custodians to the Temple of Pallas has never gone abandoned.
 
   
==== Placidium ====
+
=== Vulkodalk ===
  +
[[File:Vulkodalk 02.jpg|20px]] '''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.
The Placidium, one of Ionia’s most iconic structures, it is located in the heart of the nation. This building is home to the School of Transcendentalism, an organization dedicated to raising Runeterra’s populace to the greatest spiritual heights possible. The school is most noted for having the League champion {{ci|Soraka}} as part of its governing board of regents. Habitants flock to the school, seeking the secrets of spiritual enlightenment. Many of Ionia’s most successful diplomats have spent at least some time studying at the School of Transcendentalism.
 
  +
=== 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.
   
==== Shimon Tribe ====
+
=== Worax ===
  +
These herd animals are described as goat-like buffalo. Pregnant Worax are considered to be quite noisy.
Located deep within unknown Ionian magical jungle, it is the home of the Humanoid Simian Vastaya of the same name. The most well-known inhabitant of this tribe is the Wuju disciple known as {{ci|Wukong}}.
 
   
==== Shon-Xan ====
+
=== Xaolans ===
  +
Xaolan trees, known for their gossamer flowers, is a type of tree from [[Zhyun]] in [[Ionia]] which leafs and flower petals are used to create white tea.
Shon-Xan is a region located east of Navori.
 
   
==== Temple of Pallas ====
+
=== 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.
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 fade magic and eventually be unleashed. Erecting a grand temple the villagers haven't wavered from this task, despite it's purpose being forgotten to them.
 
   
  +
|-|
==== Temple of the Jagged Knife ====
 
  +
Aquatic=
The Temple of the Jagged Knife is controlled by {{cis|Zed}} Order of the Shadows. It has been previously ransacked by {{ci|Gangplank}} and his pirate crew.
 
  +
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.
  +
<gallery type=slideshow widths=300 navigation=true>
  +
Ionia Lake Of Lighted Lilies.jpg|Lighted Lilies
  +
Ionia Ionian Farm.jpg|Rivers Of Grass 1
  +
Ionia Life As One.jpg|Rivers Of Grass 2
  +
Ionia Coastal Region.jpg|Yellow Crabs
  +
</gallery>
  +
=== Lighted Lilies ===
  +
[[File:Ionia Lake Of Lighted Lilies.jpg|20px]] '''Lighted Lilies''' are a type of aquatic flora native to [[Ionia]], such as the [[Lighted Lilies Lake|Lake of Lighted Lilies]]. The unique feature of these pond lilies is their ability to produce light from the head of the flower.
   
==== Tevasa Mountain ====
+
=== Rivers of Grass ===
  +
[[File:Ionia Ionian Farm.jpg|20px]] 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.
At the footholds of this 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 {{ci|Ahri|Ahri, the Nine-Tailed Fox}} who grew attached to all the villagers and had a desire to protect them from harm.
 
   
==== Tuula ====
+
=== Yellow Crabs ===
  +
[[File:Ionia Coastal Region.jpg|20px]] 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.
Tuula is a city located in the southern mountainous province of Zhyun. It is in its prison where {{ci|Jhin|Khada Jhin}} was initially imprisoned by Kusho, {{ci|Shen}}, and {{ci|Zed}}.
 
  +
</tabber>
  +
{{clr}}
   
==== Zhyun ====
 
A southern mountainous province of Ionia, it was previously plagued by the infamous {{ci|Jhin|Golden Demon|link=*none*}}. Tuula and Jyom Pass are located within this region. Before the Invasion of Ionia, Zhyun was known to have its own Council.
 
 
== Wildlife ==
 
<tabber>
 
Land=
 
[[File:Ionia The Giant Luonn Kon.jpg|thumb|300px|The Giant Luonn Kon]]
 
=== Dragons ===
 
Ionia has a myriad of over 200 different species of talking dragons. Those who study them also speak of ancient, elemental runes split between the bloodlines. These will instill the dragon that bears it with potent magic of wind, earth, water, or fire.
 
 
=== 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.
 
 
=== Sun Apples ===
 
Sun apples are a common type of tree located in Ionia. Its fruit can warm a person and even tan a persons entire body.
 
 
=== Vulkodalk ===
 
Residing from the Nistaram forest 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.
 
 
=== Worax ===
 
Large heard of animals found in Ionia. They are described as goat-like buffalo.
 
|-|
 
Sea=
 
=== River Grass ===
 
River Grasses are located in central parts of Ionia. Thise red coloured grasses 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, these specific crabs are intuned with 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.
 
</tabber>
 
 
== Culture ==
 
== Culture ==
 
<tabber>
 
<tabber>
 
 
General=
 
General=
The island nation of Ionia is a haven for beings who seek spiritual evolution and enlightenment. While populated primarily by humans, some yordles and beings of unique origin also make Ionia their home. There are many spiritual centers and schools of enlightenment in Ionia, each one working in harmony with one another to find the answers to life’s mystical questions. Why are we here? Who are we? What does life truly mean? Such pursuits leave little time for thoughts of imperialism; the Ionians are extremely peaceful by nature.
+
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.
   
  +
[[File:Ionia The Great Monasteries.jpg|thumb|500px|center|<center>The Great Monasteries</center>]]
The Ionians dedicate their lives to pursuing spiritual enlightenment instead of conflict; what kind of enlightenment is up to the individual. The mystics of Ionia delve into many mysteries, pioneering the very depths of spirituality. While many of them devote themselves to the pursuit of peace and light, there are those who walk different paths. Some pursue the beauty of perpetual sorrow, some the excitement of darkness, some the vitality of the primal. Most Ionians find violence distasteful and try not to resort to using it when resolving issues. 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.
[[File:Ionia Entrance Hirana.png|thumb|500px|center|Hirana Monastery entrance, Ionia <br><small>(by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/QEGOL Joon Ahn])</small>]]
 
   
  +
=== The Path To Enlightenment ===
Diplomacy is an art in Ionia, and Ionian diplomats are revered by its citizens. Ionian courts are known all across Valoran as paradigms of fairness and neutrality. Ionian adjudicators are some of the most sought-after political individuals from all the nations.
 
  +
While it is true that harmony is sought by most in Ionia, few are so far along this path as to be considered truly enlightened beings. Their ideals are lofty, but not all can live up to them, and Ionians can be just as driven by hate, lust, anger, and love as any Runeterran. From [[Hirana Monastery|Hirana]] to the [[The Placidium of Navori|Placidium of Navori]], there are places of sanctuary open to those trying to better understand themselves.
   
  +
|-|
Ionia is a place visually marked by numerous gardens and temples. Nature preserves and parks fill the Ionian countryside. A serene aesthetic dominates the landscape, even at its harbor and in its industrial sectors. Buildings are constructed with the goal of preserving the environment as much as possible. All of Ionia’s structures are ornately decorated, especially the temples. Magic is used liberally in the city, though only for peaceful purposes. Several of the nations largest nexuses have been shaped into prominent temples and houses of communal contemplation.
 
  +
Languages=
 
  +
Ionia is home to many human languages & dialects, though the Zhyun dialect is the most-spoken of the Ionian {{w|dialect chain}}, possibly descending from the ancient Ionian language still used by {{ci|Karma}} to chant her mantras. It's unknown if Yasuo speaks another dialect from the same dialect chain or a completely different language.
|-|Languages=
 
Ionia is home to many human languages, the Zhyun dialect is the most-spoken of the Ionian lingua franca. It is unknown if the Ionian language is related to either or neither of the unrelated & obscure languages spoken by {{ci|Karma}} & {{ci|Yasuo}}.
 
   
 
* Ionian {{w|Kinship terminology|kinship terms}}:<br><small>({{w|Proto-Indo-European language|PIE}}-based?<ref>http://www.ling.upenn.edu/~rnoyer/courses/51/PIEKinship.pdf</ref>)</small>
 
* Ionian {{w|Kinship terminology|kinship terms}}:<br><small>({{w|Proto-Indo-European language|PIE}}-based?<ref>http://www.ling.upenn.edu/~rnoyer/courses/51/PIEKinship.pdf</ref>)</small>
** ''Anar'' - "Brother" (cf. [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reconstruction:Proto-Indo-European/h%E2%82%82n%E1%B8%97r ''*h₂nḗr''] "man")
+
** ''Anar'' - "Brother" <small>(cf. [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reconstruction:Proto-Indo-European/h%E2%82%82n%E1%B8%97r ''*ɐnḗr''] "man")</small>
** ''Dyeda'' - "Daughter" (cf. [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reconstruction:Proto-Indo-European/d%CA%B0ugh%E2%82%82t%E1%B8%97r ''*dʰugh₂tḗr''] "suckling")
+
** ''Dyeda'' - "Daughter" <small>(cf. [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reconstruction:Proto-Indo-European/d%CA%B0ugh%E2%82%82t%E1%B8%97r ''*dʰugɐtḗr''] "suckling")</small>
** ''Erzai'' - "Son" (cf. [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reconstruction:Proto-Indo-European/wiHr%C3%B3s ''*wiHrós''] or [http://www.palaeolexicon.com/Word/Show/28671/ ''*wersēn''] "man")
+
** ''Erzai'' - "Son" <small>(cf. [http://www.palaeolexicon.com/Word/Show/28671/ ''*wérsēn''] ~ [http://www.palaeolexicon.com/Word/Show/29232/ ''*{{Tt|r̩|syllabic}}sḗn''] "man")</small>
** ''Emai'' - "Mother" (cf. [http://www.palaeolexicon.com/Word/Show/28329/ ''*h₂em''], {{w|Mama and papa|babble word}})
+
** ''Emai'' - "Mother" <small>(cf. [http://www.palaeolexicon.com/Word/Show/28329/ ''*{{Tt|(x)|sounds like Russian Kha or Spanish Je}}am-''] {{w|Mama and papa|baby word}})</small>
** ''Faʔir'' - "Father" (cf. [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reconstruction:Proto-Indo-European/ph%E2%82%82t%E1%B8%97r ''*ph₂tḗr''] "protector ~ provider")
+
** ''Fa{{Tt|ʔ|glottal stop, like between uhʔoh}}ir'' - "Father" <small>(cf. [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reconstruction:Proto-Indo-European/ph%E2%82%82t%E1%B8%97r ''*pɐtḗr''] "protector ~ provider")</small>
** ''Svasa'' - "Sister" (cf. [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reconstruction:Proto-Indo-European/sw%C3%A9s%C5%8Dr ''*swésōr''] "same-blooded")
+
** ''Svasa'' - "Sister" <small>(cf. [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reconstruction:Proto-Indo-European/sw%C3%A9s%C5%8Dr ''*swésōr''] "same-blooded")</small>
** '''O-fa''' - "Grandfather"
+
** ''O-fa'' - "Grandfather" <small>(also to address an elderly man)</small>
** '''O-ma''' - "Grandmother"
+
** ''O-ma'' - "Grandmother" <small>(also to address an elderly woman)</small>
   
 
* {{cis|Karma}} language:
 
* {{cis|Karma}} language:
 
** {{sm2|Karma.ultimate03.ogg|Gaen Na Kyri Vi.}} - Reap the winds of.
 
** {{sm2|Karma.ultimate03.ogg|Gaen Na Kyri Vi.}} - Reap the winds of.
** Jia - Pain.
+
** {{sm2|Karma.soulshield.ogg|Jya}} - Pain.
 
** {{sm2|Karma.ultimate01.ogg|Lath Rian Oune Vi.}} - Weave the threads of.
 
** {{sm2|Karma.ultimate01.ogg|Lath Rian Oune Vi.}} - Weave the threads of.
** Phyla - Tranquility.
+
** {{sm2|Karma.heavenlywave.ogg|Phaela}} - Tranquility.
 
** {{sm2|Karma.ultimate06.ogg|Sae Eleisa Tera Vi.}} - Discover the meaning of.
 
** {{sm2|Karma.ultimate06.ogg|Sae Eleisa Tera Vi.}} - Discover the meaning of.
** Saera - Magic.
+
** {{sm2|Karma.spiritbond.ogg|Saeri}} - Magic.
   
 
* {{cis|Yasuo}} language:<br><small>({{w|Sino-Japanese vocabulary|Sino}}-{{w|Japanese language|Japonic}} based, though flawed)</small>
 
* {{cis|Yasuo}} language:<br><small>({{w|Sino-Japanese vocabulary|Sino}}-{{w|Japanese language|Japonic}} based, though flawed)</small>
Line 514: Line 440:
 
* Other:
 
* Other:
 
** {{ci|Jhin|Khada}} {{w|Jin (Chinese surname)|Jhin}} - Golden Excellence.
 
** {{ci|Jhin|Khada}} {{w|Jin (Chinese surname)|Jhin}} - Golden Excellence.
  +
** {{ci|Ahri|Khumaia}} - Gatekeeper.
  +
** [[File:Kobayashi Master.jpg|20px]] {{Tt|Ko|old Japanese kʷo}}{{Tt|bayashi|Old Japanese n(ə)-payasi}} (小林) - Small Forest <small>(possibly from Yasuo's language)</small>
  +
** Nargui - No One.
  +
** Rakhsasum - Collector.
  +
** {{ci|Syndra}} - Destruction (?).
   
Apart from the human languages on Ionia, there is also the Vastaya language, one of whose various dialects is Baraashi, as spoken by Lhotlan's tribe-members {{ci|Rakan}} and {{ci|Xayah}}.<ref>[https://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/story-art/uPRhAAbl-vastayan-language?comment=0002 Vastayan Baraashi dialect]</ref><br><small>(Baraashi used elements of the Finnish & Arabic languages as its basis)</small>
+
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 {{ci|Rakan}} and {{ci|Xayah}}.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/0/https://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/story-art/uPRhAAbl-vastayan-language?comment=0002 Vastayan Baraashi dialect]</ref><br><small>(Baraashi used elements of the Finnish & Arabic languages as its basis)</small>
   
 
* Vastaya Baraashi dialect <small>(Lhotlan Tribe)</small>
 
* Vastaya Baraashi dialect <small>(Lhotlan Tribe)</small>
Line 537: Line 468:
 
** Vi - Wild.
 
** Vi - Wild.
 
** Vi-om - Wild-magic.
 
** Vi-om - Wild-magic.
  +
|-|
  +
Objects=
  +
=== Architecture ===
  +
<gallery type=slideshow widths=300 navigation=true>
  +
Ionia Built Into Nature.jpg|Built Into Nature
  +
Ionia Creating A Home.jpg|Creating A Home
  +
Ionia Architecture By Influence.jpg|Architecture By Influence
  +
Ionia An Artisan's Mastery.jpg|An Artisan's Mastery
  +
Ionia Rural Life.jpg|Rural Life
  +
Ionia Ionian Homes.jpg|Ionian Homes
  +
Ionia Ionian Walkway.jpg|Ionian Walkway
  +
Ionia Home Interior.jpg|Home Interior
  +
Ionia Arches.jpg|Arches
  +
Ionia Village Market.jpg|Village Market
  +
Ionia Cliffside Temples.jpg|Cliffside Temples
  +
Ionia The Path To Enlightenment.jpg|The Path To Enlightenment
  +
Ionia Forest Market 01.jpg|Forest Market 1
  +
Ionia Forest Market 02.jpg|Forest Market 2
  +
Ionia Awaken concept 02.jpg|Living Fence 1
  +
Ionia Awaken concept 03.jpg|Living Fence 2
  +
Ionia The First Lands.jpg|Fauhwoon Vastaya overlooking magic-harvesting Quinlons.
  +
</gallery>
  +
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 harmony 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 woodweavers, 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.
  +
* '''Rooftop Garden:''' Ionian architecture often includes organically curved tiled or shingled roofs. Here, branches extend outward from the trees within this building.
  +
* '''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.
  +
* '''Quinlons''': The magical filters and damns used by humans scattered around Ionia that attempt to contain the amount of magic released into the region, or limit it to positive and helpful magic, which in turn affect the Vastayan livelihood due to their dependence on magic. {{ci|Zed}} and his [[Shadow Order]] use them to create their ichor which is used to channel Shadow magic.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/0/https://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/story-art/kaJE8flW-spoilers-zed-issue-nr-4-discussion?comment=0009 The nature of Quinlons]</ref>
  +
=== Clothing ===
  +
<gallery type=slideshow widths=300 navigation=true>
  +
Ionia Rich Diversity.jpg|Rich Diversity
  +
Ionia Item Merchant.jpg|Item Merchant
  +
Ionia Fruit Merchant.jpg|Fruit Merchant
  +
Ionia Vastaya.jpg|Vastaya
  +
Ionia The Kinkou.jpg|The Kinkou
  +
Ionia Awaken Concept 07.jpg|Warrior Gear
  +
Akali Update Splash concept 04.jpg|Tattoo Designs
  +
Althon Master Render.png|Master Althon
  +
Kusho Statue Render.png|Master Kusho 1
  +
Kusho Young Render.png|Master Kusho 2
  +
Kusho Master 1 Render.png|Master Kusho 3
  +
Kusho Master 2 Render.png|Master Kusho 4
  +
Quno Vastaya Render.png|Quno
  +
Yevnai Teen Render.png|Yevnai 1
  +
Yevnai Render.png|Yevnai 2
  +
01IO053-full.png|Emerald Awakener
  +
01IO008-full.png|Fae Bladetwirler
  +
01IO019-full.png|Greenglade Caretaker
  +
01IO006-full.png|Greenglade Duo
  +
01IO014-full.png|Greenglade Elder
  +
01IO036-full.png|Greenglade Lookout
  +
01IO026-full.png|Inspiring Mentor
  +
01IO033-full.png|Minah Swiftfoot
  +
01IO043-full.png|Rivershaper
  +
01IO038-full.png|Solitary Monk
  +
01IO042-full.png|Sparring Student
  +
01IO056-full.png|Yone Windchaser
  +
01IO048-full.png|Yusari The Slayer
  +
</gallery>
  +
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. {{ci|Akali}} has a traditional design of an Ionian Dragon etched on her back, while {{ci|Karma}} has hers going across her right leg.
  +
=== Demonic Compendium ===
  +
<gallery type=slideshow widths=300 navigation=true>
  +
Spirit Demonology 01.jpg|Demonic Compendium 1
  +
Spirit Demonology 02.jpg|Demonic Compendium 2
  +
</gallery>
  +
A fragment of esoteric lore, discovered after the attack on the Noxian fortress at Fae'lor. The author(s) and provenance are unknown.
   
  +
The compendium shows several types of demons that branch out from three root branches, the primary one being Fear. The types of demons that spawn from Fear are: Nightmare, Secrets (which further branches out to Obsession), and Delirium (which further branches out to Bliss and Frenzy), and currently unknown brances. Nine inscriptions of what are likely names of demons all point towards ''"Azakana"''. Around the branches, several images can be seen, such as the image of Raum, Fiddlestick's keys, and an image showing 10 circles.
|-|Mythos=
 
=== Blood Moon ===
 
: For more details, see {{cci|Blood Seal profileicon.png|The Blood Moon}}.
 
She woke up screaming.
 
   
  +
The inscription is written in a currently unknown language, possibly connected to Ochnun or the Noxian writing system, as it was found in a Noxian stronghold.
Red. Everything had been so red. And in the center of the bloodbath, the masked warriors had danced, eyes aglow with murderous intent. Good night, their eyes had whispered.
 
   
  +
=== Tools ===
Her companions crowded around her, worried. Behind them, the fire burned low. Above them, thick clouds suffocated the sky.
 
  +
<gallery type=slideshow widths=300 navigation=true>
  +
Ionia Farming Equipment.jpg|Farming Equipment
  +
Ionia Ionian Boats.jpg|Ionian Boats
  +
Ionia Ionian Tools.jpg|Ionian Tools
  +
</gallery>
  +
* '''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.
  +
* '''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.
  +
* '''[[Tellstones]]:''' A variant of Tellstones called '''"King's Gambit"''' is played in {{fi|Demacia}}. It is named after a Demacian King Santon the Great. King Santon of Demacia avoided civil war with a game of Tellstones, saving thousands of lives. Despite the game's popularity across Runeterra, no one seems to know where Tellstones originated. There is a variant of Tellstones played by the {{fi|Dauntless Vanguard}} and they use it to settle disputes within the ranks.
  +
|-|
  +
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.
  +
{{quote|
  +
* ''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 ===
“What did you see?”
 
  +
{{quote|
  +
* ''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.''}}
   
  +
=== Teachings of the Dragon ===
She paused. Did she dare call on those apparitions? “Just.. a bad dream. It was only a dream.”
 
  +
{{quote|
 
  +
* ''"A student must listen with focus, for the Dragon roared the first sounds, and blessed our young spirits with the gift of magic."''
They returned to their slumber, and she sighed, still shaken. “It was only a dream,” she repeated.
 
  +
* ''"A student must act with compassion, for the Dragon nurtured the First Lands, and graced them with warmth and life."''
 
  +
* ''"A student must think with clarity, for the Dragon draws the sun across our skies, and reveals the world around us."''
A sudden wind shook the trees around the site. She shivered, closing her eyes and wishing for morning.
 
  +
* ''"A student must strive with all their might, for the Dragon pulled the earth from beneath the waves, and gave us a land to call home."''
 
  +
* ''"A student must move with grace, for the Dragon's breath created the wind and waves which brought motion to our world."''}}
As the clouds parted above, red moonlight bloodied the ground.
 
  +
|-|
 
  +
Festivals=
=== Garden of Forgetting ===
 
  +
=== Harvest Festival ===
Stories tell that those who stepped over the threshold of the garden began as one person and left as someone else entirely, or did not leave at all. The Gardener of this fabled place was known as Ighilya (Ionian: 'Great grandmother') also known as the Eater of Secrets, the Forgotten, or the Witch Gardener. The flowers and the fruit of this Garden have deep magical properties that can take away a person's memories or life essence.
 
  +
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. {{ci|Rakan}}, a Lhotlan vastaya, sang old vastayan songs during one of Vlonqos harvest festivals.
 
=== Lunar Guardian ===
 
[[File:Lunar Revel 2016 promo.jpg|thumb|700px|center]]
 
 
<center>
 
<youtube width="160" height="25">gzfCFtXeYI0</youtube>
 
<br>
 
<small>Soundtrack</small>
 
</center>
 
 
"There was an age when darkness smothered all hope. {{ci|Wukong|skin=Radiant|circle=true|A traveler}} arrived, late into that twilight hour, bearing with him the first light of dawn."
 
 
Legend tells of a land choked to darkness under the grip of two fell queens, their sigils [[File:Shadow Wolf profileicon.png|20px]] {{ci|Morgana|skin=Lunar Wraith|image=*none*|wolf}} and [[File:Nightshade Serpent profileicon.png|20px]] {{ci|Caitlyn|skin=Lunar Wraith|image=*none*|serpent}}.
 
 
A traveler arrived on one gray morning and beheld an ancient evil buried beneath the pale queens' mortal disguises.
 
 
Revealing his own true form, the traveler shattered their porcelain shells, exposing the blackened spirits within.
 
 
The three fought a brutal battle, crashing into the violent sea and out of sight, save for the echoing flashes of the wanderer's light.
 
 
As the new day broke, the forgotten glow of dawn speared the fading clouds and the last year became the next. Though the dark still lurked beyond every doused flame, the people no longer feared the night. The traveler had brought radiant hope with the rising dawn."
 
 
|-|Festivals=
 
=== Blossom Festival ===
 
A festival where painters, musicians, calligrapher 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 {{ci|Jhin|Khada Jhin}} was finally captured.
 
 
=== The Fire and Blood Moon Festivals ===
 
Ionians from every province gathered beneath the flowered branches of the Great Tree in the Serene Gardens yesterday for the nations’s annual Festival of Fire. An early summer tradition, this festival was a symbol of Ionian culture, celebrating the cleansing and rebirth of the spirit.
 
 
From the sunset till the dawn the citizens of Ionia face “The Blood Moon” to cleanse their fears and woes.
 
 
The festival starts in the morning in the Serene Gardens. During the day the citizens enjoy the local artists' performance, shop from the vendors along the garden’s edge are filled with shops.
 
 
All the visitors can write on a scroll their woes and worries and hang it on the Great tree Branches.
 
 
During the night, Ionian citizens were treated to various musical and theatrical performances pertaining to Ionian history or legend.
 
 
As the sun starts to rise the scrolls are burned with magic fire. As the magic dissipates the sun shines in the sky and the soul is purified.
 
 
=== Lunar Revel ===
 
: For more details, see [[Lunar Revel]].
 
 
Closely tied with the mythological story of the Lunar Guardian, Lunar Revel is a seasonal celebration where citizens celebrate the end of the previous year and the start of the new. It has some similar traditions with the Festival of Fire and the Blood Moon which is celebrated during the summer season.
 
 
People exchange gifts and celebrate during the whole night between the start of the new year.
 
 
Fireworks are a common tradition during this festival as it symbolizes the coming dawn of the next year.
 
   
  +
=== Spirit Blossom Festival ===
  +
[[File:Ionia Perennial.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Perennial]]]]
  +
The Spirit Blossom Festival is an annual festival that happens all across Ionia to celebrate the blossoming of the Spirit Blossoms. Painters, musicians, calligraphers and other types of artists showcase their artistry to the public, especially children. When nightfall arrives and the Spirit Blossoms are at full bloom, the festival attendees gather at the nearest temple to release lanterns in the air while also giving respect to their fallen and deceased as well as wish for good fortunes. The festival also gives the chance for family members to communicate with their deceased loved ones. Assured that their living loved ones have moved on, the spirits are then able to finally move on to the afterlife. The war and bloodshed of the Noxian Invasion of Ionia had prevented the blossoming of the flowers, but eventually they have returned along with the festival. Some Noxians that live in or near the Noxian occupied areas of Ionia would also join in the festivity, though their presence is still met with some unease. Before the war, the infamous {{ci|Jhin|Khada Jhin}} was finally captured at a Blossom Festival held in [[Jyom Pass]] in [[Zhyun]] province.
 
</tabber>
 
</tabber>
   
 
== Government ==
 
== Government ==
 
<tabber>
 
<tabber>
 
 
General=
 
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.
Ionia has one of the most unusual governmental structures in all of Runeterra. This is partially because of its neutral political stance, and also because people in Ionia have generally eschewed conflict in favor of their unending quest for enlightenment. The power and wisdom of those who are considered blessed or enlightened, such as {{cit|Soraka}}, are taken into account with a great amount of respect.
 
   
  +
|-|
The lack of military involvement has prevented Ionia from needing a single defined leader such as the other nations have. Instead, Ionia is divided into provinces which are each represented by an Elder. To determine who becomes an Elder, a competition called "The Distinction" is held every five years. This competition has several trials which test its candidates across a wide array of skills. Schools in each region send their finest adepts – men and women who have trained their bodies and minds in the path to enlightenment – to represent them in the Distinction. The prevailing Elders from each region then gather at the Convergence of Elders thrice annually or whenever any Elder calls for an emergency assembly. Duchess {{cit|Karma}}, resides among them. Amazingly, there has never been a recorded power struggle within this system, but this is generally thought to be due to the Trial of Humility, one of the most critical and revered tests in the Distinction.
 
  +
Organizations=
  +
=== Schools of Learning ===
  +
Ionia is home to countless schools and temples, which train disciplined students in ancient martial arts and esoteric philosophy. Deadly and graceful, these fighters, mages, dancers, and scholars spend years in training, hoping to master their craft and for the pursuit of enlightenment.
   
  +
Though the birthplace of many specialized forms of martial arts, Ionia maintained 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=
 
The Ionians have created some of the most remarkable martial art forms on all of Runeterra &ndash; a manifestation of their pursuit of enlightenment.
 
   
  +
During and after the Noxian invasion, many of these traditions were shaken. Extreme, hardline interpretations of their former beliefs have become more prevalent as each practitioner struggles to make sense of the world in the aftermath of all they have witnessed.
* The {{ai|Hiten Style||'''Art of Hiten'''}} is a blade style developed by the famed swordsman Master Lito. His art was a highly guarded secret, but it was said that swords would breathe in his grasp. When Master Lito died, his daughter {{ci|Irelia|variant=old2|Irelia, the Will of the Blades}}, inherited the Hiten style. Irelia has since taken the art form to new heights as she is capable of telekinetically commanding multiple blades. The weapons dance around her fluidly, effortlessly cutting down opponents within her vicinity.
 
   
  +
==={{fi|Hirana Order}}===
* The {{ai|Wuju Style||'''Art of Wuju'''}} are principles founded on obtaining absolute spiritual awareness of one's self and one's enemy. {{cit|Master Yi}}, 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 one of the last Wuju practitioners. He has pledged to keep the Wuju style alive by teaching the art form to other individuals, such as {{cit|Wukong}}.
 
  +
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 {{ci|Udyr}}, and taught him how to harness and control his animalistic fury... most of the time. {{ci|Lee Sin}} blinded himself in a desperate fury while defending the monastery.
   
  +
==={{fi|Kinkou Order}}===
* The '''Hirana Monastery''' is home to many monks who have delved into the deepest depths of spirituality. 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 {{cit|Udyr}}, and taught him how to harness and control his animalistic fury... most of the time.
 
  +
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 - {{ci|Shen}}, {{ci|Kennen}}, and {{ci|Akali}} - 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.
   
  +
==={{fi|Navori Brotherhood}}===
* The '''[[Kinkou Order]]''' exists as an ancient clan originating in the Ionian Isles dedicated to the preservation of balance. Order, chaos, light, darkness &ndash; all things must exist in perfect harmony for such is the way of the universe. The Order employs a triumvirate of shadow warriors to uphold its causes in the world. The three shadow warriors {{ci|Shen}}, {{ci|Kennen}}, and {{ci|Akali}} are each entrusted with one of three sacred duties: Watching the Stars, Coursing the Sun, and Pruning the Tree. The order, however, has since fallen before the new Order of the Shadow.
 
  +
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 {{ci|Irelia}}.
   
  +
==={{fi|Shadow Order}}===
* The '''Order of the Shadow''' 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, {{cit|Zed}}, was the first to learn the technique again after 200 years. By using the art of the shadows, they were able to bring down the ancient order of the Kinkou and have since used their lands as their own training grounds.
 
  +
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, {{ci|Zed}}, rediscovered these ancient techniques and used them to take over the Kinkou Monastery.
   
  +
==={{fi|Shojin Order}}===
* The '''Pallas Monastery''' is a home to many monks who keep balance with nature and protect the monastery from would-be invaders who would want to obtain the ancient evil within its Pool of Life. The Monastery was hevily damaged and monks slaughtered when Noxian invaders attacked it and indirectly released {{cit|Varus}}, a powerful [[Darkin]].
 
  +
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. {{ci|Lee Sin}} was raised here.
   
  +
==={{fi|Wuju 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. {{cit|Lee Sin}}, resides within the monastery, having journeyed there years ago in hopes of obtaining atonement for past mistakes.
 
  +
The {{ai|Wuju Style||Art of Wuju}} was founded on obtaining absolute spiritual awareness of one's self and one's enemy. {{ci|Master Yi}}, 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 {{ci|Wukong}}.
   
 
</tabber>
 
</tabber>
   
 
== Relations ==
 
== Relations ==
  +
==={{fi|Bilgewater}}===
  +
During Noxus' invasion of Ionia, many pirates from [[File:Bilgewater profileicon.png|20px|border]] [[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.
   
=== Bandle City ===
+
==={{fi|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. Several key figureheads in Demacian society originate from Ionia, such as {{ci|Sona}} and {{ci|Xin Zhao}}.
Yordle Land and Ionia appear to have a neutral relationship, as there is very little association between the two nations. However, the possible exception to this neutrality is {{cit|Kennen}}.
 
   
  +
==={{fi|Freljord}}===
Born from {{cci|Bandle City Crest icon.png|border=false|Bandle City}}, Kennen possessed boundless energy that found no limits and was matched only by his unnerving speed. His astonishing gifts remained unnoticed until he ran straight up the great outer wall of the Placidium in Ionia. When word of this feat reached the [[Kinkou Order]], Kennen was quickly and quietly brought for an audience. He found that the role of the Heart of the Tempest suited him, frenetically delivering both the word and the punishments of the Kinkou across the realm. While Kennen's position in the Order prevents him from favoring one side over another, he appears to have a deep affection for Ionia.
 
  +
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 {{ci|Ivern|God-Willow}} by a stranded band of Freljordian warriors... but the second was a friendship between {{ci|Lee Sin}} and {{ci|Udyr}}.
   
=== Bilgewater ===
+
==={{fi|Noxus}}===
  +
[[File:Ionia The Great Stand.jpg|thumb|300px|The Great Stand Of The Placidium]]
During Noxus' hostilities on Ionian soil, many pirates from {{cci|Bilgewater Crest icon.png|border=false|size=16|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 their denizens' actions.
 
  +
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 {{ci|Irelia|Xan Irelia}}, and looked to her for leadership. Exhausted and nearly defeated, the war would eventually end with {{cis|Swain|Jericho Swain}} 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.
=== Demacia ===
 
While Demacia campaigned against Noxus's imperial ambitions, Demacia was unable to prevent the disasters that were inflicted on Ionia. It is unclear if Ionians feel animosity towards the Demacians that showed incapability.
 
   
=== Freljord ===
+
==={{fi|Piltover}}===
  +
Ionia and Piltover have frequent enough trade with each other for relatively small shipping ports like [[Nanthee]] having piltover trading ships dock at its ports. Weapons from the city-state are acquired and modified for easy use in spirit magic rich Ionian land.
Not much is known about the current relations between the two nations. However, the first ever interaction between the two cultures ended up with the destruction of the God-Willow by a stranded band of Freljordian warriors.
 
   
=== Noxus ===
+
==={{fi|Shadow Isles}}===
  +
Ionians have suffered under numerous Harrowings enacted by the undead of the Shadow Isles.
After the defeat of Noxus and the return of annexed lands, it is unclear of the present political conditions. It is well-known however, that many Ionians have a vendetta against Noxus.
 
   
  +
==={{fi|Zaun}}===
  +
Zaunite chemists such as {{ci|Singed}}, which the backing of Noxus, were able to commit horrific war crimes during the Noxian invasion of Ionia. Their chemical weapons decimated Ionian lands that have physical and spiritual scars to this day.
   
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
 
<tabber>
 
<tabber>
 
 
General=
 
General=
[[File:Ionia Faction profileicon.jpg|thumb|right]]
+
[[File:Ionia profileicon.png|thumb|right]]
  +
* The name Ionia comes from the {{w|Ancient Greek}} ''Ἰωνία'', after the tribal name {{w|Ionians|''Ia(w)ones''}} Ἰά(ϝ)ωνες, with unclear etymology, possibly from:
 
  +
* The name ''Ionia'' comes from the {{w|Ancient Greek}} Ἰωνία, after the tribal name {{w|Ionians|''Ia(w)ones''}} Ἰά(ϝ)ωνες, with unclear etymology, possibly from:
** {{w|Proto-Indo-European language|PIE}} verb *h₁ey- "to go"<ref>Lubotsky 1988, p. 38</ref>, cf. Sanskrit योनी {{w|Yoni|''yonī''}} "route > abode > womb";
 
 
** {{w|Proto-Indo-European language|PIE}} noun ''*wiH-s'' "force", whence Greek (ϝ)ī́s ''(w)is'';
 
** {{w|Proto-Indo-European language|PIE}} noun ''*wiH-s'' "force", whence Greek (ϝ)ī́s ''(w)is'';
** {{w|Proto-Indo-European language|PIE}} verb ''*h₁eysh₂-'' "to strengthen".<ref>Beekes, R.S.P. ''Etymological Dictionary of Greek'', p. 594, 609</ref>
+
** {{w|Proto-Indo-European language|PIE}} verb ''*h₁eysh₂-'' "to push, to strengthen", whence ῑ̓ός ''īós'' "arrow".<ref>Beekes, R.S.P. ''Etymological Dictionary of Greek'', p. 594-595, 609</ref>
* The real-life namesake is {{w|Ionia}}, located in {{w|Anatolia}}, which was once part of Ancient Greece, now modern day {{w|Turkey}}.
+
* The real-life namesake is {{w|Ionia}}, after {{w|Greek colonisation|Ionian Greek colonists}}, located in {{w|Anatolia}}, now in modern-day {{w|Turkey}}.
 
** There are also the {{w|Ionian Islands}} located at the western part of modern-day {{w|Greece}}.
 
** There are also the {{w|Ionian Islands}} located at the western part of modern-day {{w|Greece}}.
  +
[[File:Season_2019_-_Platinum_1.png|thumb]]
  +
* In [[Season Nine]], the ranked emblems for the [[League system]] were redesigned. Ionia represents the emblem for the [[File:Season 2019 - Platinum 1.png|25px|link=]] Platinum rank.
 
* Ionian names are usually derived from {{w|Sino-Tibetan languages|Sino-Tibetan}}, e.g. {{ci|Master Yi|Yi}}, {{ci|Shen}}, {{ci|Xin Zhao|Xin}}, etc. with some {{w|Berber languages|Berber}} influences<ref>https://nexus.leagueoflegends.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Jhin_Namestorm_exvj79ng3h59rqlp70n8.pdf</ref>
 
* Ionian names are usually derived from {{w|Sino-Tibetan languages|Sino-Tibetan}}, e.g. {{ci|Master Yi|Yi}}, {{ci|Shen}}, {{ci|Xin Zhao|Xin}}, etc. with some {{w|Berber languages|Berber}} influences<ref>https://nexus.leagueoflegends.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Jhin_Namestorm_exvj79ng3h59rqlp70n8.pdf</ref>
** Exceptions exist, however: e.g. {{ci|Karma}} originates from {{w|Indo-European languages|Indo-European}}; {{ci|Yasuo}} from {{w|Japonic languages|Japonic}}.
+
** Exceptions exist, however: e.g. {{ci|Karma}} from {{w|Indo-European languages|Indo-European}}; {{ci|Yasuo}} and {{ci|Akali}} from {{w|Japonic languages|Japonic}}; {{ci|Ahri}} from {{w|Koreanic languages|Korean}}; {{ci|Irelia}} from {{w|Romance languages|Romance}}.
 
* Ionia's crest resembles {{cis|Karma}} Mantle of Decorum.
 
* Ionia's crest resembles {{cis|Karma}} Mantle of Decorum.
  +
* Ionians practiced {{w|Sky burial|sky burials}}: the deceased's corpses are left to the elements and scavengers, then collected and cleaned by {{w|Funeral director|bone washers}}.<ref>http://leagueoflegends.wikia.com/wiki/Confessions_of_a_Broken_Blade#II</ref>
 
* Ionia has over 200 species of talking dragons.<ref>[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/leagueoflegends/images/1/13/Irelia_141.ogg/revision/latest?cb=20180321084352 Irelia on talking dragons]</ref>
 
* Ionia has over 200 species of talking dragons.<ref>[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/leagueoflegends/images/1/13/Irelia_141.ogg/revision/latest?cb=20180321084352 Irelia on talking dragons]</ref>
* Ionian prisons are know to be humane.<ref>[http://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/miscellaneous/WUwqmxEZ-new-champion-qa-jhin-the-virtuoso?show=flat&comment=000b0000 Jhin Q&A 1]</ref>
+
* Ionian prisons are known to be humane.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/0/http://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/miscellaneous/WUwqmxEZ-new-champion-qa-jhin-the-virtuoso?show=flat&comment=000b0000 Jhin Q&A 1]</ref> Unless they house vastaya.<ref>[https://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/story/xayah-color-story/]</ref>
* Despite Ionia generally having low-tech weapons, their high-tech is generally housed in the Kashuri armouries and used by people who have authorization by the state. Such as {{ci|Jhin|Khada Jhin}}.
+
* 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 {{ci|Jhin|Khada Jhin}}.
* Ionian colours are White, Teal and Honeysuckle.<ref>[http://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/miscellaneous/WUwqmxEZ-new-champion-qa-jhin-the-virtuoso?show=flat&comment=00220000 Jhin Q&A 2]</ref>
+
* The serpentlike crest of Ionia features its colors - white, teal green, and honeysuckle.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/0/http://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/miscellaneous/WUwqmxEZ-new-champion-qa-jhin-the-virtuoso?show=flat&comment=00220000 Jhin Q&A 2]</ref>
  +
* The {{si|Ghost}}, {{ii|Haunting Guise}}, {{ii|Health Potion}}, {{ii|Ionian Boots of Lucidity}}, {{ii|Liandry's Torment}}, {{ai|Captive Audience|Jhin|Lotus Trap}}, {{ii|Raptor Cloak}}, {{si|Recall}}, {{ii|Spear of Shojin}}, {{ai|Twilight Assault|Shen|Spirit Blade}}, {{ii|Staff of Flowing Water}}, {{ii|Stormrazor}}, {{ii|Trinity Force}}, {{ai|Whisper|Jhin}}, and {{ii|Youmuu's Ghostblade}} are Ionian artifacts.<ref>[http://forums.na.leagueoflegends.com/board/showthread.php?t=3739619&page=1#post40458344 New item icons]</ref>
* Ionian architecture is known for its harmonious fluidity with nature.
 
* The {{ii|Ionian Boots of Lucidity}}, {{ii|Staff of Flowing Water}}, {{ii|Trinity Force}}, and {{ii|Youmuu's Ghostblade}} are Ionian artifacts.
 
 
** The three blades of {{ii|Trinity Force}} represent the Land, Name, and Nation of Ionia.
 
** The three blades of {{ii|Trinity Force}} represent the Land, Name, and Nation of Ionia.
   
|-|Skins=
+
|-|
  +
Skins=
 
<gallery type="slideshow" position="center" widths="640" crop="false" hideaddbutton="true">
 
<gallery type="slideshow" position="center" widths="640" crop="false" hideaddbutton="true">
  +
Aatrox BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Aatrox
 
Ahri DynastySkin.jpg|Dinasty Ahri
 
Ahri DynastySkin.jpg|Dinasty Ahri
 
Ahri FoxfireSkin.jpg|Foxfire Ahri
 
Ahri FoxfireSkin.jpg|Foxfire Ahri
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Annie PandaSkin.jpg|Panda Annie
 
Annie PandaSkin.jpg|Panda Annie
 
Azir WarringKingdomsSkin.jpg|Warring Kingdoms Azir
 
Azir WarringKingdomsSkin.jpg|Warring Kingdoms Azir
Caitlyn LunarWraithSkin.jpg|Lunar Wraith Caitlyn
+
Caitlyn LunarWraithSkin.jpg|Lunar Wraith Caitlyn and Morgana
 
Cassiopeia JadeFangSkin.jpg|Jade Fang Cassiopeia
 
Cassiopeia JadeFangSkin.jpg|Jade Fang Cassiopeia
 
Corki DragonwingSkin.jpg|Dragonwing Corki
 
Corki DragonwingSkin.jpg|Dragonwing Corki
 
Diana BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Diana
 
Diana BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Diana
 
Diana LunarGoddessSkin.jpg|Lunar Goddess Diana
 
Diana LunarGoddessSkin.jpg|Lunar Goddess Diana
  +
Draven MechaKingdomsSkin.jpg|Mecha Kingdoms Draven
 
Elise BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Elise
 
Elise BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Elise
 
Evelynn BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Evelynn
 
Evelynn BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Evelynn
 
Fiora SoaringSwordSkin.jpg|Soaring Sword Fiora
 
Fiora SoaringSwordSkin.jpg|Soaring Sword Fiora
  +
Garen MechaKingdomsSkin.jpg|Mecha Kingdoms Garen
  +
Garen PrestigeMechaKingdomsSkin.jpg|Mecha Kingdoms Garen Prestige Edition
 
Garen WarringKingdomsSkin.jpg|Warring Kingdoms Garen
 
Garen WarringKingdomsSkin.jpg|Warring Kingdoms Garen
  +
Irelia DivineSwordSkin.jpg|Divine Sword Irelia
 
Irelia OrderoftheLotusSkin.jpg|Order of the Lotus Irelia
 
Irelia OrderoftheLotusSkin.jpg|Order of the Lotus Irelia
 
Janna SacredSwordSkin.jpg|Sacred Sword Janna
 
Janna SacredSwordSkin.jpg|Sacred Sword Janna
 
Jarvan IV WarringKingdomsSkin.jpg|Warring Kingdoms Jarvan IV
 
Jarvan IV WarringKingdomsSkin.jpg|Warring Kingdoms Jarvan IV
 
Jax GodStaffSkin.jpg|God Staff Jax
 
Jax GodStaffSkin.jpg|God Staff Jax
  +
Jax MechaKingdomsSkin.jpg|Mecha Kingdoms Jax
 
Jhin BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Jhin
 
Jhin BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Jhin
 
Jinx FirecrackerSkin.jpg|Firecracker Jinx
 
Jinx FirecrackerSkin.jpg|Firecracker Jinx
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Lee Sin DragonFistSkin.jpg|Dragon Fist Lee Sin
 
Lee Sin DragonFistSkin.jpg|Dragon Fist Lee Sin
 
Lee Sin GodFistSkin.jpg|God Fist Lee Sin
 
Lee Sin GodFistSkin.jpg|God Fist Lee Sin
  +
Leona MechaKingdomsSkin.jpg|Mecha Kingdoms Leona
 
Lux LunarEmpressSkin.jpg|Lunar Empress Lux
 
Lux LunarEmpressSkin.jpg|Lunar Empress Lux
  +
Master Yi BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Master Yi & Katarina
 
Master Yi EternalSwordYiSkin.jpg|Eternal Sword Yi
 
Master Yi EternalSwordYiSkin.jpg|Eternal Sword Yi
 
Master Yi IoniaSkin.jpg|Ionia Master Yi
 
Master Yi IoniaSkin.jpg|Ionia Master Yi
 
Master Yi SamuraiYiSkin.jpg|Samurai Yi
 
Master Yi SamuraiYiSkin.jpg|Samurai Yi
Morgana LunarWraithSkin.jpg|Lunar Wraith Morgana
+
Morgana MajesticEmpressSkin.jpg|Majestic Empress Morgana
  +
Nami SplendidStaffSkin.jpg|Splendid Staff Nami
 
Nasus LunarGuardianSkin.jpg|Lunar Guardian Nasus
 
Nasus LunarGuardianSkin.jpg|Lunar Guardian Nasus
 
Nidalee WarringKingdomsSkin.jpg|Warring Kingdoms Nidalee
 
Nidalee WarringKingdomsSkin.jpg|Warring Kingdoms Nidalee
  +
Pyke BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Pyke
 
Rammus NinjaSkin.jpg|Ninja Rammus
 
Rammus NinjaSkin.jpg|Ninja Rammus
 
Riven DragonbladeSkin.jpg|Dragonblade Riven
 
Riven DragonbladeSkin.jpg|Dragonblade Riven
  +
Riven RedeemedSkin.jpg|Redeemed Riven
  +
Riven ValiantSwordSkin.jpg|Valiant Sword Riven
  +
Riven PrestigeValiantSwordSkin.jpg|Valiant Sword Riven Prestige Edition
  +
Sejuani FirecrackerSkin.jpg|Firecracker Sejuani
  +
Sett MechaKingdomsSkin.jpg|Mecha Kingdoms Sett
 
Shaco MaskedSkin.jpg|Masked Shaco
 
Shaco MaskedSkin.jpg|Masked Shaco
 
Shen BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Shen
 
Shen BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Shen
 
Shen WarlordSkin.jpg|Warlord Shen
 
Shen WarlordSkin.jpg|Warlord Shen
  +
Sivir BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Sivir
 
Sona GuqinSkin.jpg|Guqin Sona
 
Sona GuqinSkin.jpg|Guqin Sona
 
Soraka DryadSkin.jpg|Dryad Soraka
 
Soraka DryadSkin.jpg|Dryad Soraka
 
Soraka DivineSkin.jpg|Divine Soraka
 
Soraka DivineSkin.jpg|Divine Soraka
  +
Sylas LunarWraithSkin.jpg|Lunar Wraith Sylas
 
Tahm Kench MasterChefSkin.jpg|Master Chef Tahm Kench
 
Tahm Kench MasterChefSkin.jpg|Master Chef Tahm Kench
 
Talon DragonbladeSkin.jpg|Dragonblade Talon
 
Talon DragonbladeSkin.jpg|Dragonblade Talon
  +
Talon EnduringSwordSkin.jpg|Enduring Sword Talon
 
Thresh BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Thresh
 
Thresh BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Thresh
 
Twisted Fate BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Twisted Fate
 
Twisted Fate BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Twisted Fate
  +
Tryndamere BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Tryndamere
 
Tryndamere WarringKingdomsSkin.jpg|Warring Kingdoms Tryndamere
 
Tryndamere WarringKingdomsSkin.jpg|Warring Kingdoms Tryndamere
 
Udyr BlackBeltSkin.jpg|Black Belt Udyr
 
Udyr BlackBeltSkin.jpg|Black Belt Udyr
 
Udyr SpiritGuardSkin.jpg|Spirit Guard Udyr
 
Udyr SpiritGuardSkin.jpg|Spirit Guard Udyr
  +
Vayne FirecrackerSkin.jpg|Firecracker Vayne
 
Udyr PrimalSkin.jpg|Primal Udyr
 
Udyr PrimalSkin.jpg|Primal Udyr
 
Vi WarringKingdomsSkin.jpg|Warring Kingdoms Vi
 
Vi WarringKingdomsSkin.jpg|Warring Kingdoms Vi
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Yasuo BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Yasuo
 
Yasuo BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Yasuo
 
Zilean BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Zilean
 
Zilean BloodMoonSkin.jpg|Blood Moon Zilean
  +
</gallery>
 
</tabber>
 
</tabber>
   
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<tabber>
 
<tabber>
 
Music=
 
Music=
[[File:Irelia, the Blade Dancer - Login Screen|center|640px]]
+
[[File:Runeterra Adventure Ionia|center|640px]]
 
;Related Music
 
;Related Music
 
<gallery columns="5" widths="120" spacing="small" position="center" captionalign="center">
 
<gallery columns="5" widths="120" spacing="small" position="center" captionalign="center">
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Zed, the Master of Shadows - Login Screen|
 
Zed, the Master of Shadows - Login Screen|
 
Syndra, the Dark Sovereign - Login Screen|
 
Syndra, the Dark Sovereign - Login Screen|
Spirit Guard Udyr - Login Screen|
 
 
Yasuo, the Unforgiven - Login Screen|
 
Yasuo, the Unforgiven - Login Screen|
 
Bard, the Wandering Caretaker - Login Screen|
 
Bard, the Wandering Caretaker - Login Screen|
League of Legends Music- Bard Mountain|
 
PROJECT Yi - Login Screen|
 
Lunar Revel 2016 - Login Screen|
 
LoL Musics - 2016 Lunar revel - Website BGM|
 
 
Jhin, the Virtuoso - Login Screen|
 
Jhin, the Virtuoso - Login Screen|
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Ivern, the Green Father - Login Screen|
League of Legends Music- Mind of the Virtuoso|
 
God Fist Lee Sin - Login Screen|
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Xayah & Rakan, the Rebel & the Charmer - Login Screen|
Xayah & Rakan - Login Screen|
 
League of Legends Music- Rakan and Xayah Wild Magic|
 
VS. 2017 Yasuo vs Riven - Login Screen|
 
 
Darkin Kayn - Login Screen|
 
Darkin Kayn - Login Screen|
 
Shadow Kayn - Login Screen|
 
Shadow Kayn - Login Screen|
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Season Start 2018 - Anticipation - Login Screen|
 
Season Start 2018 - Anticipation - Login Screen|
 
Season Start 2018 - Commencement - Login Screen|
 
Season Start 2018 - Commencement - Login Screen|
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Irelia, the Blade Dancer - Login Screen|
League of Legends Music- The Climb|
 
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Akali, the Rogue Assassin - Login Screen|
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Legends Never Die (ft. Against The Current) Worlds 2017 - League of Legends|
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League of Legends Music The Curse of the Sad Mummy|
  +
Awaken (ft. Valerie Broussard) League of Legends Cinematic - Season 2019|
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Season Start 2019 - Commencement - Login Screen|
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Season Start 2019 - Anticipation - Login Screen|
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Phoenix (ft. Cailin Russo and Chrissy Costanza) Worlds 2019 - League of Legends|
  +
Legends of Runeterra Official Music “BREATHE”|
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
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|-|
 
|-|Videos=
+
Videos=
  +
[[File:Legends of Runeterra Official Launch Video “BREATHE”|center|640px]]
  +
;Related Videos
 
<gallery columns="5" widths="120" spacing="small" position="center" captionalign="center">
 
<gallery columns="5" widths="120" spacing="small" position="center" captionalign="center">
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Bard Mountain New Champion Teaser - League of Legends|
League of Legends Music The Curse of the Sad Mummy|
 
  +
Jhin Mind of the Virtuoso New Champion Teaser - League of Legends|
Bard Mountain|
 
  +
Ivern Friend of the Forest New Champion Teaser – League of Legends|
The Wonder Above|
 
PROJECT OVERDRIVE|
 
Mind of the Virtuoso|
 
God Fist Lee Sin (Animation)|
 
 
Xayah & Rakan - Promo|
 
Xayah & Rakan - Promo|
Xayah & Rakan - Wild Magic Promo|
+
Xayah and Rakan Wild Magic New Champion Teaser - League of Legends|
 
Zed Death Mark League Animation Workshop|
 
Zed Death Mark League Animation Workshop|
Legends Never Die (ft. Against The Current) Worlds 2017 - League of Legends|
 
 
Kayn The Path of Shadows New Champion Teaser - League of Legends|
 
Kayn The Path of Shadows New Champion Teaser - League of Legends|
Varus As We Fall League of Legends Music|
 
 
The Climb League of Legends|
 
The Climb League of Legends|
 
Irelia The Defiant Blade Champion Teaser - League of Legends|
 
Irelia The Defiant Blade Champion Teaser - League of Legends|
 
Discover Ionia dev diary - League of Legends|
 
Discover Ionia dev diary - League of Legends|
  +
Akali Rogue Assassin Champion Trailer - League of Legends|
  +
Akali 2018 Thunderdome - League of Legends|
  +
Ryze Call of Power Cinematic - League of Legends|
  +
Awaken (ft. Valerie Broussard) League of Legends Cinematic - Season 2019|
  +
Book of Thresholds Yuumi Champion Teaser - League of Legends|
  +
Making Of Phoenix Worlds 2019 - League of Legends|
  +
Phoenix (ft. Cailin Russo and Chrissy Costanza) Worlds 2019 - League of Legends|
  +
Legends of Runeterra Launch Announcement & Trailer|
  +
Tales of Runeterra Ionia “The Lesson”|
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  +
|-|
 
|-|Gallery=
+
Gallery=
 
<gallery type="slideshow" position="center" widths="640" crop="false" hideaddbutton="true">
 
<gallery type="slideshow" position="center" widths="640" crop="false" hideaddbutton="true">
Ionia.jpg|Old Ionia concept 1 (By Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/mattgaser Matt Gaser])
+
Ionia crest old 01.jpg|Old Ionia Crest 1
  +
Ionia crest old 02.jpg|Old Ionia Crest 2
  +
Ionia old.jpg|Old Ionia concept 1 (By Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/mattgaser Matt Gaser])
 
Ionia School of Transcendentalism.jpg|Old Ionia concept 2 (By Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/mattgaser Matt Gaser])
 
Ionia School of Transcendentalism.jpg|Old Ionia concept 2 (By Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/mattgaser Matt Gaser])
  +
Ionia LoR Background.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Illustration 1
Ionian crest.jpg|Old Ionia crest
 
  +
Ionia LoR Main.png|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Illustration 2
Ionia Market.png|An Ionian Marketplace, Ionia
 
  +
Ionia LoR Merchant.png|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Illustration 3
Ivern promo 06.jpg|Omikayalan, Ionia
 
  +
Ionia LoR Loading Screen.png|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Illustration 4
Taliyah Bird and the Branch header.jpg|Ionian Mountainous Region, Ionia
 
  +
01IO041-full.png|Karma "Legends of Runeterra" Illustration 1 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
Ionia Bard Mountain.jpg|Bard Mountain, Ionia
 
  +
01IO041T1-full.png|Karma "Legends of Runeterra" Illustration 2 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
Ionia Master Yi Village.jpg|Master Yi's Village, Ionia
 
  +
02IO006-full.png|Lee Sin "Legends of Runeterra" Illustration 1 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
02IO006T1-full.png|Lee Sin "Legends of Runeterra" Illustration 2 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
01IO032-full.png|Shen "Legends of Runeterra" Illustration 1 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
01IO032T1-full.png|Shen "Legends of Runeterra" Illustration 2 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
01IO015-full.png|Yasuo "Legends of Runeterra" Illustration 1 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
01IO015T1-full.png|Yasuo "Legends of Runeterra" Illustration 2 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
01IO009-full.png|Zed "Legends of Runeterra" Illustration 1 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
01IO009T2-full.png|Zed "Legends of Runeterra" Illustration 2 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 01.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 1 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 02.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 2 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 03.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 3 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 04.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 4 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 05.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 5 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 06.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 6 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 07.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 7 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 08.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 8 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 09.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 9 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 10.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 10 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 11.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 11 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 12.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 12 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 13.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 13 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 14.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 14 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 15.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 15 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 16.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 16 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 17.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 17 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 18.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 18 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
  +
Ionia LoR Concept 19.jpg|Ionia "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 19 (by Riot Contracted Artists [[Sixmorevodka Studio]])
 
Bard promo 2.jpg|Bard promo 1 (by Riot Artist [http://radioblur.deviantart.com/ Mitch Malloy])
 
Bard promo 2.jpg|Bard promo 1 (by Riot Artist [http://radioblur.deviantart.com/ Mitch Malloy])
 
Bard promo 1.jpg|Bard promo 2 (by Riot Artist [http://radioblur.deviantart.com/ Mitch Malloy])
 
Bard promo 1.jpg|Bard promo 2 (by Riot Artist [http://radioblur.deviantart.com/ Mitch Malloy])
Ionia concept 1.jpg|Ionia concept art 1
+
Ionia concept 1.jpg|Ionia Concept 1
Ionia concept 2.jpg|Ionia concept art 2
+
Ionia concept 2.jpg|Ionia Concept 2
Ionia and Bilgewater concept.jpg|Ionia concept art 3
+
Ionia and Bilgewater concept.jpg|Ionia Concept 3
  +
Teamfight Tactics Ionia Arena Concept 01.jpg|Ionia Arena Concept
  +
Ionia Summer Event.jpg|Ionia Summer Event
 
Ionia LND concept 01.jpg|Ionia "Legends Never Die" Concept 1 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/victormosquera Victor Mosquera])
 
Ionia LND concept 01.jpg|Ionia "Legends Never Die" Concept 1 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/victormosquera Victor Mosquera])
 
Ionia LND concept 02.jpg|Ionia "Legends Never Die" Concept 2 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/victormosquera Victor Mosquera])
 
Ionia LND concept 02.jpg|Ionia "Legends Never Die" Concept 2 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/victormosquera Victor Mosquera])
 
Ionia LND concept 03.jpg|Ionia "Legends Never Die" Concept 3 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/victormosquera Victor Mosquera])
 
Ionia LND concept 03.jpg|Ionia "Legends Never Die" Concept 3 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/victormosquera Victor Mosquera])
 
Lee Sin LND concept 05.jpg|Ionia "Legends Never Die" Concept 4 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/leeroyvanilla Julien Renoult])
 
Lee Sin LND concept 05.jpg|Ionia "Legends Never Die" Concept 4 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/leeroyvanilla Julien Renoult])
  +
Ionia Awaken concept 01.jpg|Ionia "Awaken" Concept 1 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/efflam Efflam Mercier])
Ionia Entrance Hirana.png|Entrance to the great monastery at Hirana.
 
Ionia Dragon's nest.jpg|Ionia's Dragon nest (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/anooj Joon Ahn])
+
Ionia Awaken concept 02.jpg|Ionia "Awaken" Concept 2 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/efflam Efflam Mercier])
Ionia Nature.jpg|Nature of Ionia (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/anooj Joon Ahn])
+
Ionia Awaken concept 03.jpg|Ionia "Awaken" Concept 3 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/efflam Efflam Mercier])
Ionia The Giant Luonn Kon.jpg|The Giant Luonn Kon (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/anooj Joon Ahn])
+
Ionia Awaken concept 04.jpg|Ionia "Awaken" Concept 4 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/efflam Efflam Mercier])
  +
Ionia Awaken concept 05.jpg|Ionia "Awaken" Concept 5 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/efflam Efflam Mercier])
  +
Ionia Awaken Concept 06.jpg|Ionia "Awaken" Concept 6 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/efflam Efflam Mercier])
  +
Ionia Awaken Concept 07.jpg|Ionia "Awaken" Concept 7 (by Riot Artist [[Jason Chan]])
  +
Bandle City Book Of Thresholds 03.png|Ionia in the Book of Thresholds 1
  +
Bandle City Book Of Thresholds 04.png|Ionia in the Book of Thresholds 2
  +
Bandle City Book Of Thresholds 05.png|Ionia in the Book of Thresholds 3
  +
Ionia Perennial.jpg|Ionia "Perennial" Illustration (by Riot Contracted Artists [https://www.artstation.com/grafit Grafit Studios])
  +
Ionia The Lesson 01.jpg|Ionia "The Lesson" Illustration
  +
Ionia The Lesson Concept 01.jpg|Ionia "The Lesson" Concept 1 (by Riot Contracted Artist [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/JlXEdA Pawel Hordyniak])
  +
Ionia The Lesson Concept 02.jpg|Ionia "The Lesson" Concept 2 (by Riot Contracted Artist [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/JlXEdA Pawel Hordyniak])
  +
Ionia The Lesson Concept 03.jpg|Ionia "The Lesson" Concept 3 (by Riot Contracted Artist [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/JlXEdA Pawel Hordyniak])
  +
Ahri A Fair Trade 01.png|Ahri "A Fair Trade" Illustration (by Riot Artist [https://twitter.com/EricCanete Eric Canete])
  +
Ahri Garden of Forgetting 01.jpg|Ahri "Garden of Forgetting" Illustration (by Riot Artist [https://twitter.com/EricCanete Eric Canete])
  +
Akali Leaving Weh'le.jpg|Akali "Leaving Weh'le" Illustration (by Riot Contracted Artist [[Wild Blue Studios]])
  +
Ionia The Bow, and the Kunai.jpg|Faey "The Bow, and the Kunai" Illustration (by Riot Contracted Artists [https://www.artstation.com/grafit Grafit Studios])
  +
Zed Comic 1 Cover 1.jpg|Akali, Jhin, Kayn, Shen and Zed "Zed Comic" Issue 1 Cover 1 (by Riot Contracted Artists {{wikia|Marvel|Edgar Salazar}}, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Chris O'Halloran)
  +
Zed Comic 1 Cover 2.jpg|Akali, Jhin, Kayn, Shen and Zed "Zed Comic" Issue 1 Cover 2 (by Riot Contracted Artists {{wikia|Marvel|Edgar Salazar}}, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Chris O'Halloran)
  +
Zed Comic 2 Cover 1.jpg|Jhin and Zed "Zed Comic" Issue 2 Cover 1 (by Riot Contracted Artists {{wikia|Marvel|Edgar Salazar}}, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Chris O'Halloran)
  +
Zed Comic 2 Cover 1.jpg|Jhin and Zed "Zed Comic" Issue 2 Cover 2 (by Riot Contracted Artists {{wikia|Marvel|Edgar Salazar}}, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Chris O'Halloran)
  +
Zed Comic 3 Cover 1.jpg|Jhin, Shen and Zed "Zed Comic" Issue 3 Cover 1 (by Riot Contracted Artists {{wikia|Marvel|Edgar Salazar}}, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Chris O'Halloran)
  +
Zed Comic 3 Cover 2.jpg|Jhin, Shen and Zed "Zed Comic" Issue 3 Cover 2 (by Riot Contracted Artists {{wikia|Marvel|Edgar Salazar}}, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Chris O'Halloran)
  +
Zed Comic 4 Cover 1.jpg|Shen and Zed "Zed Comic" Issue 4 Cover 1 (by Riot Contracted Artists {{wikia|Marvel|Edgar Salazar}}, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Chris O'Halloran)
  +
Zed Comic 4 Cover 2.jpg|Shen and Zed "Zed Comic" Issue 4 Cover 2 (by Riot Contracted Artists {{wikia|Marvel|Edgar Salazar}}, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Chris O'Halloran)
  +
Zed Comic 5 Cover 1.jpg|Jhin, Shen and Zed "Zed Comic" Issue 5 Cover 1 (by Riot Contracted Artists {{wikia|Marvel|Edgar Salazar}}, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Chris O'Halloran)
  +
Zed Comic 5 Cover 2.jpg|Jhin, Shen and Zed "Zed Comic" Issue 5 Cover 2 (by Riot Contracted Artists {{wikia|Marvel|Edgar Salazar}}, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Chris O'Halloran)
  +
Zed Comic 6 Cover 1.jpg|Akali, Jhin, Kayn, Shen and Zed "Zed Comic" Issue 6 Cover 1 (by Riot Contracted Artists {{wikia|Marvel|Edgar Salazar}}, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Chris O'Halloran)
  +
Zed Comic 6 Cover 2.jpg|Akali, Jhin, Kayn, Shen and Zed "Zed Comic" Issue 6 Cover 2 (by Riot Contracted Artists {{wikia|Marvel|Edgar Salazar}}, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Chris O'Halloran)
  +
Jhin The Man with the Steel Cane 01.jpg|Jhin "The Man with the Steel Cane" Illustration (by Riot Artist [[Larry 'TheBravoRay' Ray]])
  +
Jhin Mind of the Virtuoso.png|Jhin "Mind of the Virtuoso" Illustration
  +
Karma Remember Me.jpg|Karma "Remember Me" Illustration (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/suyeonbyun Blake Byun])
  +
Kayn Darkin Corruption.jpg|Kayn "Darkin Corruption" Illustration (by Riot Artist [[Max 'Hexadriven' Zhang]])
  +
Kayn The Path of Shadows 01.jpg|Kayn "The Path Of Shadows" Illustration 1 (by Riot Artist [[Elena 'Hellstern' Bespalova]])
  +
Kayn The Path of Shadows 02.jpg|Kayn and Ashe "The Path Of Shadows" Illustration 2 (by Riot Artist [[Elena 'Hellstern' Bespalova]])
  +
Kayn The Path of Shadows 03.jpg|Kayn, Darius and Sion "The Path Of Shadows" Illustration 3 (by Riot Artist [[Elena 'Hellstern' Bespalova]])
  +
Kennen Between Light and Shadows.jpg|Kennen "Between Light and Shadow" Illustration (by Riot Contracted Artists [https://www.artstation.com/grafit Grafit Studio])
  +
Master Yi Homecoming.jpg|Master Yi "Homecoming" Illustration (by Riot Contracted Artist [https://www.artstation.com/maddiejulyk Maddie Julyk])
  +
Riven The Exile.jpg|Riven "The Exile" Illustration
  +
Riven Confessions of a Broken Blade Cover.jpg|Riven "Confession of a Broken Blade" Cover (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/sharkyspoon Rembert Montald])
  +
Yasuo Confessions of a Broken Blade Cover.jpg|Yasuo "Confessions of a Broken Blade" Cover (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/sharkyspoon Rembert Montald])
  +
Riven Yasuo Confessions of a Broken Blade Cover.jpg|Riven and Yasuo "Confessions of a Broken Blade" Cover (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/sharkyspoon Rembert Montald])
  +
Riven Yasuo Confessions of a Broken Blade 01.jpg|Riven and Yasuo "Confessions of a Broken Blade" Illustration 1 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/sharkyspoon Rembert Montald])
  +
Riven Yasuo Confessions of a Broken Blade 02.jpg|Riven and Yasuo "Confessions of a Broken Blade" Illustration 2 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/sharkyspoon Rembert Montald])
  +
Riven Yasuo Confessions of a Broken Blade 03.jpg|Riven and Yasuo "Confessions of a Broken Blade" Illustration 3 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/sharkyspoon Rembert Montald])
  +
Syndra The Dreaming Pool.jpg|Syndra "The Dreaming Pool" Illustration (by Riot Contracted Artist [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/O8GnJ Maddie Julyk])
  +
Rakan Nothing Rhymes with Tubebow 01.png|Rakan "Nothing Rhymes with Tubebow" Illustration 1 (by Riot Artist [https://twitter.com/EricCanete Eric Canete])
  +
Xayah Puboe Prison Break 01.png|Xayah "Puboe Prison Break" Illustration 1 (by Riot Artist [https://twitter.com/EricCanete Eric Canete])
  +
Rakan Nothing Rhymes with Tubebow 02.jpg|Rakan "Nothing Rhymes with Tubebow" Illustration 2 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/kingroboto Robert Kim])
  +
Xayah Puboe Prison Break 02.jpg|Xayah "Puboe Prison Break" Illustration 2 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/kingroboto Robert Kim])
  +
Rakan Nothing Rhymes with Tubebow 03.jpg|Rakan "Nothing Rhymes with Tubebow" Illustration 3 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/kingroboto Robert Kim])
  +
Xayah Puboe Prison Break 03.jpg|Xayah "Puboe Prison Break" Illustration 3 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/kingroboto Robert Kim])
  +
Rakan Nothing Rhymes with Tubebow 04.jpg|Rakan "Nothing Rhymes with Tubebow" Illustration 4 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/kingroboto Robert Kim])
  +
Xayah Puboe Prison Break 04.jpg|Xayah "Puboe Prison Break" Illustration 4 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/kingroboto Robert Kim])
  +
Xayah Puboe Prison Break 05.jpg|Xayah "Puboe Prison Break" Illustration 5 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/kingroboto Robert Kim])
  +
Rakan Nothing Rhymes with Tubebow 05.jpg|Rakan "Nothing Rhymes with Tubebow" Illustration 5 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/kingroboto Robert Kim])
  +
Xayah Puboe Prison Break 06.jpg|Xayah "Puboe Prison Break" Illustration 6 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/kingroboto Robert Kim])
  +
Xayah Puboe Prison Break 07.jpg|Xayah "Puboe Prison Break" Illustration 7 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/kingroboto Robert Kim])
  +
Rakan Nothing Rhymes with Tubebow 06.jpg|Rakan "Nothing Rhymes with Tubebow" Illustration 6 (by Riot Artist [https://www.artstation.com/kingroboto Robert Kim])
  +
Sett Big Head, Bad News.jpg|Sett "Big Head, Bad News" Illustration (by Riot Contracted Artists [https://www.artstation.com/grafit Grafit Studio])
  +
Yasuo The Unforgiven.jpg|Yasuo "The Unforgiven" Illustration
  +
Yasuo A Sword without a Sheath 01.png|Yasuo "A Sword without a Sheath" Illustration (by Riot Artist [[Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau]])
  +
Yasuo The Road to Ruin 01.png|Yasuo "The Road to Ruin" Illustration 1 (by Riot Artist [[Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau]])
  +
Yasuo The Road to Ruin 02.png|Yasuo "The Road to Ruin" Illustration 2 (by Riot Artist [[Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau]])
  +
Yasuo The Road to Ruin 03.png|Yasuo "The Road to Ruin" Illustration 3 (by Riot Artist [[Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau]])
  +
Yasuo The Road to Ruin 04.png|Yasuo "The Road to Ruin" Illustration 4 (by Riot Artist [[Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau]])
  +
Yasuo The Road to Ruin 05.png|Yasuo "The Road to Ruin" Illustration 5 (by Riot Artist [[Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau]])
  +
Yasuo The Road to Ruin 06.png|Yasuo "The Road to Ruin" Illustration 6 (by Riot Artist [[Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau]])
  +
Yasuo The Road to Ruin 07.png|Yasuo "The Road to Ruin" Illustration 7 (by Riot Artist [[Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau]])
  +
Yasuo The Road to Ruin 08.png|Yasuo "The Road to Ruin" Illustration 8 (by Riot Artist [[Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau]])
  +
Yasuo The Road to Ruin 09.png|Yasuo "The Road to Ruin" Illustration 9 (by Riot Artist [[Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau]])
  +
Ionia Orchid's Bloom 01.jpg|Yasuo "Orchid's Bloom" Illustration 1
  +
Ionia Orchid's Bloom 02.jpg|Yasuo "Orchid's Bloom" Illustration 2
  +
Ionia Orchid's Bloom 03.jpg|Yasuo "Orchid's Bloom" Illustration 3
  +
</gallery>
 
</tabber>
 
</tabber>
   
== See Also ==
+
== See also ==
 
* [https://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/region/ionia/ Ionia Universe Page]
 
* [https://universe.leagueoflegends.com/en_US/region/ionia/ Ionia Universe Page]
* [[Vastaya Field Journal]]
+
* [[Eduard Santangelo's Vastaya Field Journal]]
  +
* [[Vastaya]]
* [[Confession of a Broken Blade]]
 
* [[Kinkou Order]]
 
* [[Lunar Revel]]
 
* [[PROJECT|PROJECT Initiative]]
 
* [[The Blood Moon]]
 
 
== References ==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
 
{{Places}}
 
   
  +
{{References}}
  +
{{Runeterra/Ionian Archipelago}}
  +
{{Factions}}
   
 
[[cs:Ionia]]
 
[[cs:Ionia]]
Line 840: Line 949:
 
[[zh:愛歐尼亞]]
 
[[zh:愛歐尼亞]]
 
[[Category:Places]]
 
[[Category:Places]]
  +
[[Category:Factions]]
  +
[[Category:Ionia]]

Revision as of 01:23, 7 June 2020

For the Legends of Runeterra regions card set, see Ionia LoR Region Ionia.
Ionia The Placidium
EditImageReference

Ionia Crest icon

Faction

Ionia

By Unknown Author

The first lands
Governance: Attitude towards magic:
Regional provinces Harmonize
Level of technology: General environment:
Low Magical (varied)
  "We are the children of the First Lands, and we will not be slaves!"
Irelia Irelia
Separator

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 profileicon 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

Surrounded by treacherous seas, Ionia Crest icon Ionia is composed of a number of allied provinces scattered across a massive archipelago, known to many as the First Lands. Since Ionian culture has long been shaped by the pursuit of balance in all things, the border between the material and spirit realms tends to be more permeable here, especially in the wild forests and mountains.

Although these lands’ enchantments can be fickle, its creatures dangerous and fae, for many centuries most Ionians led lives of plenty. The warrior monasteries, provincial militias—and even Ionia itself—had been enough to protect them.

But that ended twelve years ago, when Noxus Crest icon Noxus attacked the First Lands. The empire's seemingly endless warhosts savaged Ionia, and were only defeated after many years, and at great cost.

Now, Ionia exists in an uneasy peace. Different reactions to the war have divided the region—some groups, such as the Shojin monks or the Kinkou, seek a return to isolationist pacifism, and pastoral traditions. Other more radical factions, such as the Navori Brotherhood and the Order of Shadow, demand a militarization of the land's magic, to create a single, unified nation that can take vengeance on Noxus.

The fate of Ionia hangs in a delicate balance that few are willing to overturn, but all can feel shifting uneasily beneath their feet.


Champions of Ionia

Other Related Champions

  • Bard Bard is a celestial that intervened at the Battle of Bard Mountain.
  • Darius Darius was a Noxian field commander during the Noxian invasion.
  • Diana Diana is searching for remaining Lunari in Ionia.
  • Gangplank Gangplank is a Bilgewater pirate that ransacked Zed's Zed's Temple of the Jagged Knife.
  • Lucian Lucian traveled to Raikkon and Sudaro in search of the Black Mist and any traces of recent Harrowings. He also later traveled to another Ionian village with Senna to protect its citizens from the Black Mist and help another Sentinel.
  • Nami Nami is a Marai Tidecaller searching for the Aspect of the Moon in Ionia.
  • Ryze Ryze visited Hirana Monastery during his search for the World Runes.
  • Senna Senna traveled to an Ionian village with her husband to protect its citizens from the Black Mist and help another Sentinel.
  • Sona Sona was born in Ionia and resided in an orphanage before being adopted by House Buvelle of Demacia.
  • Singed Singed participated in the slaughter of numerous Ionian citizens during the Noxian invasion.
  • Swain Swain participated in the slaughter of numerous Ionian citizens during the Noxian invasion, and lost his arm to Irelia Irelia.
  • Taliyah Taliyah was brought to Ionia during the Noxian invasion and was later trained under Yasuo Yasuo.
  • Udyr Udyr is the vessel for four eternal spirits and defended Ionia during the Noxus invasion.
  • Xin Zhao Xin Zhao was born in Ionia, though he was captured and spent some time as a gladiator in Noxus before being released by Jarvan III.
  • Riven Riven currently resides in Ionia, having been adopted by the Konte family after deserting Noxus and put on trial for the murder of Elder Souma.

History

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 - simian simian, avian avian, even piscine piscine - 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 Ivern Bramblefoot Ivern Bramblefoot, 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 Jhin Jhin. 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

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Mural of the Noxian Invasion of Ionia

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 of Ioniands died as their magical artifacts were stolen to extend the life of their crazy emperor.

This aggression forced the religious leader Karma Karma, 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 Jericho Swain Jericho Swain, captured the Placidium and took its defenders hostage, hoping to lure the inevitable reinforcements into a trap, but a 14-year-old girl named Irelia Irelia  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, children were sent as foot soldiers, trying to exploit Ionian mercy and Chemtech bombs bought from an infamous Zaunite alchemist Zaunite alchemist bombarded both Ionians and Noxians.

Those Chemtech bombs had gruesome effects on the land. Perhaps the place where those consequences are most notable is the Wuju village, where rumors of a one-man army one-man army raised Noxian attention. 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

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Zed, the Master 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 an 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

Ionia Battle of Bard Mountain

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 Celestial being Celestial being, 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

The Dreaming Pool

Syndra inside 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 mage mage 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 Syndra Syndra into the sky and moved northward to an unknown location.

Second Noxian invasion

In a near future, Noxus will start its second attempt to conqueror Ionia, with Sion Sion joining the cause. They are met with resistance leaded by Irelia Irelia in a seaside village. Sion manages to overpower Irelia while the Noxian army is decimating Ionian farmers, but the arrival of Akali Akali, Karma Karma,Kennen Kennen and Yasuo Yasuo ultimately turns the tide of the battle.

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.
  • Lhotlan Village: Deep within the Lhradi Forest of Navori live the endangered Lhotlan vastaya, whose most prominent members are Rakan Rakan and Xayah Xayah.
  • 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 whose members include Karma Karma and Irelia Irelia.
  • Omikayalan: known also as the Heart of the World or the Greenglade, is a sacred grove 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 Green Father Green Father 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.
  • Thanze: A city located in Southeastern Navori, it was ravaged by the Noxian Invasion of Ionia. The Serrated Dirk item Navori Brotherhood and Zed's The Order of The Shadows Crest Shadow Order defended this city and its inhabitants.
  • Temple of Koeshin: Located in Northwestern Navori, it is presumably the main headquarters of the Kinkou Order Crest Kinkou Order during the time of Master Shen Shen. The White Cliffs Inn, located closely to the Temple. is the place where Shen Shen and Zed Zed first met after decades in order to find Jhin Jhin.
  • Temple of Thanjuul: Located in Southeastern Navori, it is the Kinkou Order Crest Kinkou Order temple of Navori during the time of Master Kusho. During the siege of Thanze, Zed and his acolytes came for the Tears of The Shadow. Currently the Temple is controlled by the The Order of The Shadows Crest Shadow Order.
  • 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 Camille's Camille's favorite weapons, the Shon-Xan footed glaive.

  • Garden of Forgetting: The garden may be located here. Ahri Ahri 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.
  • Puboe: A human town that was the center of a few recent events. Xayah Xayah and Rakan Rakan freed several vastaya from a prison here, and Akali Akali 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.
  • Temple of Xuanain: The village Xuanain is located in the southeastern part of Shon-Xan. It is located near a Kinkou Temple which was abandoned long ago until it became the new base of operation for the order after the death of Master Kusho during the Noxian invasion of Ionia. East of Thanjuul, high up in the mountains where glacial water ran. It was beside a lagoon of turquoise water, peppered with purple lantern florae. Although they were near the village of Xuanain, their haven was difficult to access, with its great elevation and surrounding hills.
  • Vlonqo: A remote mountain town in southern part of Sho-Xan region of Ionia. Vlonqo Flowers are highly sought after by Weh'le tattoo artists.

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 Syndra Syndra. 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 Syndra Syndra. 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 Zed Zed found Kayn Kayn.

  • Epool River: It is located in the southern part of Bahrl island in Ionia. It is the place where Zed Zed found Kayn Kayn.
  • 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 Ahri Ahri 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 Master Yi Master Yi 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 Bard Bard.

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, Varus Varus. 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 a desert 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. Valmar and Kai Valmar and Kai sought refuge in the water-filled chasm when Noxian forces attacked Pallas, and the darkin Varus was released. Master Kobayashi Master 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. Lee Sin Lee Sin and Udyr Udyr defended this place.
  • Qaelin Highlands: The mountainous regions of Qaelin which span from the north to the south of the island.
    • Jiekkasja: A settlement and region located in the Southern Qaelin Highlands.
      • Quenjo Estate: The current location of House Quenjo and the Lady Yevnai. Zed Zed visited this place in order to find the current whereabouts of Shen Shen during his search for Jhin Jhin.

Zhyun

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

  • 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 Khada Jhin's Khada Jhin's pistol-rifle.
  • Nanthee: A settlement located in Southern Zhyun, it is where a disguised Zed Zed went in search for Jhin Jhin after his return. It was heavily destroyed by Jhin's bombs which he used for his escape to Piltover.
  • Raikkon: A coastal settlement in the southern tip of Zhyun island of Ionia. Its native berries are used for creating quality tattoo ink mixture. Xin Zhao Xin Zhao was born here.
  • 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 Zed's Zed's Order of Shadows. It was previously ransacked by Gangplank Gangplank and his pirate crew.
  • Tuula: A city located in the southern mountainous province of Zhyun. Khada Jhin Khada Jhin was initially imprisoned here by Kusho, Shen Shen, and Zed Zed.
    • Tuula Prison: A highly fortified prison for one of the worst criminals in Ionia. It is the place where Jhin Jhin 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 Riven Riven.
  • Zhyun Highlands: The mountainous regions of Zhyun which span from the north to the south of the island.
    • Ghajan River: Located in Southern Zhyun, the Ghajan river is the area where Kusho, Shen Shen and Zed Zed finally captured Jhin Jhin.
      • Jyom Pass: A fishing settlement located on the banks of the Ghajan River. This was where Khada Jhin Khada Jhin was captured by Kusho, Shen Shen, and Zed Zed. There is a Blossom Festival held here.
    • Holn: Located in the Southern Zhyun Highlands. The Holn Mountain Road had the statue of Master Kusho, the former leader of the Kinkou Order Crest Kinkou Order who banished a local demon, The Zogao. It is also the location where Zed Zed defeated and killed Master Althon.
    • Kotha: A village settlement in the Southern Zhyun Highlands, it was destroyed and most of its inhabitants brutally murdered by Jhin Jhin during his early years as a serial killer. It is also the location where Kusho, Shen Shen and Zed Zed first witnessed Jhin's Jhin's brutality. The village remains in ruins to this day.
    • Olgathee Forest: Located in the Zhyun Highlands, it is the place where Shen Shen banished a demon which terrorized the surrounding areas.
    • Temple of Raishai: The Village of Raishai is located in the southern part of Zhyun. The Raishai acolytes had been among the Kinkou order's most faithful, supporting the edict of pacifism during the Noxian Invasion of without question. The turmoils of the war lead to deep spiritual unrest in this area, which attracted evil spirits. It was only with the help of Kennen Kennen that this evil was dispelled.
    • Shual: A settlement located in Southern Zhyun Highlands, it is one the locations where Shen Shen and Zed Zed went to in search for Jhin Jhin after his return.
    • Sotka River: A river that originates from the Southern Highlands of Zhyun. Near Kotha it is one of the places where Zed Zed was searching for Jhin Jhin after his return. A Local Blossom Festival was ravaged by Jhin's bombs used by him for his escape.
    • Thonx: A settlement located in the Zhyun Highlands, its river caverns have numerous taverns and fishermen buildings.
      • Kwol Tavern: A river side tavern located at the outskirts of Thonx, it is the place where Zed Zed and his The Order of The Shadows Crest Shadow Order have started their search for Jhin Jhin.
  • Zhyunia: A coastal settlement located on Zhyun island of Ionia.

Wildlife

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 Shyvana Shyvana, the Half-Dragon, found out firsthand. According to Irelia Irelia, 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 Syndra Syndra 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 Green-Father Green-Father.

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. Protectors Protectors are born wingless and without manes until 01IO023-full 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.

Kiwas

Kiwas are a type of fruit that can be found on Zhyun of Ionia. Its sweetness is said to help soak solemness whenever someone is too melancholy.

Luonn Kon

Ionia The 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.

Citrus Fruit

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Ionia have their own Citrus fruit, likely similar to a real-world Orange, that is completely seedless. Nothing is known about how it reproduces. How similar these fruit's evolution and genetics are to real world citrus fruit is unknown.

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 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 isn't 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

Ionia Fruit Merchant 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 02 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.

Xaolans

Xaolan trees, known for their gossamer flowers, is a type of tree from Zhyun in Ionia which leafs and flower petals are used to create white tea.

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.

Lighted Lilies

Ionia Lake Of 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

Ionia Ionian Farm 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

Ionia Coastal Region 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

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.

Ionia The Great Monasteries

The Great Monasteries

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.

The Path To Enlightenment

While it is true that harmony is sought by most in Ionia, few are so far along this path as to be considered truly enlightened beings. Their ideals are lofty, but not all can live up to them, and Ionians can be just as driven by hate, lust, anger, and love as any Runeterran. From Hirana to the Placidium of Navori, there are places of sanctuary open to those trying to better understand themselves.

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

  • Other:
    • Khada Khada Jhin - Golden Excellence.
    • Khumaia Khumaia - Gatekeeper.
    • Kobayashi Master Kobayashi (小林) - Small Forest (possibly from Yasuo's language)
    • Nargui - No One.
    • Rakhsasum - Collector.
    • Syndra Syndra - Destruction (?).

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 Rakan Rakan and Xayah Xayah.[2]
(Baraashi used elements of the Finnish & Arabic languages as its basis)

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 harmony 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 woodweavers, 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.
  • Rooftop Garden: Ionian architecture often includes organically curved tiled or shingled roofs. Here, branches extend outward from the trees within this building.
  • 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.
  • Quinlons: The magical filters and damns used by humans scattered around Ionia that attempt to contain the amount of magic released into the region, or limit it to positive and helpful magic, which in turn affect the Vastayan livelihood due to their dependence on magic. Zed Zed and his Shadow Order use them to create their ichor which is used to channel Shadow magic.[3]

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. Akali Akali has a traditional design of an Ionian Dragon etched on her back, while Karma Karma has hers going across her right leg.

Demonic Compendium

A fragment of esoteric lore, discovered after the attack on the Noxian fortress at Fae'lor. The author(s) and provenance are unknown.

The compendium shows several types of demons that branch out from three root branches, the primary one being Fear. The types of demons that spawn from Fear are: Nightmare, Secrets (which further branches out to Obsession), and Delirium (which further branches out to Bliss and Frenzy), and currently unknown brances. Nine inscriptions of what are likely names of demons all point towards "Azakana". Around the branches, several images can be seen, such as the image of Raum, Fiddlestick's keys, and an image showing 10 circles.

The inscription is written in a currently unknown language, possibly connected to Ochnun or the Noxian writing system, as it was found in a Noxian stronghold.

Tools

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Tellstones: A variant of Tellstones called "King's Gambit" is played in Demacia Crest icon Demacia. It is named after a Demacian King Santon the Great. King Santon of Demacia avoided civil war with a game of Tellstones, saving thousands of lives. Despite the game's popularity across Runeterra, no one seems to know where Tellstones originated. There is a variant of Tellstones played by the Dauntless Vanguard Crest icon Dauntless Vanguard and they use it to settle disputes within the ranks.

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.
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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.
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Teachings of the Dragon

  • "A student must listen with focus, for the Dragon roared the first sounds, and blessed our young spirits with the gift of magic."
  • "A student must act with compassion, for the Dragon nurtured the First Lands, and graced them with warmth and life."
  • "A student must think with clarity, for the Dragon draws the sun across our skies, and reveals the world around us."
  • "A student must strive with all their might, for the Dragon pulled the earth from beneath the waves, and gave us a land to call home."
  • "A student must move with grace, for the Dragon's breath created the wind and waves which brought motion to our world."
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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. Rakan Rakan, a Lhotlan vastaya, sang old vastayan songs during one of Vlonqos harvest festivals.

Spirit Blossom Festival

Ionia Perennial

Perennial

The Spirit Blossom Festival is an annual festival that happens all across Ionia to celebrate the blossoming of the Spirit Blossoms. Painters, musicians, calligraphers and other types of artists showcase their artistry to the public, especially children. When nightfall arrives and the Spirit Blossoms are at full bloom, the festival attendees gather at the nearest temple to release lanterns in the air while also giving respect to their fallen and deceased as well as wish for good fortunes. The festival also gives the chance for family members to communicate with their deceased loved ones. Assured that their living loved ones have moved on, the spirits are then able to finally move on to the afterlife. The war and bloodshed of the Noxian Invasion of Ionia had prevented the blossoming of the flowers, but eventually they have returned along with the festival. Some Noxians that live in or near the Noxian occupied areas of Ionia would also join in the festivity, though their presence is still met with some unease. Before the war, the infamous Khada Jhin Khada Jhin was finally captured at a Blossom Festival held in Jyom Pass in Zhyun province.

Government

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.

Schools of Learning

Ionia is home to countless schools and temples, which train disciplined students in ancient martial arts and esoteric philosophy. Deadly and graceful, these fighters, mages, dancers, and scholars spend years in training, hoping to master their craft and for the pursuit of enlightenment.

Though the birthplace of many specialized forms of martial arts, Ionia maintained 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.

During and after the Noxian invasion, many of these traditions were shaken. Extreme, hardline interpretations of their former beliefs have become more prevalent as each practitioner struggles to make sense of the world in the aftermath of all they have witnessed.

Staff of Flowing Water item 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 Udyr Udyr, and taught him how to harness and control his animalistic fury... most of the time. Lee Sin Lee Sin blinded himself in a desperate fury while defending the monastery.

Kinkou Order Crest 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 - Shen Shen, Kennen Kennen, and Akali Akali - 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.

Serrated Dirk item 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 Irelia Irelia.

The Order of The Shadows Crest 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, Zed Zed, rediscovered these ancient techniques and used them to take over the Kinkou Monastery.

02IO007-full 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. Lee Sin Lee Sin was raised here.

Meditate Wuju Order

The Art of Wuju Art of Wuju was founded on obtaining absolute spiritual awareness of one's self and one's enemy. Master Yi Master Yi, 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 Wukong Wukong.

Relations

Bilgewater Crest icon Bilgewater

During Noxus' invasion of Ionia, many pirates from Bilgewater profileicon 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 Crest icon 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. Several key figureheads in Demacian society originate from Ionia, such as Sona Sona and Xin Zhao Xin Zhao.

Freljord Crest icon 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 God-Willow God-Willow by a stranded band of Freljordian warriors... but the second was a friendship between Lee Sin Lee Sin and Udyr Udyr.

Noxus Crest icon Noxus

Ionia The Great Stand

The Great Stand Of The Placidium

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 Xan Irelia Xan Irelia, and looked to her for leadership. Exhausted and nearly defeated, the war would eventually end with Jericho Swain's Jericho Swain's 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.

Piltover Crest icon Piltover

Ionia and Piltover have frequent enough trade with each other for relatively small shipping ports like Nanthee having piltover trading ships dock at its ports. Weapons from the city-state are acquired and modified for easy use in spirit magic rich Ionian land.

Shadow Isles Crest icon Shadow Isles

Ionians have suffered under numerous Harrowings enacted by the undead of the Shadow Isles.

Zaun Crest icon Zaun

Zaunite chemists such as Singed Singed, which the backing of Noxus, were able to commit horrific war crimes during the Noxian invasion of Ionia. Their chemical weapons decimated Ionian lands that have physical and spiritual scars to this day.

Trivia

Ionia profileicon
  • The name Ionia comes from the Ancient Greek Ἰωνία, after the tribal name Ia(w)ones Ἰά(ϝ)ωνες, with unclear etymology, possibly from:
    • PIE noun *wiH-s "force", whence Greek (ϝ)ī́s (w)is;
    • PIE verb *h₁eysh₂- "to push, to strengthen", whence ῑ̓ός īós "arrow".[4]
  • The real-life namesake is Ionia, after Ionian Greek colonists, located in Anatolia, now in modern-day Turkey.
Season 2019 - Platinum 1

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