Ionia

Ionia

Ionia is an island city-state of Runeterra off the east coast of Valoran.

Lore

Ionia is a naturally beautiful island nation full of ancient trees, high mountains and tranquil rivers. The entire landscape is covered with large patches of forests teeming with life. The most lush and majestic of these forests is the Serene Garden, which contains the largest tree on Runeterra, the Great Tree.

Culture

The city-state is well-known for its generally peaceful denizens. 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. It is generally agreed upon though that 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.

Government

There appears to be no central government that governs Ionia, rather individual leaders preside over small settlements or villages. However, the power and wisdom of those who are considered blessed or enlightened are taken into accord with no small amount of respect.

Different Sects

The Art of Wuju is a martial art founded with the principles of absolute spiritual awareness of one's self and one's enemy. The keeper of this ancient art, Master Yi, the Wuju Bladesman, descended from one of the few tribes dedicated to the preservation of Wuju. He is known to have an unparalleled mastery of the blade. After his village's destruction, Master Yi is now the last Wuju practitioner. He has pledged to keep the Wuju style alive.

The Hirana Monastery is home to many monks who have pioneered the most inner depths of spirituality. Their adepts are some of the most devout proponents of enlightenment and harmony. Though the monks deplore violence, they are not defenseless as they are skilled enough to turn and redirect an opponent's strikes. To their credit, the monks took in Udyr, the Animal Spirit, and taught him how to harness and control his animalistic fury... most of the time.

The Kinkou Order exists as an ancient clan originating in the Ionian Isles 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 employs a triumvirate of shadow warriors to uphold its causes in the world.

Link to the League

The Ionians find themselves unwillingly pulled into the major conflict between Demacia and Noxus due to the latter's invasion of them. Suffering high casualties, the Ionians have entered the League of Legends in the hopes of driving out their enemies and returning to their peaceful ways.

Champions

Champion	Ties
Akali The Fist of Shadow	Probable birthplace; Kinkou warrior
Irelia
Kennen The Heart of the Tempest	Kinkou warrior
Master Yi The Wuju Bladesman	Birthplace; city-state Champion
Shen The Eye of Twilight	Birthplace; Kinkou warrior
Sona The Maven of the Strings	Birthplace
Soraka The Starchild	Birthplace; city-state Champion
Udyr The Animal Spirit	Birthplace

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