Ionia

Ionia, in original Vastayan nomenclature: The First Lands, is a land of unspoiled beauty and natural magic. Its inhabitants, living in scattered settlements across this massive archipelago, are a spiritual people who seek to live in harmony and balance with the world. There are many orders and sects across Ionia, each following their own (often conflicting) paths and ideals. Self-sufficient and isolationist, Ionia has remained largely neutral in the wars that have ravaged Valoran over the centuries - until it was invaded by Noxus. This brutal conflict and occupation has forced Ionia to reassess its place in the world. How it reacts and the future path Ionia will follow is as of yet undetermined, however, animosity against Noxus has led to militarization and vigilantism. Thirst for the dark arts is on the rise.
== Lore ==
Surrounded by treacherous seas, 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 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 is a celestial who intervened at the Battle of Bard Mountain.
*Darius was a Noxian field commander during the Noxian invasion.
*Diana is searching for remaining Lunari in Ionia.
*Gangplank is a Bilgewater pirate who ransacked Zed's Temple of the Jagged Knife.
*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 his wife Senna to protect its citizens from the Black Mist and help another Sentinel.
* Nami is a Marai Tidecaller searching for the Aspect of the Moon in Ionia.
* Riven was in Ionia, having been adopted by the Konte family after deserting Noxus and put on trial for the murder of Elder Souma. She was extradited back to Noxus.
*Ryze visited the Hirana Monastery during his search for the World Runes.
*Senna traveled to an Ionian village with her husband Lucian to protect its citizens from the Black Mist and help another Sentinel.
*Singed participated in the slaughter of numerous Ionian citizens during the Noxian invasion.
*Sona was born in Ionia and resided in an orphanage before being adopted by Buvelle House of Demacia.
*Soraka visited Ionia in the past.
*Swain participated in the slaughter of numerous Ionian citizens during the Noxian invasion, and lost his arm to Irelia.
*Taliyah was brought to Ionia during the Noxian invasion and was later trained under Yasuo.
*Udyr is the vessel for four eternal spirits and defended Ionia during the Noxus invasion.
*Viego came to Ionia in search of a fetter and corrupted Karma.
*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.
==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, avian, even 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, who 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, the Green-Father.
===The Darkin War=== 
:
Warring among themselves, the Darkin destroyed any who stood against them. With his crystalline bow, Varus assassinated enemy commanders and champions, helping the Darkin defeat entire mortal armies with ever greater ease.
Eventually, Varus was cornered by Vastaya moon-stalkers and human mages in service of a golden-armored warrior queen of Valoran. They bound him within his bow, leaving him to howl in impotent rage. By then, the raw, corrupting influence of the Darkin was known, and yet still the queen chose to wield the deadly weapon in the final days of the war, gladly sacrificing herself for a greater victory.
In the months that followed, the queen carried Varus to the First Lands — those that would later be known as Ionia. Now made monstrous by the bow's power, her last act was to command her followers to bury her alive in a lightless well, sunk deep beneath a mountain temple overlooking the village of Pallas.
And there Varus was imprisoned, both by the natural magic of Ionia, and the ritual ministrations of the temple guardians.
The bow remained hidden for centuries, unknown, untouched, and all but forgotten.
===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 Kinkou 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 as 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. 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.
===The First Noxian Invasion===
From its formation, the residents of Ionia preferred to pursue personal enlightenment instead of waging constant battles with other nations. The militaristic nation of Noxus saw their "weakness" as an opportunity. Noxian spies began to trade aggressively with the Ionians, traveling through provinces to study its weaknesses and identify critical targets.
Not long after, the warhosts set sail for Ionia as part of the long-planned Noxian invasion.
As the central province of Ionia, the invasion began in Navori, many villages and settlements fell, thousands of Ionians died as their magical artifacts were stolen to extend the life of their crazy emperor.
This aggression forced the religious leader 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.
====The return of Varus====
:
Two beast hunters— Valmar and his heartlight, Kai—fought against the first wave at the Temple of Pallas. Though their courage was great and they drove off the attackers, Kai was mortally wounded, and a grief-stricken Val carried him inside, believing the well's forbidden magic could restore him.
But the temple held only damnation, and both hunters were consumed by the unleashed power of the Darkin within it. The very matter of their bodies was unraveled and bound together again to craft a new body, a body fit to free Varus from his imprisonment. What emerged from the well was a gestalt creature, pale and inhumanly beautiful, part human and part Darkin. After more than a thousand years, Varus was reborn.
====The Order of Shadows==== 
:
The hunt for Jhin, left Zed haunted by his murders and he began to struggle in his studies. The rising tensions between Ionia and the imperialistic forces of Noxus only worsened his disillusionment. Many of the provinces were occupied by the enemy. Despite this, the Kinkou focused on maintaining spiritual balance and Kusho refused to fight back.
Zed ventured deep into the temple's hidden catacombs, and there he discovered a black box. Even though he knew it was forbidden, he peered inside. Shadows enveloped Zed's mind, feeding his bitterness with contempt for the weak, and hinting at an ancient, dark magic.
Zed demanded the Kinkou strike at the Noxian invaders with every means at their disposal. When Kusho refused, Zed left the Kinkou Order and their doctrines. He joined the growing resistance at Navori and raised a following of warriors to resist Noxus. Any soul who threatened his homeland, or stood idle in its defense, was marked for death without mercy—including native vastaya who wavered in their allegiance. Zed urged his followers to embrace the fervor of war, but he realized his own abilities would never match his ambitions without the black box.
Amassing his new acolytes, he returned to the Kinkou temple, where Kusho implored his former pupil to renounce the shadows in favor of a more balanced path. Zed answered bringing in one hand, the black box—and in the other, his freshly bloodied blade.
The Kinkou fell in droves as Zed's warriors cut them down. He then claimed the temple for himself, establishing his Order of Shadow, and began training his acolytes in the ways of darkness. They etched their flesh with shadowy tattoos, learning to fight alongside shrouded reflections of themselves.
Far from home, Shen felt 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 ====
:
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, 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.
====Battle of the Placidium====
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At one of the most important points of the war, a warhost lead by 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 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 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 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.
Toward the end of the war, the resistance once lead by Irelia eventually split into different military groups, including the 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.
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 Dreaming Pool===
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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 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 into the sky and moved northward to an unknown location.
===The Second Noxian Invasion===
:In a near future, Noxus will start its second attempt to conqueror Ionia, with Sion joining the cause. They are met with resistance leaded by Irelia in a seaside village. Sion manages to overpower Irelia while the Noxian army is decimating Ionian farmers, but the arrival of Akali, Karma, Kennen and Yasuo ultimately turns the tide of the battle.
==Locations==
*An Ancient And Respected History
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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===
*The Placidium of Navori
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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.
*Garden of Forgetting: The garden may be located here. 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.
*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 and 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 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 Navori Brotherhood and Zed's 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 during the time of Master Shen. The White Cliffs Inn, located closely to the Temple. is the place where Shen and Zed first met after decades in order to find Jhin.
*Temple of Thanjuul: Located in Southeastern Navori, it is the 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 Shadow Order.
* Weh'le: Weh'le is a phantom port, a hidden coastal village, protected by the mystical properties of Ionia. 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. 
** Weh'le Market: One of the more important locations in Weh'le, during the Spirit Blossom Festival it is filled with entertainers.
**Weh'le River: Located next to the city. This small river holds great importance during the Spirit Blossom Festival, where numerous spirit blossoms bloom on its banks. Several shrines and titanic statues are scattered across the banks of the river. It is this place where Yasuo and Yone fought an azakana demon.
*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.
===Shon-Xan===
* Xayah inside Puboe Prison
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Not much is known about Shon-Xan, the eastern region of Ionia Island, though it is presumably the origin of one of Camille's favorite weapons, the Shon-Xan footed glaive.
*Puboe: A human town that was the center of a few recent events. Xayah and Rakan freed several vastaya from a prison here, and 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===
*Syndra inside The Dreaming Pool
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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. 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. 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 found Kayn.
*Epool River: It is located in the southern part of Bahrl island in Ionia. It is the place where Zed found 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 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 and the art of Wuju. It has since been destroyed during the Noxian Invasion of Ionia.
===Bard Mountain=== 
*Bard Mountain
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Possibly is located somewhere in Ionia. It was the site of a battle over an ancient artifact that resulted in the appearance of 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. 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 sought refuge in the water-filled chasm when Noxian forces attacked Pallas, and the darkin Varus was released. 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===
*Hirana Monastery
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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 and Udyr defended this place.
*Lhotlan Village: Deep within the Lhradi Forest of Qaelin live the endangered Lhotlan vastaya, whose most prominent members are Rakan and Xayah.
*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 visited this place in order to find the current whereabouts of Shen during his search for Jhin.
===Zhyun===
A mountainous island in the south of the Ionian archipelago, it was previously plagued by the infamous 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 pistol-rifle.
*Nanthee: A settlement located in Southern Zhyun, it is where a disguised Zed went in search for 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 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 Order of Shadows. It was previously ransacked by Gangplank and his pirate crew.
*Tuula: A city located in the southern mountainous province of Zhyun. Khada Jhin was initially imprisoned here by Kusho, Shen, and Zed. 
**Tuula Prison: A highly fortified prison for one of the worst criminals in Ionia. It is the place where Jhin was imprisoned for years before being released by corrupt Ionian politicians.
*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 and Zed finally captured Jhin.
***Jyom Pass: A fishing settlement located on the banks of the Ghajan River. This was where Khada Jhin was captured by Kusho, Shen, and 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 who banished a local demon, The Zogao. It is also the location where 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 during his early years as a serial killer. It is also the location where Kusho, Shen and Zed first witnessed Jhin's brutality. The village remains in ruins to this day.
** Olgathee Forest: Located in the Zhyun Highlands, it is the place where 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 that this evil was dispelled.
** Shual: A settlement located in Southern Zhyun Highlands, it is one the locations where Shen and Zed went to in search for 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 was searching for 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 and his Shadow Order have started their search for Jhin.
*Zhyunia: A coastal settlement located on Zhyun island of Ionia.
==Wildlife==
*Land
*Aquatic
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===
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*Dragon Attacking A Market
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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, the Half-Dragon, found out firsthand. According to 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.
===Dreaming Tree===
The Dreaming Tree grew from a seed of the God-Willow, which towered over the ancient grove of Omikayalan. Cast loose when the God-Willow was tragically felled, the seed took root in what came to be known as the Garden of Forgetting. Nurtured by the Green Father, Ivern—as many of the descendants of Omikayalan were—the Dreaming Tree spiraled up, spreading the magic of humanity's desires each time the dream-laden buds bloomed.
===Ghost-Willow ===
One of the oldest magical trees in Ionia, it was destroyed by 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.
===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.
===Ionian Citrus Fruit===
“	  "This from Ionia. No seeds!"
“	— 6 Citrus Courier
 	
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.
===Jeweled Protectors=== 
*Jeweled Protector
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The Jeweled Protectors are giant mythical winged carnivores of Ionia with a mix of tiger and lion features. Protectors are born wingless and without manes until  a certain age when they grow their manes while their wings grow out from their backs. Their other noticeable features are their two tails and gems embedded along their spines and forehead that glow with a mysterious power.
=== 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===
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.
===Poros===
:
Poros are an are the mysterious, magical, and most-loved creatures originating from the Howling Abyss. Poros are equal parts truth, valor, and innocence. The colour of their fur is described as “very light blue, like Freljordian snow”. They have a heart-shaped underbelly because they're made of love. A poro's horns perk up when it's excited and droop down when it's scared. Poros paddle through deep snow with their front paws. Some believe that poros are indestructible. Poros stick their tongue out because they are incredibly warm. This is why they can survive the harsh cold environment of the Howling Abyss. Poro-Snax are frosted with Freljordian ice crystals and are a favourite treat of this creature. The leader of the Poros is known as the Poro King.
There is at least one Poro found in Ionia. They were so inspired by 9 Minah Swiftfoot that they have started defending Ionian roads from the Navori Brotherhood.
===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 Snapper
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Scaled Snappers are giant turtle-like lizard creatures that reside in Ionia. One of the oldest inhabitants of the Greenglade, they have withstood the test of time through constant adaptation.
===Serpentleaf ===
Serpentleaf is a type of predatory flower native to the Nistaram Forest of Galrin. Serpentleaf poultice, if properly made, is used as an effective healing agent that dulls the pain but not the mind. If the flower 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===
Sun apples are a common type of tree located in Ionia. Its fruit can warm a person and even tan a person's entire body.
===Vlonqo Flowers===
Vlonqo Flowers are a type of flower endemic to the southern faces of the Vlonqo cliffs. Their enchanted flower petals along with Raikkon berries of Raikkon are used by tattoo artist of Weh'le as tattoo ink mixture.
===Vulkodalk ===
Vulkodalk is native to the Nistaram Forest of Galrin. This terrifying predator is a theropod-type creature with eight eyes on each side of its head, a large horn atop the snout, and a maw with multiple rows of pointed teeth.
===Windfarers===
* Windfarer Hatchling
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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.
==Culture==
*General
*Languages
*Objects
*Mythos
*Festivals
The Ionian continent is a haven for those who seek spiritual evolution and enlightenment. Magic suffuses every part of Ionia—its people, its history, and most of all the land itself. All aspects of life there hang in a balance, with still so much left to be discovered and explored. Those who call this vast continent home strive to find harmony among the diverse races and habitats, far older than most others on Runeterra. While populated primarily by humans and vastaya, some yordles and other beings also make Ionia their home. There are many spiritual centers and schools of enlightenment in Ionia, though they might not always agree about important questions. Such pursuits leave little time for thoughts of imperialism; the Ionians have historically been extremely peaceful by nature. That does not mean, however, that they are helpless or unable to defend themselves.
It is certain Ionia has a much longer and richer history than any living soul could claim to know. Indeed, in the more remote mountain passes, the landscape is still littered with evidence of great wars from ages past—but instead of clearing the ruins, the Ionians choose to respect what remains, even if they no longer fully understand what it represents.
===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.
==Government==
* General
*Organizations
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.
==Relations==
=== Bilgewater ===
During Noxus' invasion of Ionia, many pirates from  Bilgewater sailed to the island nation. For years they ruthlessly pillaged the settlements along the island's coastlines and fought naval battles with Ionian vessels when engaged. Even after the war, many Ionians still feel deep enmity towards Bilgewater due to its denizens' actions.
===Demacia===
While Demacia campaigned against Noxus's imperial ambitions, it was unable to prevent the disasters that were inflicted on Ionia. It is unclear if Ionians feel animosity towards Demacia as a result. Several key figureheads in Demacian society originate from Ionia, such as Sona and Xin Zhao.
===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 by a stranded band of Freljordian warriors... but the second was a friendship between Lee Sin and Udyr.
===Noxus===
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, and looked to her for leadership. Exhausted and nearly defeated, the war would eventually end with 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 ===
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===
Ionians have suffered under numerous Harrowings enacted by the undead of the Shadow Isles.
===Zaun===
Zaunite chemists such as 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==
*General
*Skins
* 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".
*The real-life namesake is Ionia, after Ionian Greek colonists, located in Anatolia, now in modern-day Turkey.
** There are also the Ionian Islands located at the western part of modern-day Greece.
*Ionian names are usually derived from Sino-Tibetan, e.g. Yi, Shen, Xin, Kong, etc. with some Berber influences
**Exceptions exist, however: e.g. Karma & Irelia from Indo-European; Yasuo, Yone, & Akali from Japonic; Ahri from Korean, etc. 
*In Season Nine, the ranked emblems for the League system were redesigned. Ionia represents the emblem for the  Platinum rank.
*Ionia's crest resembles Karma's Mantle of Decorum.
*Ionians practiced sky burials: the deceased's corpses are left to the elements and scavengers, then collected and cleaned by bone washers. This funerary tradition is also practiced in the real world, in parts of China (including Tibet), Bhutan, Mongolia, and India.
*Ionia has over 200 species of talking dragons.
* Ionian prisons are known to be humane. Unless they're run by more extreme factions such as the Order of Shadows.
* 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 Khada Jhin.
*The serpent-like crest of Ionia features its colors - white, teal green, and honeysuckle.
Category:Locations