The Witherer's Records
This is a magical continent. Unlike anywhere else I've ever been. The Pandaren, the most common race on Pandaria, are the ones who attract me the most. They give me a sense of novelty, and learning about them allows me to temporarily forget the conflicts brewing on other continents of Azeroth. I'm shocked that I'm in this situation; after sleepless nights, I spend countless hours devising chilling plans and ensuring their precise execution. Now, a race unknown to the world has washed away the thoughts that have gradually formed in my mind over the years.
This is no coincidence!
I've been observing them for some time now. Overall, they're somewhat... indescribable. Their love of alcohol is almost fanatical compared to Dwarf; they also appreciate nature more than Night Elf. However, they are quite different from the two races belonging to the Alliance. More precisely, they are very unique.
What makes this race unique is their pristine purity; I can't find a more fitting word to describe them. Other races in Azeroth have, to varying degrees, dark histories. Such as Queen Azshara of the Elf, the Dwarf's civil war, the Tauren's Terror Totem, Kel'Thuzad among the humans, and as for the Orcs and Dragons ... I don't want to dwell on them.
The fact that the Pandaren's history is comparable to that of the Night Elf surprised me greatly. I once saw a Pandaren during the War of the Ancients, though it was just a fleeting encounter, and the race didn't leave a deep impression on me; I always thought they were rare. It wasn't until I came to this continent that I realized my mistake.
Understanding them is difficult; first, I must learn their language. The writing systems of all races in the world are more or less connected, but the Pandaren are different. Their culture is also shrouded in the Mists of Pandaria. I occasionally find stone tablets with inscriptions in the wild, but I don't recognize a single one of these "symbols." Since I'm certain the Pandaren on this continent have never encountered the Undead, I cannot directly seek their help, as that might provoke their panic and hostility.
After several days of careful observation, I discovered that Pandaren frequently passed through the intricate paths of the Emerald Forest. They generally didn't venture out alone (they preferred company), always accompanied by companions, and they always spoke loudly. Although I didn't understand what they were saying, their hand gestures gave me clues. Over time, I changed my approach. I didn't try to decipher complex characters, but instead explored their language through their daily lives. The emotions they displayed—when they ate, brewed wine, or were angry or happy—were the guides for me.
Once, I saw a young Pandaren going to school with his father. I was astonished, because during my lifetime, the legal system meant there wasn't a single public school in the entire kingdom. As a young man, I didn't understand this, until I met Uther and Arthas and realized it wasn't the King's fault; it was class that created that situation. Powerful nobles could afford the best private tutors; some lesser families knew to send their children to church to cultivate power relationships. As for the children of commoners, their parents preferred them to live for the family's livelihood. Looking back now, I consider myself very fortunate.
What surprised me wasn't just that. The academy housed many Pandaren children. If there was no discernible difference in social status among them, then what about their parents? I looked for differences among several older Pandaren. Their clothing—some wore clothes with pudding sewn on, while others wore clean, elegant robes. I suppose that's the difference, but it seems meaningless in Pandaria. People with different attire aren't categorized based on this. The Pandaren in rough clothes can brew tea, understand music, and behave impeccably; the Pandaren in embroidered robes can do farm work, wield a ladle, and herd sheep and cattle.
This phenomenon gave me a very bold and unrealistic idea: their lives have no classes, no nobles, and everyone is equal.
At first, I found the idea crazy, even ridiculous. During my time observing the academy, I learned that the Pandaren also had rulers, whom they called "Emperors," which I assumed meant King. Since there were rulers, there should have been a system, but a startling fact overturned my conclusion: their last emperor died ten thousand years ago. For the next ten thousand years, no one stepped forward to lead them.
I understand the profound impact King's death has on his kingdom, especially when he doesn't die of old age. King Llane of Stormwind City, King Terenas of Lordaeron —they both died at the hands of those they trusted, and their kingdoms crumbled instantly. I've witnessed the devastation of the Stormwind City refugees, and the desolation of Lordaeron after its fall. Even after the Scourge's defeat years ago, the kingdom shows no sign of recovery. Why, then, has the Pandaren society remained undisturbed for ten thousand years? What wisdom guides them to face life with such peace? I desperately want the answer, Forsaken need it too.
I don't know how the Forsaken fared during my absence. Some must have complained, accusing me of disappearing without a trace. But the truth is, I never intended for the Forsaken to exist solely for me, nor did I demand absolute and complete obedience. Therefore, those who disagreed with me weren't expelled; they were still accepted. However, they still feel lost and even fearful about the future, and without guidance, they risk madness. Consequently, they've become increasingly dependent on me, yearning for me to understand their inner needs, even though they themselves don't know what they truly want. But the Pandaren might be able to offer an answer—what they lack is simply spiritual fulfillment.
Should the Forsaken learn from the Pandaren's way of life? Should they make changes? These questions remain to be debated, but I feel my thoughts are already leaning towards the affirmative. That's why I'm increasingly curious about this race. Everything about them is worth exploring.
The Forsaken had to accept the undead's many "advantages": an inextinguishable rage, the absence of hunger and fatigue, and all the other limitations that the living could not escape. But the world beyond the mist showed me so many beautiful things. I began to believe that the status quo could be changed.
The author will be working on a project today and tomorrow, so there will be fewer updates. (I feel exhausted.)