Most of us (at least I hope) have, by now, leveled and quested their way through Pandaria, meeting the various monsters, Sha, demons and challenges that awaited us in a strange and mystical land. We’ve met the Shado-Pan, who’s attitude against foreigners is completely adverse toward both the Horde and Alliance. We’ve encountered the Mantid, who ferociously battle their immortal enemies. Yet despite all of this Wanderlust, questing and of course, fighting, I want to look at how the Pandaren’s, specifically the Huojin, acceptance into the Horde has shifted or changed.
Well, it hasn’t really – at all! If we look towards the Huojin philosophical statement:
“Always challenge. Always question. In the pursuit of a greater good, inaction is the only wrong.”
-Master Zurong
Unsurprisingly, it’s no wonder that Ji Firepaw, a prevalent student and adherent of Huojin philosophy, chose to join the lovely, war-craving regime of Hellscream.
Ji, Ji, he’s our man, if he can’t do it, no one can!
It’s fairly simply really, this was a Horde that broke families apart and asked what the implications of doing that were. This is pretty much exclusively seen in Theramore, where the absolutely dire moral situation presented the Horde as abominations who would do anything to gain total victory. Whilst this example is depressing, and whilst the better suggestion such as the Horde’s Landing in Pandaria is fairly indicative of their mental drive, the Huojin add to this desire for action that creates the stark difference between them and the Tushui. To quote the Huojin philosophy once more:
“The Path of the Huojin is marked by practical and decisive action. Followers of this discipline believe that morals and ideals are not absolute, but change with circumstances. As such, a Huojin Master must remain flexible in his or her thinking, always evaluating the greater good.”
A Huojin follower is not adverse to war and fighting, should it be necessary. In roleplay, we have seen this first hand when Huojin Pandaren would easily join the fray to aid a comrade rather than assess the issue from afar, questioning the outcomes of an act.
Who even is Master Feng? Master of Quotes?!
In essence, at least in my view, it is clear that the Huojin share similar interests with the Shado-Pan, who, despite being wary. will act in accordance to their laws and customs (perhaps if you combine the Tushui and the Huojin together, the Shado-Pan might be born?)
Taking the Tushui motto, we can see how completely different the philosophies are:
“Discipline is not a war that is won. It is a battle, constantly fought.”
– Master Feng
The idea of restraint and adherence to a set of values is something that the Huojin Pandaren would soon rather avoid, whereas the Alliance, following a semi-strict ethos of ideals, is perfect to house the Pandaren (Tushui) who deliberate life and make choices that are accordance to a moral set of truths rather than basing their actions on decisive ones rather than contemplative ones. In fact, the best way to describe these two is to simply attribute two words: active and passive.
Indeed, this active lifestyle is what drove Ji Firepaw to the Horde. This Horde would take the necessary steps in order to achieve it’s goals and would not be apprehensive to applying itself to war should it need. In such a way did it drive Ji and Aysa apart, as sad as it may seem. However, is it possible that this ‘new dawn’ for the Horde could take a leaf out of the Huojin’s book? Possibly. I have no doubt that the Vol’jin would appreciate the council of all the races under his dominion but most importantly would see the strength in being decisive entirely. This philosophy of the Huojin is what the Horde emulates, not tyranny or power, but stability in action.
I’m glad you’ve decided to do an article on Pandaren, with Warlords of Draenor coming soon, I have a horrid feeling in my gut that Pandaren, like Gnomes, will go on mostly forgotten! I hope not. They have a lot to bring to future conflict and key events.
In terms of Tushui being passive, I’m not entirely sure of that – they do act, but not irrationally. What it boils down to, at least in my opinion, is that Tushui reflects mindful actions, whereas Huojin actions seem to reflect the heart. Emotion, for the Huojin, is the real driving force behind what they do. Like emotions, the Huojin act on impulse.
Do you play a Huojin Pandaren – what is your interpretation of the philosophy? And how do you think Warlords of Draenor might affect Pandaren roleplay? Comment below!
The Hozen Throne 
I loved your comment at the end! You would know, you Charlatan you.