Possibilities for the Pandaren mount

While we still don't know exactly what the pandaren mount is going to be, that has not stopped the internet from speculating. Malchome over at mmo-report.com thinks that the pandaren mount should be a keg cart pulled by some sort of mule or yak. Epic versions could be more intricate, much like the goblin trikes gain complexity as their quality increases. There is a wonderful little mock-up drawing of the keg cart in the post as well. I love the idea as a mount in general, not even just for pandaren, especially with the Brewfest connection.
Personally, I believe the pandaren mount is going to be some sort of frog or amphibian. We don't have many of those types of creatures as mounts in WoW, and it gives the artists a chance to do some really cool ornamental graphics on some sort of creature. There is a Chinese symbol for prosperity called the Chan Chu, a three-legged frog creature that carries a coin in its mouth, that could be adopted to be the pandaren mount. Giant Chan Chu frogs might share the land with the pandaren, much like the kodo beasts roam the plains of Mulgore with the tauren.
Not only does the Chan Chu symbolize prosperity but also protection. Couldn't you easily see an epic armored frog bounding across the battlefield? He could toss his little coin as an idle animation. Plus, the mount is universal enough to allow all other races to ride them, much like the kodo, and could come in lots of colors and styles. His jump would obviously be awesome.
No matter what the pandaren mount ends up being, it will most likely be interesting and fun. With the spectacular work being done on the pandaren themselves, wondering what their mount companions will be is only that much more intriguing. What do you think the pandaren mount will be? What do you think of the keg cart idea or the Chan Chu frog?
World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria is the next expansion, raising the level cap to 90, introducing a brand new talent system, and bringing forth the long-lost pandaren race to both Horde and Alliance. Check out the trailer and follow us for all the latest MoP news!
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Mists of Pandaria






Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
exogenesis. Feb 21st 2012 3:02PM
I actually really like the frog idea, even though I find frogs and toads creepy.
Not really sure what I'd suggest, personally.
Moeru Feb 21st 2012 4:17PM
I like it, then I remember mammoths and bears. Bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, bouncy...
Dennis Feb 21st 2012 3:05PM
I picture a tiger mount. Think of it as Jack black riding Angelina Jolie...
Ametrine Feb 21st 2012 3:15PM
OH GOD DAMN MY PERVERTED BRAIN AUGH AUGH AUUUUGH
Nagaina Feb 21st 2012 3:41PM
.......................I can never unsee that. You bastard.
Lachdanan Feb 21st 2012 5:42PM
Shouldn't that be the other way around? :P
Firiun123 Feb 21st 2012 9:46PM
I'm gagging and vomiting! I'm...gavomiting!
ElrithCC Feb 21st 2012 3:08PM
I'd love to see a Chinese "Lion" style dog mount with carved jade armor. A giant stylized Pekingese or Shitzu breed would be amusing.
John Feb 21st 2012 4:41PM
You mean a Foo Dog?
ElrithCC Feb 21st 2012 5:20PM
Yes, foo dogs. Or a more stylized Chinese lion guardian statue, maybe completely made of stone or jade. A magical stone or jade chinese lion dog golem,....
I like the frog idea too. Or a floating cloud they sit serenely upon and meditate.
Cephas Feb 21st 2012 5:29PM
Assuming you're talking about these things:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_guardian_lions
Blizzard is clearly using them as inspiration for the ancient enemies of the Pandaren, the Mogu:
http://www.wowpedia.org/Mogu
ElrithCC Feb 21st 2012 6:10PM
Yes, I'm aware of the Mogu and their design. There are many mythological creatures in Chinese myth that share visual traits with this design and yet maintain differences as well. It's not that cut and clean. Some Chinese demons have a similar facial structure and mane to the guardian statues, which the Mogu resemble more. I'm talking about a different and distinct direction which would only superficially resemble the mogu.
Heleos Mar 1st 2012 9:43AM
Don't mind the Pandareans but why couldnt Mogus be the new race? They look epic!
Scylderon Feb 21st 2012 3:12PM
Pandaren will ride other pandaren.
Skyrei Feb 21st 2012 7:42PM
Only in their spare time ;)
blancester Feb 21st 2012 10:44PM
But I thought pandas were celibate?
Shandeigh Feb 21st 2012 3:09PM
I'd love a frog mount because I love frogs... but I personally don't think they will have a mount. I think it will be like the Worgen and run on all fours... they are a bear afterall...
VSUReaper Feb 21st 2012 5:20PM
Frog would be cool, I think a turtle. Yaks or the lion dogs someone else mentioned would be possible.
It won't be like the worgen. Worgen are like giant dogs, dogs run fast. The pandaren are pandas. Ever seen a panda run?
Rohannor Feb 21st 2012 3:11PM
Something similar to a Komodo Dragon would be cool. Either that or a gnome pulling a rickshaw...
ChaseHammerJ Feb 21st 2012 3:39PM
i like the Rickshaw idea. I also have a thought of maybe a Chinese New Year-like dragon float hehe.