Project Lore

Remember that weird image posted on @Warcraft we told you about a couple of days ago? Well, that "stack of Ritz crackers" turned out to be the spout of a keg belonging to one very special Brewmaster: Chen Stormstout. Though his presence in the game world is relegated to a single quest involving one of his lost barrels of grog (and even then you never get to interact with him), you can now have a Pandaren of your very own by ordering the new deluxe figurine straight off of Blizzard's website.

The first pandaren collectible ever!  Capturing the elusive (and world-celebrated) Chen Stormstout for the first time in 3D, the Pandaren Brewmaster Deluxe Action Figure is a limited edition, one-of-a-kind Blizzard online store exclusive!  This premium-sculpted piece stands at a colossal 8", features Chen's signature bamboo Bo staff and Brewmaster's keg and comes packaged in a 4-color, spot UV collectors window box. Art Directed by Blizzard Cinematic Creative Director Nick Carpenter. Exquisitely sculpted by Ray Villafane and painstakingly painted by Eddie Wires. Pandaren Brewmaster Action Figure is a limited edition opportunity and is subject to a first-come, first-serve basis for distribution.

I've got to admit, it's quite a piece of work. Exquisitely detailed (and it better be for $49.99)! Still, I can't help but ask: what's with all the Pandaren lately? Are you trying to tell us something Blizzard? It's obvious you love them, and it's obvious that the fans love them. You know, it's probably too late for any truly significant additions to be made to Cataclysm, but I wouldn't be entirely surprised to see a small Pandaren presence in the expansion, even if it was relegated to a handful of NPCs. Certainly an event as earth-shattering as Deathwing emerging into the world would be enough to rattle their homeland of Pandaria, as well. Anyway, as awesome as the figure looks, I think it might be a little too expensive for my blood (though its a pittance for what "collectible figurines" would cost you in certain circles). But I'm sure some of you already have your credit cards out, so let us know if you plan on buying one! Do remember that this is a limited edition figure, so you better act fast!