When the pandaren were subjugated by the mogu centuries ago, it was the monks that brought hope to a seemingly dim future. Restricted from using weapons by their slave masters, these pandaren instead focused on harnessing their chi and learning weaponless combat. When the opportunity for revolution struck, they were well-trained to throw off the yoke of oppression.

Masters of bare-handed combat, monks never rely solely on the need to have a weapon in their hands to defend against their enemies. Although most widely known to the outside world for their fearsome jabs and flying kicks, they refuse to limit themselves to a single method of combat. Many monks prefer instead to "soak it up" and seem to revel in the intoxicating effect of absorbing blow after blow while their companions press the attack. Other monks specialise in calling upon the restorative power of the mists to balance the good and bad energy within people, returning them to good health and fortune.

Whatever their combat role, monks rely mainly on their hands and feet to do the talking, and on strong connexion with their inner chi to power their abilities. Abilities such as Expel Harm and Chi Wave both heal their allies while at the same time damaging their enemies.

Monk talents focus on directing their chi energy to control the battlefield by enhancing their movement and restricting their foe's, healing their allies while simultaneously damaging their enemies, or invoking celestial spirits to aid them in battle.