For his The Frozen Throne statistics, see Chen Stormstout (Warcraft III).
NeutralChen Stormstout
Image of Chen Stormstout
Title Legendary Brewmaster[1]
Gender Male
Race Pandaren (Humanoid)
Class Brewmaster monk
Resource Mana
Reaction Alliance Horde
Affiliation(s) Independent, Order of the Broken Temple
Former affiliation(s) Darkspear Rebellion
Occupation Wandering Brewmaster, Champion of the Broken Temple, Horde Champion[2]
Location Various
Status Alive
Relative(s) Chon Po (brother), Xiu Li (sister-in-law), Shisai (nephew), Li Li (niece), Mab, Liao (ancestors)
Auntie, Gao, Evie, Han, Big Dan, Mama (distant relatives)
Yalia Sagewhisper (lover)[3]
Student(s) Brewmaster Drohn
Companion(s) Rexxar, Rokhan, Strongbo (formerly); Tonsa, Chirps, Brewly (pets); Chen's Kite (mount)
Why do we fight? To protect Home, and Family... To preserve Balance, and bring Harmony.

Chen Stormstout is a legendary pandaren brewmaster from the Wandering Isle who left his home to journey the lands, searching for exotic ingredients for his ever-evolving concoctions. A skilled brewer and very powerful monk, Chen enjoys taking life easy as he travels from place to place. He truly made a name for himself when he joined Rexxar and Rokhan during The Founding of Durotar, helping the new nation defend against a Kul Tiran invasion force led by Daelin Proudmoore. Chen continued his travels while staying mostly out of major affairs for several years until Pandaria was revealed to the rest of the world. With his niece Li Li, he joined the Horde and Alliance in exploring the rediscovered continent. Chen serves as a major character during Pandaria's storyline and the subsequent Darkspear Rebellion.


Early life

Chen Stormstout was born and raised alongside his brother, Chon Po Stormstout, on the Wandering Isle, a massive landmass on the back of the giant turtle Shen-zin Su. They belong to the Wandering Isle branch of the Stormstout family. The main branch of his family remained in the ancestral homeland of Pandaria. On the Wandering Isle, he developed his superior fighting skills and the desire to explore and discover new lands (and new ingredients for his legendary brews) like the traveling pandaren who left Pandaria thousands of years past.[4] Chen often visited the Wood of Staves to get inspiration. The brothers would also be told about how their ancestors Mab Stormstout and her son Liao Stormstout left Pandaria for the turtle.[5]

During his days training as a fighter, Chen was close friends with Strongbo. The two both knew that someday they would challenge each other to decide who would be the master of the Wandering Isle's martial arts school, taking the position of "Geomaster". However, over time Chen grew a sense of wanderlust and would often laze about daydreaming. Bo attempted to tell him that all they would need was at their home. They had an argument, and on the day of their challenge Chen did not appear - he had left the island, leaving behind his friends and family. Chon Po felt as if he'd been abandoned, as leaving the island caused Chen to miss his brother's wedding, as well as other important events.

The Brewfest


At some point, most likely before traveling to Durotar,[6] Chen found his way to Dun Morogh and the famous Grimbooze Thunderbrew, challenging the dwarf to a drinking contest to decide who was the better brewer. In the end, when the two were nearly passed out, Chen declared Grimbooze to be superior. However, Grimbooze liked Chen's beer more. After a brief and lighthearted argument, the two decided to hold a contest in Dun Morogh for all dwarves to taste their drinks and decide. Coren Direbrew whined his way into getting a position in the contest as well. In the end, Chen and Grimbooze were neck-in-neck where Coren only had two votes, one from himself and one from Chen out of pity. The Dark Iron attacked then in anger, and Chen fought him off. Grimbooze's brew was declared the victor by a single vote. This contest Chen helped to establish was the origin of Brewfest. When Chen traveled onward, he left behind his Jug of a Thousand Cups with Grimbooze.

He fought alongside King Magni Bronzebeard for at least part of the Third War and was declared a friend of Ironforge.

The Founding of Durotar


Chen Stormstout in Warcraft III.

Chen Stormstout in Warcraft III.

Chen's journeys eventually brought him to the land of Durotar, and his latest brew had a plethora of strange ingredients that he feared would be too hard to acquire. He almost lost hope for his recipe when he was met by Rexxar the traveling mok'nathal beastmaster. Chen asked Rexxar to retrieve the ingredients for his brew - a barrel of Thunderwater, the egg of a thunder phoenix, and a sprig of thunderbloom.



Chen and company went on a secret mission to Theramore Isle to help the Horde find out why the humans were attacking them. They met with Jaina Proudmoore, who decided to help them out, after seeing what her father had done.[8] Chen helped Rexxar to defend Thrall and Durotar from Kul Tiras incursions. When the Horde was prepared they launched an attack that ended with the death of Grand Admiral Proudmoore.[9] While some called Chen a hero of the Horde for his role at Theramore, the brewmaster's own later memories of the event painted the situation in a more complex light.[10]

After the battle, Chen spent some time in Durotar teaching the brewmaster ways to the mentor of Brewmaster Drohn before traveling on.[11] No one knows where he left afterwards, but several of his empty kegs have been found scattered throughout the Barrens.[12] Like the rest of his people, he maintained his independence, joining neither the Horde nor the Alliance.

More adventures


Chen Stormstout on his balloon during the Spring Balloon Festival.

Some time later, Chen was on a boat departing from Stormwind that was attacked by a group of privateers. They found him sleeping below deck, though when attempting to rob him Chen fought them off swiftly. However, what Chen did not see was a small box in his possession being stolen by a gnome in the privateer crew. The box held a slip of paper reading "Thunderbrew", the vote he originally would have cast during the drinking contest before deciding to vote for Coren Direbrew instead.

In Stonetalon Mountains, Chen went off searching for a rare ingredient, indellium hops, for his brews. He came across goblin machines clear-cutting a swath of destruction through the valley forest where the last of the indellium grew. With the help of a Keeper of the Grove, Keeper Orremin, Chen fought the goblins off but the damage had been done: only two clusters of the hops had survived. Orremin offered a handful of hops in return for saving them, but as it was so rare Chen declined taking it from the valley.

Chen would come across an orc blademaster named Rahjak, who was looking for great fighters. Chen won the fight, but little did he know how it would come back to haunt him. Humiliated, Rahjak ventured to Outland and drank demon blood, becoming a fel orc so he could have the power to win next time.

Once, Chen was held captive by three ogres who argued if he would taste like bear, rabbit, or crow. Chen suggested they each go hunt one of those animals to have the tastes fresh in their minds for when they ate Chen, and he would also brew beer for them. The ogres did so, cooking their meals, and Chen brewed their beer. After a night of eating, drinking, and partying, Chen - as the only sober one in the group - got up and walked away to freedom.[13]

He once participated in a drinking contest with five dwarves at Aerie Peak. At some point he visited the land formerly known as southern Swamp of Sorrows, now called the Blasted Lands,[14] indicating that he may have wandered the land even before the First War.

Chen once visited Sholazar Basin where he encountered the Oracles and Frenzyheart Tribe.[15]

Other stories told by Chen about his journeys include tricking murlocs into making themselves into a stew and teaching ice avatars and frost giants to dance.[16]

World of Warcraft


Chen's existence is hinted at when Horde players find any of the many  [Chen's Empty Keg] scattered around the Barrens. Finding one of these kegs can start a player on the short H [15] Chen's Empty Keg quest chain (3 quests) from Brewmaster Drohn who also gives a few bits of lore.

He will also send the player a letter containing the  [Pandaren Monk] pet if they purchased it.

Pandaren Monk



 -- Chen Stormstout

It would be revealed years later that, towards the end of the events of invasion of Outland,[17] Chen also traveled to Outland. There, he met the draenei, and spent some time there before eventually returning to Azeroth.[18]

Li Li's Travel Journal (Part 1-4)


Chen's letters to his niece, Li Li Stormstout, are what spark her desires to explore her home, and eventually beyond.

Chen Stormstout in Pearl of Pandaria.

Pearl of Pandaria


Chen using [Storm, Earth, and Fire].

After following in Chen's tracks, his niece Li Li was kidnapped by Rahjak and brought to an island where Zhahara Darksquall demanded to know where she could find the Pearl of Pandaria. Miraculously, Chen appeared out of nowhere on a  [X-53 Touring Rocket] just in time to save his old friend Bo from dying to Rahjak's sword. Bo was bleeding heavily from his torso, but Rahjak and Chen dueled, climaxing with Chen's [Storm, Earth, and Fire] spell against the Blademaster's [Mirror Image]. Chen was able to steal the orc's sword at just the right moment, throwing it to spear Zhahara through the chest to save Li Li from her. Rahjak attempted to attack Chen from behind, but he was stabbed by Bo.

Bo and Chen greeted each other after many years apart, but Bo was dying and knew it. He asked Chen to take Li Li home to the Wandering Isle, and the two left on Chen's rocket he had come to the island on as his old friend died watching the sunrise. Chen greeted his brother Chon Po and the rest of the Wandering Isle's citizens as he returned home for the first time in years. Li Li asked if someday they would go looking for Pandaria, and Chen decided that for the time being he was just happy to be home.

Quest for Pandaria


Part 1

Chen with Chon Po and Li Li.

Having returned to his homeland for the first time in many years, Chen went about settling into his first permanent home. A small cottage with comfortable furniture, pans hanging over the stove and shelves full of dishes, scrolls, and decorations, he was happy and satisfied to begin this, to him, "new adventure." Ever the brewmaster Chen spent his time with experimental brewing projects, even though there isn't a diversity or variety of brewing ingredients on the Wandering Isle.

Having been invited over for dinner at Chon Po's home, an argument erupted between Chon Po and Li Li over past adventures. When Chen tried to tactfully end the argument, Chon Po stated that if Li Li had not run off, Bo would still be alive, upsetting her. At Chon Po insisting that nothing ever bad happened when one stayed put on the Wandering Isle, Chen cited Xiu Li's drowning as a fact that that wasn't true at all. As Chen and Chon Po spoke more on the back porch, Chen realized that Chon Po didn't so much disapprove of Li Li, as he was transferring his frustration about Chen leaving years ago onto her. Li Li would later come to Chen's cottage and expressed her desire for them to go adventuring together. Chen at first refused, saying that his home on the Wandering Isle was more of an adventure to him because he never had a home of his own. When she left in frustration, Chen couldn't help but smile, nothing that their family was a "hard-headed bunch."

When the long thought dead Wanyo suddenly reappeared, Chen was among the elders who spoke to him. When Li Li ventured off the island for another adventure with the Pearl of Pandaria, Chen was confronted by Chon Po and informed that Li Li had left a letter. Although he agrees with his brother that he should find Li Li due to her youth, Chen warned him that he would not force her to return against her will. He then prepared to depart as soon as possible in order to catch up with his niece.[14]

Part 2

Li Li and Chen.

Icon-search-48x48.png This section contains information that needs to be cleaned up. Reason: Clarification / grammar.

Chen found Li Li at Stonefire Tavern, where he learned that she had the Pearl of Pandaria and her vision. Chen then made the decision Li Li in finding Pandaria. where she was startled by her uncle's appearance. She told him about the pearl and the vision.

After Li Li looked through the pearl and saw a Ramshackle wooden jetties and houses were arranged in a U shape around the bay. Chen and Li Li took the Deeprun Tram south to Stormwind City. With the recent events of the world's destruction, Li Li barely knew of Deathwing but Chen did.

After reaching Booty Bay the two became acquainted with Catelyn the Blade, where she and Li Li bounded over difficulties with their respective fathers. However, it didn't long for the pandaren to realize that Catelyn had stolen the Pearl of Pandaria. After confronting Catelyn and her crew a fight broke between the forces before the arrival of the Bloodsail Buccaneers made both parties enter to an alliance against the pirates and Captain Koslov. While losing reinforcements would come in the form of Catelyn's father Ansirem Runeweaver, who brought other mages of the Kirin Tor with him.

With the pirates soundly beaten and Koslov fleeing the battlefield, Chen, Li Li, and Catelyn thanked her father for saving them. After mending her relationship with her father, Catelyn returned the pearl to the pandaren. Furthermore, as a thanks for aiding them against the Bloodsails, Catelyn offered to bring them to Gadgetzan, an offer that the two pandaren accepted.[19]

Part 3

After landing in Tanaris the pair made their way towards Ramkahen in Uldum. After arriving in the city, the pair noticed King Phaoris reading charges against prisoners, survivors of the Neferset tribe, and declaring that sentencing would be passed after the High Council had finished discussing it. During this time the two learned about the Curse of Flesh from Felyae, who also witnessed the event.

The pair would later overhead Menrim pleading for the lives of the Neferset prisoners to be spared. As Menrim departed from the King and High Council Chen quietly commended him for having the courage to advocate mercy towards who wronged the tol'vir. In response, Menrim thanked him and then offered to host the pandaren, while they remained in the city. As they dined with Menrim, he revealed that he once belonged to the Neferset tribe, and told them how the other Neferset had thrown their lot in with Deathwing and Al'Akir in order to remove the Curse of Flesh. He also informed that his own brother, Bathet, is one of the prisoners at Ramkahen.

Li Li would later learn that her uncle had visited Bathet in prison in order in order to see what could drive somebody to make the choice that the tol'vir did. While talking with Li Li Chen learned that Menrim worked with priests to maintain the titan devices and thus barely saw Bathet. As such Li Li theorized that Bathet came to resent his brother and ultimately joined Deathwing in order to have a place to belong to. Chen was stunned to learn from Li Li that Strongbo had become resentful and angry over his leaving the Wandering Isle years ago, although he did let it go before he died, and realizes that Chon Po still feels the same way. Hearing this Chen decided to come clean to Menrim about visiting his brother and suggested that he apologize in order to make for any negative feelings Bathet may hold towards him.

Later on, the pandaren witnessed the sentencing of the Neferset prisoners, where King Phaoris allowed them the chance to speak in order for the citizens of Ramkahen to understand why King and Council came to their decision on their sentence. Chen was struck by how Bathet regretted nothing and voiced that he was with his true brothers and both pandaren left to find Menrim once the death penalty was announced. However, after meeting Menrim exploded on Chen for having the gall to demand that he apologize to someone who should be thanking him for trying to save his life.

After witnessed of the prisoners both Pandaren desired to leave the city, with Li Li wondering why the Pearl would even direct them to the place. However, the pair was stopped by Menrim where the tol'vir apologized for exploding at Chen and explained that he tried to apologize to Bathet but his brother just blamed him and that he himself became so angry in turn. As they talked Menrim eventually began weeping why wondering how everything had come to this.

Menrim then thanked the pandaren for trying to help and gave them his family boat, as he wished them luck in finding what they sought. In turn, Chen wished him peace and both pandaren later began to write a letter home. After having witnessed what resentment can do even to families, Chen opened with:

Dear Chon Po,

I owe you an apology.


Part 4

Chen coming to rescue Baenan

While traveling to Pandaria a storm forced Li Li over the boat and separated her from her uncle. A saddened and worried Chen would soon after be picked up by the Horde. After coming aboard the Warchief's Fist Chen would be recognized by Karrig who declared the pandaren a hero of the Horde, and was quick to inform his captain of Chen's exploits during Theramore, all those years ago. As such Aldrek viewed Chen's presence as a sign from the spirits and informed him of the ship's true purpose - that is being on a reconnaissance mission for the upcoming battle against Theramore. An uneasy Chen then preceded to play along as if he agreed with them.

After Baenan arrived to serve as a diplomat, with Nita going to the Alliance, the dwarf was made a prisoner at Aldrek's command. Chen would later free Baenan and attempt to escape only to be stopped by Karrig who called Chen a traitor. However, his attempt to kill the pair was thwarted by Talithar Swiftwind; Karriq was furious that Talithar had betrayed his duty. Talithar reiterated his proud loyalty to the Horde, though also said that the Horde does not claim all of it. He detonated all the gunpowder ammunition for the ship's cannons in the munitions hold with his fire-based magic, giving Chen and Baenan a chance to flee in the ensuing chaos.

The two quickly headed over to the Elwynn and saw Marco Heller's body being thrown overboard, the two preceded to aid their families against those attacking them. In the aftermath of the Elwynn sinking into the sea Baenan, Trialin, Lintharel, Atropa, and Nita found themselves moving towards land, and Chen and Li Li returning on their quest to reach Pandaria. This would come to an end when the pandaren finally landed on Pandaria and while Li Li was excited all of their friends could now come with the mists departed, Chen quickly realized that everyone could now come to the continent.[10]

Li Li's Travel Journal (Part 5-11)


Li Li and Chen.

After landing in the Jade Forest, the Chen and Li Li wandered through the forest and stumbled upon the saurok who were terrorizing the region around the Serpent's Heart. After arriving to the Temple of the Jade Serpent, Elder Sage Rain-Zhu gave them a tour around the temple's areas for helping to fend off the saurok and returning stolen jade that was being used for Yu'lon's statue. Before leaving, Li Li gave him the Pearl of Pandaria and she rode on a cloud serpent for a while. For three weeks the two were wandering in the forests before entering the Valley of the Four Winds.

After clearing the mess in the brewery, Gao informed Chen and Li Li about other Stormstouts who had gone to fight the mantid behind the Great Wall. He also showed them the shrine of Mab and Liao in front of the brewery and told them about Stoneplow, the birthplace of Liu Lang. After repelling the mantid invasion, Chen and Gao spent some time brewing new ales and Li Li used it to go to explore Krasarang Wilds where she wanted to find the spot where Liu Lang had set off from atop Shen-zin Su.

While Li Li would have her own adventures, Chen would at some point make the journey to the Serpent's Spine and send Messenger Fishtail to bring Li Li to his location. Upon arriving Li Li discovered that Chen had asked the Shado-Pan monk Min to guide her to him. However en route the duo were attacked by mantid forcing Li Li to climb down the wall, where she would eventually find her uncle and the rest of the Stormstouts.[21]

Mists of Pandaria


Chen Stormstout in the Mists of Pandaria cinematic.

Chen Stormstout in Valley of the Four Winds.

Chen Stormstout appears in, and narrates, the opening cinematic of the expansion, in which he interrupts a battle at the Shrine of Fellowship between a shipwrecked orc warrior and a human sea captain whose vessels had annihilated each other off the coast of Pandaria. Using his superior martial prowess he forces them to team up against him and ultimately makes them realize the beauty of their surroundings, putting an end to the conflict.[22]

Why do we fight? To protect Home, and Family... To preserve Balance, and bring Harmony[sic]

When Chen arrived to Pandaria, the Temple of the Jade Serpent was attacked by saurok. Chen, alongside Li Li, arrived to the temple and he helped the local pandaren by driving back enemy saurok's forces, defeating their leader and returning stolen jade. All what he asked in return was a serpent ride for Li Li. He also traded stories, won a drinking contest and a brawl outside the Drunken Hozen at Dawn's Blossom. After these events, they moved on to the Valley of the Four Winds.


At the very conclusion of the Valley of the Four Winds storyline, the Shado-Pan face the invasion of the Mantid who break through the Serpent's Spine. When all hope seemed lost, it was Chen Stormstout who saved the day. Chen was instrumental in the defense of Stoneplow village. Alongside Mudmug and his niece Li Li, Chen had successfully rallied not only the scattered pandaren population of the Valley of the Four Winds, but also managed to unite, albeit temporarily, a group of Night Elf Sentinel Castaways with a cadre of Tauren Sunwalkers to cooperate and work together to defend Stoneplow Village from the invasion of the Mantid. This marked the first time Alliance and Horde forces had fought together side by side for a common cause since the Battle of Angrathar the Wrathgate.

While having a drink at The Lazy Turnip, Chen was also asked by the adventurer on behalf of Ella to taste her brew. Chen liked it and recommended that Ella could speak with Uncle Gao about joining the Stormstout Brewery. Chen and Li Li are also present during the Wanderer's Festival at Turtle Beach in the Krasarang Wilds after Li Li found its location during one of her adventures.


Chen then finds Han Stormstout encased in amber beneath Kor'vess. Assuming him dead within the amber, Chen drags the amber block to the Sunset Brewgarden.

He later finds Mama Stormstout in a chamber beneath the Heart of Fear being mind-controlled by the mantid.

Chen can be found near the grave of Evie Stormstout, along with Big Dan Stormstout, Mama Stormstout, Han Stormstout and Li Li.



In Binan Village, Chen is seen taking care of Vol'jin after the events of the Dagger in the Dark scenario. He tasks the player with gathering needles to help Vol'jin deal with the poison in his body, and afterwards takes the troll to Shado-Pan Monastery to recuperate.

Shadows of the Horde


Chen Stormstout fighting alongside Vol'jin.

After saving Vol'jin and bringing him to the Shado-Pan Monastery, Chen watched his friend heal alongside a human named Tyrathan Khort, who he also brought to the monastery, while helping the Shado-Pan with daily chores, such as sweeping snow off the monastery's steps. During this time he was told that he could not bring any more people to the monastery by Taran Zhu and was able to address Yalia Sagewhisper's concern about Vol'jin and Khort possibly fighting each other while at the monastery.

As a result of his presence at the Shado-Pan Monastery, he and Yalia grew close with one another to the point that they shared their life stories with another on the way to Zouchin Village. In fact, upon reaching the village Chen was able to convince Yalia to reunite with her family and found himself bonding and becoming an instant hit with her family as well. Such joy was not meant to last, as Vol'jin, Khort, and a group of Shado-Pan came to defend the village after realizing that the Zandalari were going to attack. Though wanting to stay and defend the village that had become a home for him, Chen understood that the villagers would need the leadership of a pandaren to lead them to safety with Yalia and his niece by his side.

After ensuring that villagers would be safe and instructing his niece to stay with them to help protect them, Chen traveled back to monastery where he joined Vol'jin, Khort, and a small group of Shado-Pan monks as they traveled to the Vale of Eternal Blossoms in order to prevent the Zandalari from resurrecting Warlord Kao, a general of the Thunder King's. However, the group ended being captured by the Zandalari, bore witness to the resurrection of Warlord Kao, and were imprisoned by the Zandalari on the Isle of Thunder. However, with Vol'jin's help, Khort, Chen, and Brother Cuo were able to escape the isle and returned to the Shadow-pan Monastery.

After returning from the Isle of Thunder, Chen joined The Thirty-three in order to defend the monastery from the Zandalari. It was while preparing traps for that enemy that Yalia and Chen admitted their feelings, kissed, and stated their desire to start a family. After successfully repealing the Zandalari onslaught Chen and Yalia parted ways with him promising to return that he helped Vol'jin and Yalia promised to wait for him while she helped the Shado-Pan.[3]



Chen joins Vol'jin when the Darkspear Chieftain returns to Durotar and begins the Darkspear Rebellion. After reuniting with Thrall, Sen'jin Village becomes attacked by Hellscream's Kor'kron forces. As the fighting erupts, Chen and Thrall work together, as Horde adventurers help push back the assault. With the Kor'kron invasion failing Vol'jin then rallies his forces for an attack on Razor Hill. While Thrall journeys to Orgrimmar to find dissidents against Hellscream, Chen decides to aid the Darkspear in taking Razor Hill for the rebellion. After the people of Razor Hill join the rebellion, Chen joins Vol'jin at the Razor Hill Watchtower and directs any adventurer helping the shadow hunter to Pandaria to help an old sage up a mountain.

Timeless Isle


Chen can be found in the Celestial Court on the Timeless Isle with Li Li.


Legion This section concerns content related to Legion.

On the Wandering Isle as part of the Order of the Broken Temple.

Chen and Li Li were at the Peak of Serenity in Kun-Lai, instructing a group of children when the monastery was attacked by the Burning Legion. With the aid of a master monk, they fight against the demons and deliver the children to safety. After the Peak is destroyed, Chen returns with the survivors to the Wandering Isle, where he plays a part in the formation of the Order of the Broken Temple.

Chen and Li Li later enter a competition held by Xuen to gain  [The Fist of Ra-den]. They battle Rehgar Earthfury and the Farseer of the Earthen Ring for it. It is revealed that Chen has a rivalry with Rehgar.

Chen participated in the Battle for the Exodar battling against High General Rakeesh, along with Li Li.

Spring Balloon Festival

During the Spring Balloon Festival, Chen can be found at the Ruins of Shandaral within the Crystalsong Forest of Northrend where he offers balloon rides for groups of three. During the ride, he admitted that despite his fond memories of traveling in Northrend, he never spent much time in Crystalsong Forest and that he met the gorloc Oracles and wolvar Frenzyheart tribe of Sholazar Basin, who he found to be strange creatures. He then encouraged his guests to share their stories as he focused on making sure that he didn't crash the balloon into Dalaran.[23]

Battle for Azeroth


Chen and Li Li with Taoshi.

Upon hearing word that mogu clans set their sights on the Vale of Eternal Blossoms, Chen and his niece Li Li were among those who came to defend the Vale. To their shock, they discovered that the mogu had overtaken the plains of Kun-Lai Summit.[24] Chen deduced that the mogu saw the Golden Lotus's focus on N'Zoth as a perfect time to strike the Vale. Thus seeking to stop them, Chen, Li Li, and Azeroth's champion mounted Chen's Kite in order to scout their numbers. However, during their mission, the three came under fire and were forced to the ground, and Chen was injured and the kite reduced to a big ball of flames.[25] With his head hurting from his injuries, Chen declared that the only solution would be for his allies to bring the abandoned brew caravan and save the brew. Chen was confident that not only would this bring him back to full strength, but it would do wonder for the morale of those fighting in the Vale.[26] To that end, the yak Mobi was rescued from the mogu who had conquered the Chow Farmstead and used to deliver the brew to Chen.[27]

While Chen focused on the brew, Li Li called upon her allies to strike against the mogu in the hopes of thinning out their numbers to make their escape easier.[28] As apart of this, she also tasked them with taking out the mogu commanders in the hopes that it would slow down and distract the mogu armies.[29] With the mogu thinned, Chen, Li Li, and the Azeroth's champion used the yak to head back to the safety of the Gate of the August Celestials.[30] Determined to further thin the mogu ranks before they invaded the Vale, Li Li used the brew as a weapon against them, much to her uncle's melancholy. Deciding to look on the bright side, Chen happily noted that they were fewer mogu to contend with.[31] Knowing that they did all they could, the group headed off to Mistfall Village in order to inform the Rajani of what they were up against.[32]

In the aftermath, the Stormstouts came to reside in Mistfall Village where they appear to be aiding the Shado-Pan Taoshi in the defense of the vale.


Notable appearances
Location Level range Health range
Wandering Isle 100 3,365,231
N Monk [45] Storm Brew 110 10,392,670
N Shaman [10-45] The Voice of Thunder 100 - 110 841,308
The Exodar 100 - 102 504,785
Notable appearances
Location Level range Health range
Valley of the Four Winds 85 4,742,370
Stormstout Brewery 86 5,530,500
Stoneplow 87 6,449,550
Stormstout Brewery 86 - 92 6,449,550 - 12,647,760
Krasarang Wilds 90 393,941
Dread Wastes 90 11,818,230
Binan Village 90 11,818,230
Timeless Isle 86 5,530,500
Celestial Tournament 90 393,941
N Monk [10-45] Before the Storm 100 5,705,906



World of Warcraft

Mists of Pandaria

Main article: Why Do We Fight?
Main article: Chen and Li Li#Notes
Main article: The Meat They'll Eat#Notes
Main article: Great Minds Drink Alike#Notes
Main article: The Warren-Mother#Notes
Main article: Legacy (quest)#Notes
Main article: Li Li's Day Off#Notes
Main article: Broken Dreams#Notes
Main article: Chen's Resolution#Notes
Main article: The Emperor#Notes
Main article: Knocking on the Door#Notes
Main article: Clear the Way#Notes
Main article: Cleaning House (Valley of the Four Winds)#Notes
Main article: Stormstout Brewery#Conversation
Main article: Yan-Zhu the Uncasked#Quotes
Main article: Warn Stoneplow#Notes
Main article: Fate of the Stormstouts#Notes
Main article: Evie Stormstout (quest)#Notes
Main article: Han Stormstout (quest)#Notes
Main article: Fires and Fears of Old#Notes
  • Heyo.
  • Is trouble brewing?
  • You seem a little parched.
  • Hah, he-hey!
  • Sit down, have a drink.
  • So, got any stories?
  • Oh yeah! This stuff'll put hair all over you.
  • To ask why I drink is to ask why I am fat. It is because I drink. Perhaps there is a better question.
  • Why do I drink? To quench my thirst. To lower my inhibitions. To make women appear more attractive.
  • For my kind, the true question is: Where is the bathroom?
  • May your journey be long.
  • Aye, travel well.
  • Heh, all right. Until next time.
  • Come back with some stories.
Valley of the Four Winds
Pang's Stead
  • It is good to see another explorer! When some people discover a new land, they immediately seek out the fortresses and temples.
Not me.
To get the measure of a people, you need to get your feet dirty. Come, walk the land with me! Let us see what these mainland pandaren truly value.
It is the Wanderer's Way.
  • These pandaren farmers are entertaining folk! A very tight-knit community. Everyone knows one another.
It is very different from the big cities in Kalimdor or the Eastern Kingdoms.
Thunderfoot Ranch
It looks like our paths have crossed again, <name>. At a pig farm, of all places.
I enjoy this valley. It almost feels like... home. The green fields, the big sky... I have even heard mention that there's a big brewery down the road. Maybe it is time I settled down once and for all.
<Chen looks off into the distance for a few long seconds, then shrugs his shoulders.>
Or maybe not.
Shang's Stead
Greetings, <name>. Are you as thirsty as I am?
Mudmug's Place
My niece Li Li is so impatient to explore Pandaria. But one never learns a new land by rushing headlong from place to place. It is important to talk to everyone you meet, to experience a place until it becomes part of your soul.
It is the Wanderer's Way!

Li Li does not understand why I always stop to sample the local brews. But in my experience, you can learn a lot about a people by what they drink!
Have you tried mainland pandaren ales? Very crisp, very dark. One sip and you know that they are brewed to be savored slowly. It is the drink of a people that are in no hurry, who enjoy time with their friends.
What do YOU drink, <class>? And what would it tell me about you, hm?

If you spent enough time here in the valley, perhaps you could make friends with all the locals. Maybe even some day settle down with a farm plot of your own.
Imagine that - YOU, the world-weary <class>, settling down to manage a farm!
<Chen closes his eyes and laughs a deep belly-laugh.>
Embrace the Wanderer's Way! It is not so much a course of action as it is an attitude.
Every one you meet is a story. Every place you go is an adventure. Every drink you have is the best you've ever tasted.
This is not such a bad life, is it?

Why are you always in such a rush, <name>? It is like you dash madly from one stranger in need to another, bent on gaining new experiences.
Life is not simply a glass you fill up! Stay a while, and enjoy the places you discover!

My family left mainland Pandaria to explore the world on the back of the Wandering Isle. That was many generations ago.
But I have learned that there are other Stormstouts, here, on Pandaria! My long-lost family. What are they like? Do they still brew, as I do? Are they adventurers, like you and I?
Outside Stormstout Brewery
I wouldn't mind settling down in a place like this. Great views, plenty of beer... and lots of stuff to fight.
You were surrendering? Why? Because these invaders can break down a wall? You have got another wall... and it's made up of the people who call this place HOME.
Any one of us would lay down our life to protect this land. This land, it belongs to us... It belongs to our ancestors... It belongs to our children.
And we are not about to let that change.
Wanderer's Festival
Here's a real surprise for you. What do you suppose they're celebrating? And what do you think would be the proper drink to mark the occasion?
Battlefield: Barrens
Years ago, I helped put the Horde together on these very sands. My... how times have changed.
Gossip What are you doing here, Chen Stormstout?
<Name>! So strange to see you here, far from the green forests of Pandaria.
When I first sailed away from the Wandering Isle, years ago, this ragged shore was one of the first places I visited. Ahh! The air still smells the same!
But times have changed. Back then I helped Thrall, Vol'jin, Rexxar and Rokhan to lay the foundation for Orgrimmar. Today, I hardly recognize the place.
<Chen's face falls.>
So much needless bloodshed. I just don't understand. Has Pandaria taught us nothing?
Timeless Isle
  • There is no greater joy than walking the world, writing your story.
It is the wanderer's way.
  • Your story continues on, friend.
It is a story worth reading.
  • An occasion like this calls for a drink!
  • You fight like a true <race>.
  • May your brews be strong, and your heart stronger.

At Crystalsong Forest during Spring Balloon Festival


Happy Balloon Day! Interested in a balloon ride?

Gossip Yes!


Legion This section concerns content related to Legion.
Combat ally
On approach in Mandori Village
Good day, Grandmaster. May the spirits be with you this day.
  • A worthy opponent.
  • I am ready.
  • I will need a drink after this.
Killed a mob
  • ...and stay down!
  • A good fight!
  • Let us drink to victory!
  • I need a... minute to recover.
  • That really... hurts.
  • Ugghh...

Battle for Azeroth


Well, this is a fine mess. But not one that has to doom us.


  • "May your spirit be raised, and always raise your spirits."[33]
  • "My people have an ancient proverb: it is wise to let sleeping pandaren lie. This proverb is ancient for a reason."[18]
  • "I am honored to have fought by your side at the Peak of Serenity, <name>. Your leadership will help us greatly in the fight against the Legion. I would like to fight for you, if you would have me as a champion. I believe my skills as a brewer may also be of service to the order."[34]

Heroes of the Storm trailer

"The most important thing I've learned in all my journeys is... balance. Work and play. Good and bad. Right and wrong. Honor. Tradition. A good brew. And most especially... family. These are things that bring me balance. These are the things I fight for."


  • Perhaps Chen's most well-known relative is his niece Li Li Stormstout. Li Li's father Chon Po is Chen's brother.
  • The progenitor of the Wandering Isle Stormstouts is Liao Stormstout, who was brought aboard by his mother Mab at a young age. This was probably during Liu Lang's fourth visit to Pandaria in the 20th year of his journey. The fact that The Wandering Widow was placed in front of the family brewery indicates that the Stormstouts of the day wanted to ensure that their descendants would always remember that they have family on the Wandering Isle.
  • Naturally, all living Stormstouts by blood on Pandaria are distant relatives of Chen.

In Heroes of the Storm


Chen is a playable character in Heroes of the Storm.

Notes and trivia

  • Chen Stormstout did not come from the hidden land of Pandaria as he said in Warcraft III, but rather from the Wandering Isle.[35] The knowledge that there are native Stormstout on Pandaria means that there are two branches of the Stormstout family, with one branch relocating to Shen-zin Su, and the main branch remaining behind on Pandaria.
  • Sources differ on when Chen visited Durotar compared to when he visited Kharanos and became involved in Brewfest's creation:
    • In his Battlefield: Barrens gossip text, Chen mentioned that Durotar was one of the first places he visited after leaving the Wandering Isle.
    • In Pearl of Pandaria, it is not clearly stated when Chen traveled to Kharanos. According to Daran Thunderbrew, Chen stated that he had already traveled far and wide before going to Kharanos and that "in all that time", he had repeatedly heard of Grimbooze Thunderbrew. Once the festival was over, Chen said he was heading "back" to Kalimdor to search for rare hops, implying he had already been there at some point before.
    • On the contrary, however, the author of Pearl of Pandaria, Micky Neilson, has stated that the encounter between Chen and Grimbooze "most likely [happened] a bit before Chen joined Rexxar to take on Daelin Proudmoore".[6]
    • A Heroes of the Storm article states that Chen inciting the creation of Brewfest happened years after the events of The Frozen Throne.[36] However, both this article and Chen's The Characters of Warcraft article mention that "Chen's wanderlust led him into adventure after adventure, from the creation of the wildly popular Brewfest event to the very founding of Durotar", implying that the creation of Brewfest happened before the events of The Frozen Throne.
  • Chen hates being interrupted when he is knocking on doors.[37]
  • He has been addressed as "Master Chen" or "Master Stormstout".[3]
  • Chen and Li Li were the first pandaren from the Wandering Isle to reach Pandaria for many generations.
  • Chen and other pandaren characters were originally depicted with green eyes. When Mists of Pandaria and Pearl of Pandaria were in development, Blizzard's artists learned that green eyes are believed to be a sign of demonic corruption among certain Asian cultures. In the interest of being sensitive to those cultures, Chen's eyes were changed to gold.[38][39]
  • Chen's ponytail was first added by artist Sean Galloway during the development of Pearl of Pandaria as a nod to Samwise Didier, the Blizzard artist responsible for creating the pandaren.[39]
  • Chen Stormstout appears as a neutral ally in the World of Warcraft Trading Card Game set Fires of Outland. His card can be used by both Horde and Alliance players.[40]
  • Several of Chen's humorous click-on quotes are a play on his narration in the opening cinematic of Mists of Pandaria.
  • The model of Chen used in the Mists of Pandaria cinematic is significantly detailed. His head alone has around 33,000 hair follicles. In comparison to the cinematics from Diablo III, all of the individual hair strands from both the Deckard Cain and Leah cinematics characters would fit in the space of an eye socket on cinematic Chen.
  • He is featured on the mousepad included with the World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria Collector's Edition.
  • Chen is voiced by Keone Young in Mists of Pandaria and Legion.
  • As a bodyguard in Legion, Chen rides a  [Reins of the Great Black Dragon Turtle] while mounted on the ground and  [Reins of the Thundering Onyx Cloud Serpent] while flying, and other players see him as Ox Initiate.


Heroes of the Storm

Fan art


Patch changes

See also


  1. ^ The Characters of Warcraft/Chen Stormstout
  2. ^ Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 126
  3. ^ a b c Vol'jin: Shadows of the Horde
  4. ^ The Characters of Warcraft/Chen Stormstout
  5. ^ Li Li's Travel Journal
  6. ^ a b Micky Neilson on Twitter (2013-02-20). Retrieved on 2019-06-20.​ “Most likely a bit before Chen joined Rexxar to take on Daelin Proudmoore.
  7. ^ "The Founding of Durotar: To Tame a Land", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment. Durotar. Chen Stormstout (Warcraft III).
  8. ^ "The Founding of Durotar: Old Hatreds", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment. Coastal Base.
  9. ^ "The Founding of Durotar: A Blaze of Glory", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  10. ^ a b Quest for Pandaria - Part 4
  11. ^ H [15] Chen's Empty Keg
  12. ^  [Chen's Empty Keg]
  13. ^ Vol'jin: Shadows of the Horde, pg. 97
  14. ^ a b Quest for Pandaria - Part 1
  15. ^ Spring Balloon Festival: Chen Stormstout says: Just over that ridge lies Sholazar Basin. There I met tribes of wolvar and murloc oracles. Such strange creatures!
  16. ^ Vol'jin: Shadows of the Horde, pg. 135
  17. ^ Micky Neilson on Twitter
  18. ^ a b Pearl of Pandaria
  19. ^ Quest for Pandaria - Part 2
  20. ^ Quest for Pandaria - Part 3
  21. ^ Li Li's Travel Journal
  22. ^ Zarhym
  23. ^ Spring Balloon Festival
  24. ^ N [120] Mogu at the Gates
  25. ^ N [120] Kite Surveillance
  26. ^ N [120] No Brew Left Behind
  27. ^ N [120] Yak of All Trades
  28. ^ N [120] Mogu Massacre
  29. ^ N [120] Cut Off the Heads
  30. ^ N [120] Our Backs to the Gate
  31. ^ N [120] Liquid Courage
  32. ^ N [120] Return to Mistfall
  33. ^ H [15] Chen's Empty Keg
  34. ^ N Monk [10-45] Champion: Chen Stormstout
  35. ^ Mists of Pandaria Press Tour - Official FAQ. MMO-Champion (2012-03-19). Retrieved on 2012-03-19.
  36. ^ Blizzard Entertainment Vaeflare 2014-09-10. Chen Hero Week - Heroes of the Storm. Retrieved on 2019-09-20.
  37. ^ N [15-35] Knocking on the Door
  38. ^ Anne Stickney 2012-09-13. WoW Insider interviews Micky Neilson and Sean "Cheeks" Galloway. WoW Insider. Retrieved on 2019-05-08.
  39. ^ a b Medievaldragon 2012-09-13. World of Warcraft: Pearl of Pandaria – Blizzplanet Interviews Micky Neilson & Sean Galloway. Blizzplanet. Retrieved on 2019-05-08.
  40. ^ Chen Stormstout

External links

Chen Stormstout Generic name