Pandaria

Pandaria is an ancient island located in the southern part of Azeroth, shrouded by mists and unheard of until the year 6,942 (Thalassian Calendar). It is the homeland and empire of the pandaren, who were believed to be figures only in fairytales and myths. Once it was ruled by an oppressive race called the mogu, in much the same way that Azeroth was ruled by the Titans. The mogu made the other races of the island into the slaves, until the pandaren led a revolution that overthrew their cruel masters. An age of peace prevailed. But when Emporer Shaohao saw in a dream the upcoming War of Ancients, he shrouded Pandaria in a magical mist that would prevent the island from being affected or destroyed by the Sundering.

Now the mists have parted once more. Garrosh seeks to bring the island under his control, and Varian seeks to prevent him. A lot of the pandaren lands have been corrupted and destroyed, and many pandaren dislike and distrust both the Horde and the Alliance as a result. Furthermore, the land seems haunted by mysterious spirits known as "sha". Born of the shadows inside all fearful hearts, the sha are manifestations of negative emotions such as hate, greed, or fear. Actions made from any of these dark motivations will cause a sha spirit to manifest and re-possess the individual, allowing that emotion to spiral out of control. It is believed that this is what happened to Garrosh Hellscream, who came to the island with dark intentions that ultimately possessed and overcame him.