Gnomeregan Army
 Gnomeregan Army | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Main leader |
 King Gelbin Mekkatorque |
| Secondary leaders |
 Captain Tread Sparknozzle Commander Nevin Twistwrench |
| Race(s) |
 Gnome |
| Capital | Gnomeregan |
| Other major settlements |
New Tinkertown, Steelgrill's Depot |
| Theater of operations | Azeroth |
| Language(s) | Gnomish, Common |
| Sub-group(s) | Various task forces |
| Affiliation | Kingdom of Gnomeregan, Alliance army, Alliance |
| Formerly | Alliance of Lordaeron |
| Status | Active |
“Our tactics, our science, our bravery and determination shall prevail.”
The Gnomeregan Army[2] is the principal military force of the kingdom of Gnomeregan on the continent of Khaz Modan. Since the events of the Second War, the gnomish forces have contributed their ingenious weapons to aid the Grand Alliance in its fierce battles against the Horde and other threats to Azeroth, supplying the Alliance army with its most advanced weaponry and war machines.[3]
After the fall of Gnomeregan and the loss of eighty percent of their population, it took the gnomes several years to rebuild their military power during their exile in Ironforge. Following the Northrend campaign, High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque led his troops in Operation: Gnomeregan, successfully reclaiming both the surface and the upper floors of the irradiated capital. Since then, the Gnomeregan Army has been engaged in the gradual reclamation of Gnomeregan, where they are still fighting against the remaining forces of Mekgineer Sicco Thermaplugg while rescuing the irradiated survivors.
History
Second War
- Main article: Defense of Gnomeregan
Prior to the Second War in 5 ADP, when the Orcish Horde invaded Khaz Modan for its metal and fuel, the dwarves of Ironforge called upon the gnomes for assistance. The two races pooled their resources to establish defensive positions across the region, but they ultimately couldn't stop the orcish army. In order to defend Gnomeregan, the gnomes rigged explosives throughout the forest and hills that surrounded their capital, killing many orcs into booby traps before they could even reach the gnomish capital. To further defend their home, the gnomes had also created an impenetrable iron gate, which successfully survived weeks of bombardment from Horde siege engines. Faced with no success in cracking Gnomeregan open Doomhammer would call off and order the Bleeding Hollow to keep the gnomes confined within their city, as they were doing with the dwarves in nearby Ironforge.[4]
In Year 6 ADP, after the Alliance army liberated both cities from the Bleeding Hollow clan, the dwarves and gnomes pledged their forces to the Alliance of Lordaeron.[5]
Fall of Gnomeregan
- Main article: Invasion of Gnomeregan
During the Scourging of Lordaeron in 20 ADP, all the Alliance nations converged on Lordaeron to vanquish the Scourge, however, none could stand against the armies of the Lich King.[6]
While the gnomes dispatched their armaments to Lordaeron, they offered little in the way of soldiers, leading some of their allies to question their loyalty, as no one knew that Gnomeregan was under siege by the brutish troggs. Relying on his people's ingenuity, High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque stationed soldiers and war machines at choke points to hold the invaders at bay, but even with their technology, the gnomish army simply wasn't large enough to fight off the troggs. The high tinker briefly considered calling on the Alliance for help, but ultimately didn't want to divert any resources from the northern front.[3]
After five years of relentless fighting, Mekkatorque eventually agreed to the plan proposed by his advisor Sicco Thermaplugg, which involved bathing the lower levels of the city in radiation. However, the bomb irradiated both the troggs and the gnomes, and in a matter of days, nearly eighty percent of gnomekind perished. Among the survivors, some argued that they should focus all their attention and resources on reclaiming Gnomeregan as soon as possible, but instead, Mekkatorque urged his people to research new technologies that would bolster the modern Alliance. In his mind, the fates of the Alliance and the gnomes were intertwined, and if the faction crumbled, his people would never have the support they needed to reconquer Gnomeregan.[7]
Operation: Gnomeregan
- Main article: Operation: Gnomeregan
After the Northrend campaign in 27 ADP, High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque launched Operation: Gnomeregan, calling for support from not only the gnomish people but the Alliance as well. Aware that defeating his nemesis would require a more robust approach, Mekkatorque labored over strategies to retake his city until he revealed his brilliant multi-phased assault plan. With the operation set to begin, resourceful gnomes such as "Doc" Cogspin, Captain Tread Sparknozzle, and Drill Sergeant Steamcrank have been overseeing preparations and fine-tuning new technology that will be vital to the offensive. While rounding up all able-bodied gnomes to join in the attack, Mekkatorque's call to arms had also been heard by other members of the Alliance, who joined the offensive to recapture Gnomeregan.[8]
The Gnomeregan Exiles and their allies later gathered at Steelgrill's Depot, the staging grounds for their offensive, as well as the production site of their mechano-tanks. At the request of the high tinker, Gnome Citizens from Tinker Town had been enlisted with the Motivate-a-Tron, and were then trained into seasoned pilots, engineers, and infantry.[9] With the help of the adventurers, Captain Tread inspected the mechano-tanks' features, including their ejection system,[10] their maneuverability,[11] and their weapon system.[12] Despite some technical problems, he considered his unit ready for the operation. The captain then ordered the deployment of the Radiageigatron near the ventilation shafts outside of Gnomeregan, in order to check if the radiation levels were safe for their troops to enter.[13]
After the preparations were made, Gelbin led a full assault to wrest control of the capital's airfield, setting up a surface command post, and ultimately underwent a raid into the tunnels of lower Gnomeregan. When the Gnome Army reached the center of the city, however, Mekgineer Sicco Thermaplugg unveiled the Irradiator 3000 to irradiate them all. Unable to disarm the bomb in time, Gelbin was forced to recall his forces and hastily teleport to the surface, sealing off Gnomeregan while the irradiation cleared out. Despite being unable to fully retake the city, Mekkatorque judged the operation to be a success, as Thermaplugg's forces were greatly weakened, and his people had succeeded in claiming New Tinkertown near the techno-city's gates.[14]
Cataclysm
Following the Cataclysm in 28 ADP, the Survivor Assistance Facilitation Expedition (S.A.F.E) was placed under the command of Nevin Twistwrench to evacuate the survivors trapped within Gnomeregan,[15] as well as to reduce the leper gnomes inside to reclaim the halls of the irradiated city.[16] In retaliation, Thermaplugg sent Razlo Crushcog and a force of leper gnomes to harass the gnomish forces on the surface, in order to prevent them from rebuilding and finishing their reclamation of the capital.[17][18] The gnomes later killed Crushcog with help from their dwarven allies,[19] while the G-Team[20] was tasked to kill Thermaplugg and his lieutenants once and for all.[21][22]
Mists of Pandaria
During the Invasion of Pandaria in 30 ADP, the Alliance forces established Lion's Landing as part of Operation: Shieldwall, in order to counter the Horde presence at Domination Point.[23] The fortress was then placed under the command of High Marshal Twinbraid, whom High King Varian Wrynn granted the full might of Stormwind, Ironforge, and Gnomeregan to crush the Dominance Offensive and protect the people of Pandaria.[24] The A.C.E. attack team notably joined the 7th Legion to strike at Domination Point.[25] However, despite their best efforts, A.C.E. was ultimately defeated by the Horde heroes.[26]
During the Siege of Orgrimmar, gnomish soldiers were among the Alliance Vanguards who took part in the Galakras encounter, and were later seen accompanying the Alliance leaders into the Kor'kron Barracks.
Warlords of Draenor
During the war in Draenor in 31 ADP, Captain Towix could be met as a recruiting officer in Lunarfall's town hall, allowing the Alliance commander to recruit gnomish infantries.
Legion
During the Battle for Broken Shore in 32 ADP, Gnomeregan Tinkerers followed High King Varian Wrynn and High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque on the battlefield, fighting the demons until they had to retreat aboard the Skyfire gunship.[27]
During the Legion Invasions across Azeroth, Gnomeregan infantries fought to repel the invaders, and were often seen protecting the gnomish engineers.
Battle for Azeroth
During the Battle for Lordaeron in 33 ADP, High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque and his forces used Alleria Windrunner's Void portal to invade the Ruins of Lordaeron.[28]
As part of the Fourth War, Gnomeregan Mechano-Tanks were used as Alliance troops in various missions across Azeroth. They notably encountered the Horde champions in Tiragarde Sound.[29]
In time, the leaders of the Alliance made a request for Gnomeregan's might in the war[30] and agreed to fund an elite task force. The gnome hero was chosen to lead the unit's test team, which was assembled in New Tinkertown by Captain Tread Sparknozzle.[31] Consisting of Herk Winklespring, Emaedi Autoblast, and Fizzi Tinkerbow, the Gnomish Elite Aerial Rangers (G.E.A.R.) represented the brightest paragons of gnomanity.[32] For their first mission, the rangers thwarted the leper gnome Telzo Sparkspanner and his plans for decimating gnomanity.[33]
During the Battle of Dazar'alor, the high tinker led Gnomish gyro-engineers commandos as part of the Alliance forces, fighting against the Zandalari and the Horde.[34]
The War Within
During the war in Khaz Algar in 42 ADP, gnome forces were part of the Alliance fleet that sailed to Isle of Dorn. In order to fight against Xal'atath and the Kaheti nerubians, Tinkmaster Overspark and his engineers could be seen preparing siege engines on the Tranquil Strand, while Captain Tread Sparknozzle patrolled through the ranks of the Alliance forces.[35]
Organization
“I've been known to turn even the biggest pile of gnarled gears into a smooth-runnin' fightin' machine and I expect no less with this lot.”
Leadership
The Gnomeregan Army is currently under the command of King Gelbin Mekkatorque, ruler of Gnomeregan, who is surrounded by a war council composed of his advisor and assistant, as well as Kelsey Steelspark of the Gnomeregan Covert Ops, and Hinkles Fastblast.[36] The military hierarchy itself is similar to that used by the Alliance army, with ranks from captain down to soldier.
Membership
The army consists of professional soldiers, with civilians enlisted when large-scale operations require it. In such cases, they developed the Motivate-a-Tron, which prevents distraction from other sources and gives the gnomes the courage to enlist.[9] On the battlefield, the troops are mostly made up of infantry, shooters, and pilots using siege engines and aircraft. At the rear, they can rely on their engineers who provide strategic support through their advanced technology, while their doctors and medics use their first aid knowledge and even the Holy Light[37][38] to treat the wounded.
As for their equipment, gnome soldiers usually wear white and blue uniforms, carrying firearms for ranged combat, as well as chainswords for close combat. The Gnomish Army Knife, and its ultimate version, includes every profession tool and can be used in an attempt to shock a dead ally back to life.
Training
Gnome training is brutal and rigorous under the command of their drill sergeant. The first thing they need to learn is proper discipline, which means that a proper salute for their superiors is mandatory. When they go into combat, it is important that they know how to intimidate the enemy with a deafening battle roar. As a key factor in winning any battle is positive reinforcement, they must reward their fellow soldiers with a resounding cheer. Finally, the most important part is how they celebrate a good hard earned victory, and how they must show their best victory dance.[39]
Task forces
- A.C.E.
- Gnomish Elite Aerial Rangers[40] (G.E.A.R.)
- Gnomeregan Airmen
- Gnomeregan Reserves[2]
- Survivor Assistance Facilitation Expedition (S.A.F.E)
Units and officers
-
- Named
-
- Unnamed
- Alliance Vanguards
- Demolitions Assistants
Ejector Mechano-Tanks
Gnomeregan Battle Suits- Gnomeregan Field Medics
Gnomeregan Flying Machines- Gnomeregan Grenadiers
- Gnomeregan Infantry
- Gnomeregan Mechano-Tank Pilots
- Gnomeregan Medics
Gnomeregan Multi-Bombers- Gnomeregan Recruits
- Gnomeregan Tinkerers
- Gnomeregan Trainees
- Gnomish Commandos
- Gnomish Gyro-Engineers
- Gnomish Engineers
- Gnomish Spider Tanks
- Scuttling Mechano-Tanks
- Shooting Mechano-Tanks
- Wounded Infantry
Technology
- Main article: Gnomish technology
As a race of tiny tinkerers, trailblazers, and technological geniuses, the gnomes are renowned for their intellect and radical ideas. Over the years, their forces have contributed ingenious weapons to aid the Grand Alliance in its fierce battles against the Horde. They supply the Alliance army with its most advanced weaponry and war machines, such as the siege engines and transport vehicles.[3] Their mechanics, engineers, and technicians are widely respected for their knowledge of the scientific facets of the world, as well as their ability to transform said knowledge into surprising tools, vehicles, armor, and weapons.
The gnomes have long offset their lack of physical strength with ingenuity and daring, displaying their talents by inventing and piloting the unbelievable flying machines. Although having no armaments, these awkward contraptions could be used to survey vast areas of terrain, and detecting the otherwise hidden movements of underwater units, making them invaluable for discovering the movements of the Orcish Horde during the Second War.[41]
- Notable inventions
- The bombers are fixed-wing flying machines used by bombardiers. The modern bomber prototypes are powered by a Prototype Arcane Engine.[32]
- The gnomish copters are capable of carrying goods with their grappling hook. Some have been upgraded to reveal hidden enemies.[42]
- The gyrocopters can cover great distances at speed and evade enemy ground forces. They are armed with mounted cannons and bombs.[43]
- The gnomecorder device is used by the Alliance forces for long-distance communications with their agents on the field across Azeroth.[44]
Modern bomber prototype
Modern mechano-tank
Notes and trivia
- The
[Gnomeregan Pride] toy could be used to transform into the Gnomeregan Infantry.
Gallery
Operation: Gnomeregan recruitment poster.
References
- ^
[75] Operation: Gnomeregan
- ^ a b [80] Words for Delivery
- ^ a b c World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 56
- ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 150
- ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 171 - 172
- ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 55
- ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 114
- ^ Underdev/Gnomeregan
- ^ a b c [80] A Few Good Gnomes
- ^ [80] In and Out
- ^ [80] One Step Forward...
- ^ [80] Press Fire
- ^ [80] Vent Horizon
- ^ [75] Operation: Gnomeregan
- ^
[1-30] Withdraw to the Loading Room!
- ^ [10-30D] The G-Team
- ^ [1-30] The Fight Continues
- ^ [1-30] Crushcog's Minions
- ^ [1-30] Down with Crushcog!
- ^ [10-30D] Exploring Gnomeregan
- ^ [10-30D] The G-Team
- ^ [10-30D] The G-Team
- ^ [15-35] Lion's Landing
- ^ Journal of High Marshal Twinbraid
- ^ Archived page
- ^ Domination Point (scenario)
- ^ [10-45] The Battle for Broken Shore
- ^ [10-50] The Battle for Lordaeron
- ^
Spare Parts
- ^ [50-80] Shifting Gears
- ^ [50-80] Gnomeregan's Finest
- ^ a b [50-80] Shadowed Halls and Dusty Cogs
- ^ [50-80] For Gnomeregan!
- ^
[50R] Battle of Dazar'alor
- ^
[80] Ground Pounders
- ^ [1-30] Meet the High Tinker
- ^ "Doc" Cogspin
- ^ Holdout Medic
- ^ [80] Basic Orders
- ^ [50-80] Gnomeregan's Finest - Captain Tread Sparknozzle says: I have assembled some of the finest tinkers and soldiers from Gnomeregan, who are now under your command.
- ^ Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Alliance Air Units, Gnomish Flying Machine
- ^ [50WQ] Don't Stalk Me, Troll
- ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, Human Units, Gyrocopter
- ^ [7-30] We Must Prepare!