Mechanostrider

Mechanostrider
Classification	Mechanical
Homeworld	Azeroth
Environment	Any
Area(s)	Gnomeregan, Storm Peaks
Organization(s)	Solitary or pair (with owner)

“The terradynamic exo-plotters are conjoined by hydraulic imaging to the equilibrium enhancers...”

— Binjy Featherwhistle

The mechanostrider (or Mechano-strider) is the mount used by the gnomes of the Alliance. They were invented by a young Gelbin Mekkatorque, launching the young gnome's fame and setting him on the path of leadership as High Tinker.

Gnomes

A pair of Swift Mechanostriders in the TCG.

The gnomes' revolutionary mechanostrider represents yet another marvel of their engineering prowess. Each strider is specifically designed with the individual rider in mind. They are constructed using state-of-the-art steam compression, servo-motor dynamics, and duro-steel plating. This offers the rider a reliable and durable means of transportation. Some claim that the mechanostrider's lack of true sentience makes for a very dumb mount. However, the gnomes counter that under a skilled rider, the mechanostrider is more responsive than even the best trained live mount.

History

A young Gelbin Mekkatorque envisioned the first mechanostrider in Sector 17, his Gnomeregan quarters, which had allowed his diminutive people to match pace with the mighty human chargers. This creation was the one that launched his fame and set him on the path to leadership and the position of High Tinker. Mekkatorque's first working prototype still exists, stored as the centerpiece of his trophy case in Sector 17. All end models still echo the avian gait and kettle-bellied form of the prototype. These features are referred to as the Mekkatorque designs.

Mechagnomes

This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

It is interesting to note that mechagnomes, some of whom would become progenitors of the gnomish race, have been found in Northrend, and riding what appears to be  [White Mechanostrider Mod B]'s. The enigmatic mechagnomes have adopted Gelbin Mekkatorque's invention for their own mysterious purposes. Mekkatorque considered it to be quite flattering that a race of machines would see fit to use his machine to get around.

Notable

•   Clunk <The Undermarket>
•   Skystrider
• Warstrider Prototype

Mechanostrider mounts

Main article: Mechanostrider mounts

Mechanostrider mounts are available to all Alliance races. Initially for gnomes, gaining exalted status with Gnomeregan will allow players to buy and use them. Most can be purchased at Steelgrill's Depot.

Patch 3.0.8

In patch 3.0.8, the racial size restriction on mounts was lifted, with the mechanostrider becoming available to all Alliance races when exalted with Gnomeregan. Before this, only gnomes and dwarves were allowed to ride mechanostriders due to the physical size of these races. The RPG information for these mounts was probably an inspiration for making such a restriction in the first place.

Quotes about mechanostriders

• "When you absolutely, positively have to be there right now." -Rillie Spindlenut
• "The mirror's not so you can look back, but so your foes can see something besides your tailpipes." -Rillie Spindlenut
• "A properly accelerated gnome in battle is a thing of terrible beauty."-High Tinker Mekkatorque
• "We have made a lot of improvements, but they are still based on the Mekkatorque designs." -Milli Featherwhistle

In the RPG

This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.

The mechanostrider is a medium onstruct which vaguely resembles a mechanized tallstrider. Small oval lamps replace its eyes, while great mufflers extend where its tailfeathers should be.

When gnomes set out to explore the world once again after their city's fall, they soon realized that they needed reliable mechanical mounts because they were mocked for their short stature and slow land speed. Tired of being mocked, the gnomes developed these revolutionary modes of travel. One ingenious gnome spied a flock of tallstriders and remarked upon their grace and strength. Soon after was born the mechanostrider, which quickly became a favorite mount of all gnome-kind. Using steam compression and duro-steel plating, the finest gnomish tinkers created these ostrich-like striders to use as mounts. The mechanostrider can move at speeds up to 30 mph.

All gnome tinkers agree that the striders are only available for small humanoids. Although some goblins have purchased striders for themselves, most of these striders have only proud gnomish passengers. This mechanostrider represents an older model and, while outdated, is a viable and cheaper vehicle. The current model is mechanostrider v. 2.0.

They have a final build dimension of six feet and 300 pounds.

Combat

A mechanostrider fights only when ordered to or threatened, lashing out with its sharp beak and claws, or simply hammering at the dnage with its heavy metallic head.

Notes

• Their footsteps make a metallic sound.
• Oddly, while mechanostriders only have two toes, their footprints have three.
• The  [Icy Blue Mechanostrider Mod A], a historic piece of gnomish engineering, was forced into retirement due to its extremely "touchy" gyroscometer.
• Forced to recall the  [White Mechanostrider Mod B] model after numerous complaints of an "uncontrollable throttle", Gnomish engineers now refer to a proto-type blunder as a "model B".
• No form of mechanostrider is currently available to the Horde.
• The mechanostrider is one of several mounts that is non-organic, the others being the engineered flying machines,  [Mimiron's Head], the Goblin Trike, Goblin Hot Rod, motorcycles, the tailored flying carpets, and jewel panther mounts.
• With an exception to the battlestrider (obtained by honor points), the mechanostrider can only be bought, and cannot be obtained through drops.
• In patch 3.3.3, when summoned they have a perfectly mechanical-sounding effect.
• From patch 3.0.8 to patch 4.0.3, night elves and draenei could only ride through Stormwind City's Stormwind Counting House bank door on mechanostriders; all other Alliance mounts made these two races too high to fit. When it was remodeled with the addition of the Dwarven District's Royal Bank of Stormwind in patch 4.0.3a, the height of the doorway was increased.
• A  [Fluorescent Green Mechanostrider] was given to a European player early in the game as a replacement for his original mechanostrider, which he was having problems with. It is the only one that exists in the entire game.
• In Hearthstone: Rise of Shadows Commander Rhyssa sports a unique mechanostrider mount.