Gnome Race

Gnomes

The clever, spunky, and oftentimes eccentric gnomes present a unique paradox
among the civilized races of Azeroth. Brilliant inventors with an irrepressibly cheerful
disposition, this race has suffered treachery, displacement, and near-genocide. It is their
remarkable optimism in the face of such calamity that symbolizes the truly unshakable spirit of the gnomes.

A race of diminutive beings, gnomes have made their mark on Azeroth through the application of a collective
intelligence and ambition overshadowing that of their larger peers. Gnomes are renowned mechanics, engineers,
and technicians, widely respected for their knowledge of the scientific facets of the world and their ability to transform
said knowledge into surprising tools, vehicles, armor, and weapons.

Little is known concerning gnomish history previous to the Second War-even among gnomes themselves. Much of gnomish
philosophy is focused on forward-thinking, inventive concepts; little thought has ever been given to history or non-scientific
records. However, recent developments have uncovered evidence of prehistoric mechagnomes created by the titans to help
shape the lands of Azeroth. Like many of the titans’ creations, these helpers were afflicted with the curse of flesh, and they
became what is known as the gnome race today.

It wasn’t until their discovery by the dwarves centuries later that gnomes were recognized as a viable and important race.
The dwarves were impressed with the ingenuity and quickness of their smaller “kin” (for they had also been titan-forged and
similarly cursed), and they assisted the gnomes in constructing a capital city, Gnomeregan, in the foothills of Dun Morogh
near the dwarves’ own capital of Ironforge. From their wondrous techno-city, gnomes provided invaluable support in weaponry,
vehicles, and energetic troops to the Alliance of dwarves, humans, and high elves.

But when the Burning Legion invaded, the gnomes strangely refused to send aid to their allies. It wasn’t until the war had ended
that the Alliance learned the reason for the gnomes’ withdrawal. Around the time of the Third War, an ancient menace had risen
from the bowels of Azeroth to strike at Gnomeregan. Knowing that their allies’ priority was defeating the Burning Legion, the
gnomes decided to make their stand alone. Though they fought valiantly to save their beloved city, Gnomeregan was lost.

Most of the gnome race was wiped out during the fall of Gnomeregan; some say that as much as 80 percent of the gnomes
died during those horrible days. The few survivors fled to the safety of nearby Ironforge. There they quietly went about rebuilding
their forces, healing their wounds, and preparing to retake their ravaged city.

Just prior to the Cataclysm, the gnomes’ leader, High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque, led an attack on Gnomeregan’s invaders. It was
a successful first maneuver, but there will be much more bloodshed before the entirety of the gnomeland is liberated.

Home City:Gnomeregan

A technical marvel, the subterranean city of Gnomeregan is wrought-iron
evidence of gnomish brilliance, ambition, and ingenuity. It was carved into the
stony foothills of Dun Morogh, and winds deep into the heart of the land. Currently
a battleground between the founding gnomes and the traitor Sicco Thermaplugg, the
once-gleaming metal hallways of this labyrinthine city are slowly being retaken.

Leader:High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque

High Tinker Mekkatorque has been at the helm of the gnome race during some of its most
difficult and trying times. Since his title is an elected one, the fact that he has held his position
throughout such hardship is a testament to the love his people have for him.

A brilliant inventor, Gelbin Mekkatorque rose quickly to prominence among the meritocratic gnomes
with his innovative designs and creative problem-solving skills. He built the very first functioning mechanostrider,
assisted in the development of the dwarven siege engine, and was instrumental in the creation of the Deeprun Tram
running from Ironforge to Stormwind City.

Although one wouldn’t know it from looking at him, the loss of Gnomeregan weighs heavily on the high tinker. He was
unprepared for the invasion that swept through his beloved city, and he was betrayed by a trusted advisor who convinced
him to react hastily, resulting in unnecessary deaths. Now Mekkatorque’s brilliant mind has taken on a surgical focus with
one single outcome: the retaking of Gnomeregan.