- This article is about the gnomes' lore. For the Gnomeregan playable race, seeGnome (playable). For the language, seeGnomish (language). For the Mechagon gnomes, seeMechagon mechagnome.
| Gnomes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Faction/Affiliation | Gnomeregan,Alliance,Independent,Kirin Tor,Argent Crusade,Rustbolt Resistance Formerly: Arcforged,Alliance of Lordaeron |
| Character classes |
 Dead shot,Gunman,Necromancer,Potion doc,Steam warrior |
| Racial capital |  Gnomeregan (reconquering in process)Mechagon City |
| Racial leader(s) |  King Gelbin Mekkatorque |
| Formerly |    King Mechagon † |
| Racial mount |  Mechanostrider |
| Homeworld | Azeroth |
| Area(s) | Eastern Kingdoms;Mechagon Island |
| Language(s) | Gnomish,Dwarven,Common,Goblin,Thalassian |
Thegnomes (collectively referred to asgnomanity,[1]gnomekind[2] orgnomefolk)[3] are a race of diminutive and highly intelligenthumanoids, known for their mastery oftechnology. They were originally descended frommechagnomes, metallictitan-forged, who were afflicted with theCurse of Flesh. The early gnomes eventually found their way toKhaz Modan, where they founded the capital ofGnomeregan and became allies with their nearbydwarven cousins. For years the gnomes were based in Gnomeregan, providing technological support to theAlliance during theSecond War, until atrogg invasion andtreachery from within irradiated Gnomeregan and killed as much as eighty percent of the gnomish population. The gnomes were forced into exile inTinker Town in the dwarven capital ofIronforge, until, following theCataclysm, the gnomes launched a partially successful recapture of Gnomeregan, and are now based inNew Tinkertown. After reconciling with the long-isolatedmechagnomes ofMechagon Island,Gelbin Mekkatorque became the king of all gnomes, their people finally reunited after centuries.
Introduction[]
- The clever, spunky, and oftentimes eccentric gnomes present a unique paradox among the civilized races of Azeroth. Brilliantinventors 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.[4]
The eccentric, often-brilliant gnomes are one of the most peculiar races of the world. A race of diminutive beings, gnomes have made their mark on Azeroth through the application of 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. Much of gnomish philosophy is focused on forward-thinking, inventive concepts; little thought has ever been given to history or non-scientific records. With their obsession for developing radical new technologies and constructing marvels of mind-bending engineering, it is a wonder that any gnomes have survived to proliferate.[4]
History[]
This section contains information that needs to becleaned up. Reason:Rewrite the History sections (make generalizations) so that this andGnomeregan (nation) don't have duplicate infoOrigins[]
Mechagnomes, the ancestors of the gnome race.
The first gnomes that came into existence were "mechagnomes", small, metal clockwork-creatures created by theWatcherMimiron,[5] apparently as servants and caretakers, much like theearthen.[6]
After the betrayal ofLoken, the mechagnomes inUldaman watched over and maintained the facility alongside a small number of earthen that remained out of stasis. AsArchaedas andIronaya became obsessed with curing the Curse of Flesh and retreated into the lower chambers of Uldaman and settled into long periods of hibernation the mechagnomes and earthen were left to manage Uldaman themselves. With theGreat Sundering the remaining active earthen went into stasis and only the mechagnomes remained. Yet they too succumbed to theCurse of Flesh and the affliction had them degenerate into beings later known simply as gnomes. They lost all sense of purpose and abandoned Uldaman 3,000 years before the opening of the Dark Portal.[7]
The first generation of gnomes carved out an existence in the snowy mountains west of Uldaman. They struggled to survive against the harsh elements,ice trolls and other dangers that roamed the land. As generations passed they dedicated themselves to technological advancement; these would be the means of sustaining themselves in a savage world. In only a few generations the gnomes lost all knowledge of their titan-forged heritage. What they gained was a new society. The gnomes carved out a series of highly fortified dwellings deep within the cold mountains of what would become known asDun Morogh.[7]
Early history[]
The mageIndus, one of the first recorded gnomes in history.
Little is known concerning gnomish history previous to theSecond War — even among gnomes themselves. Much of gnomish philosophy is focused on forward-thinking, inventive concepts, and little thought has ever been given to history or non-scientific records. It was not until centuries after their transformation into flesh-and-blood beings that gnomes were recognized as a viable and important race. Thedwarves were impressed with the ingenuity and quickness of their smaller "kin" (for they had also beentitan-forged and similarlycursed, though this was not known at the time and merely based on their close physical dimensions), and they assisted the gnomes in constructing a capital city,Gnomeregan, in the foothills ofDun Morogh near the dwarves' own capital ofIronforge.[4]
Gnomes are remarkably adeptarcanists. Pound for pound, they are some of the most potent casters the world has ever known, and have always had a presence in theKirin Tor.[8] Gnomish society was already in contact with thehumans ofArathor andhigh elves ofQuel'Thalas as early as 2,600 BDP. A notable gnome of this time period wasIndus, amage ofDalaran and member of theCouncil of Tirisfal.[9]
She was followed much later by another gnome namedErbag, also a member of theCouncil of Tirisfal, during the early days ofAegwynn. He was already inducted eight hundred and forty-four years prior to theBattle of Mount Hyjal. Erbag was described as being highly talkative as well as rather impatient with Aegwynn.
King Mechagon was the last king of the gnomes, who 400 years ago[10] led his followers in search of amystical land of technology. He left no clues where he was headed and over time his tale became a legend.[11] Gnomes have not had kings or queens since;[10] althoughGelbin Mekkatorque has the title "King of Gnomes", he was elected and his position is officially calledHigh Tinker. Having a personally-chosen title is simply a perk of the job.
Thriving within the wondrous techno-city ofGnomeregan, the gnomes shared the resources of the forestedDun Morogh peaks with their dwarven cousins. Though dwarves also have a propensity fortechnology and engineering, it is gnomes who provide the critical, visionary designs for most of dwarven weapons and steam vehicles.
The First, Second and Third War[]
A gnome during theSecond War.
When theorcs fromDraenor rushed out from theDark Portal and caused theFirst War, the varioushuman kingdoms decided to forgean alliance in order to drive them back. This alliance also included the dwarves and the gnomes who after witnessing the orcs' attack upon Ironforge decided to strike back. The gnomes did not have their own representative in the meetings between the different factions and were instead also represented by the delegate from Ironforge.
A Gnomishflying machine used by theAlliance of Lordaeron.
Early in theSecond War, theOrcish Horde started pushing north intoKhaz Modan. The dwarves and gnomes failed to stop the advance of the orcish army.[12] The Horde pushed longer intoDun Morogh and besieged both Ironforge and the city of Gnomeregan, but were held off at both places by the ingenuity of thegnomish inventors, whose booby traps and rigged explosives claimed many orcish lives while Gnomeregan itself was shielded by an impenetrable iron gate. Eventually after weeks of fruitless siege, HordewarchiefOrgrim Doomhammer called off the attacks and ordered the main army to move on to do battle with the humans inLordaeron, whileKilrogg Deadeye and theBleeding Hollow clan would stay behind to ensure that no gnome would leave Gnomeregan and keep the dwarves occupied at Ironforge, hoping that Kilrogg would eventually conquer the two cities while the warchief handled the armies of Lordaeron.[12] Thedefenders of Gnomeregan and Ironforge held off the orcs long enough for Supreme CommanderAnduin Lothar to attack the Bleeding Hollow clan from behind, liberating both the dwarves and gnomes who announced their full support for theAlliance of Lordaeron's cause. While the gnomes were not seen on the front lines as foot soldiers, they still provided invaluable support in machinery, weaponry, and vehicles.Gnomish flying machine scouts swept the air, and theirsubmarine vessels provided much needed naval support, helping the Alliance achieve victory in the end. In many ways, they were the counterpart to thegoblins which supported the orcs with their own inventions. Thistechnological battle between gnomes and goblins has survived to this day and has recently been fueled by theBilgewater Cartel joining the Horde.
Strangely, the gnomes refused to send any personnel to aid their allies during theBurning Legion's invasion during theThird War. Though their designs also helped turning the tide against the Legion, both thehumans and the Ironforge - and Wildhammer - dwarves were shocked by Gnomeregan's decision to withhold their courageous troops and pilots.
Despite this, the gnomes from theAlliance military went withJaina Proudmoore'sforce toKalimdor.[13]
When the Third War ended, the Alliance discovered the reason for the gnomes' sudden withdrawal. Apparently, a barbaric menace —troggs — had risen from the bowels of the earth and invaded Gnomeregan. Knowing that their allies' priority was defeating the Burning Legion, the gnomes decided to make their stand alone against the troggs.
Though they fought valiantly to save their beloved city, Gnomeregan was lost and nearly eighty percent of the gnomish race was wiped out during its fall. The ragged survivors fled to the safety ofIronforge.[14] There, they made a new home inTinker Town.
Aftermath of Gnomeregan's fall[]
Gelbin Mekkatorque, leader of the gnomes.
Committed once again to the cause of the Alliance, gnomes spend their time devising strategies and weapons that will help them retake their ravaged city and build a brighter future for their people. Currently, gnomes can be seen living in numerous Alliance andNeutral cities such asDarkshire andGadgetzan. Many gnomes could also be found at theMirage Raceway in theThousand Needles, competing with their goblin rivals, before that area was flooded. (Its replacement,Fizzle and Pozzik's Speedbarge is co-owned by gnomes.) One can also spot the occasional gnome hovel in places likeTanaris, theHinterlands andAzshara.
The ruling council of the gnomes has reunited in Ironforge atTinker Town. More recently, gnomish encampments have begun to appear at the fringes of the world, includingToshley's Station inBlade's Edge Mountains andFizzcrank Airstrip in theBorean Tundra.Gearmaster Mechazod a mechagnome that was found by normal gnomes in the Tundra during the building of the airstrip removes the Curse of Flesh from some of the gnomes turning them into mechagnomes. While the motive behind their activities in Outland is unclear, the gnomish force inNorthrend is tasked in establishing a forward base for theValiance Expedition.
This section concerns content related toWrath of the Lich King.Just prior to theCataclysm, the gnomes' leader, High TinkerGelbin Mekkatorque, led anattack on Gnomeregan’s invaders. The Gnomeregan exiles were priming their forces atSteelgrill's Depot, the staging grounds for the Gnomeregan offensive and the production site of the gnome'smechano-tanks. After the preparations were made, Gelbin led a full assault to wrest control of Gnomeregan's airfield, surface command post, and ultimately underwent a raid into the tunnels of lowerGnomeregan. Despite the Gnomeregan exiles' best efforts to reclaim their techno-city,Sicco Thermaplugg detonated a radiation bomb in the city; forcing Mekkatorque's forces to hastily teleport to the surface to escape the re-irradiated city. It was a successful first maneuver, but there will be much more bloodshed before the entirety of the gnomeland is liberated. In the ongoing effort to reclaim Gnomeregan from Sicco Thermaplugg and his twisted cohorts, the gnomes have carved out a tenuous foothold inNew Tinkertown, near the techno-city's gates.[15]
Mechagon Island[]
The mechanization process, as seen inMechagon.
OnMechagon Island, King Mechagon decided that the time had come to remove theCurse of Flesh from alltitan creations. He was busy creating theMechoriginator, a machine he'd been perfecting in order to achieve his goal. Not wanting to see his father's plan come to fruition,Prince Erazmin began to secretly plan a revolt against him. His plans were unfortunately discovered when the elderly gnome adventurer,Kervo Cogpipe, single-handedly found his way to the legendary lost island and told the king of his betrayal. With no other choice, Prince Erazmin fled toRustbolt with all those who supported him,[16] leading to a civil war between theRustbolt Resistance and theArcforged loyalists.
This section concerns content related toBattle for Azeroth.The city ofBoralus onKul Tiras was formerly home to a number of gnomes, but one day they abruptly vanished. To get to the bottom of this, the gnomeParin Tinklocket began investigating theAbandoned Junkheap inTiragarde Sound, a place containing alarge locked vault and various haywire gnomish machines. ThoughAllianceadventurers helped him survey the area and gather serial plates from the robots, Parin didn't find anything indicating where his fellow gnomes went. He stated that he would send the serial plates toIronforge and that he would contact the adventurers again if he found anything interesting.[17][18]
During theRise of Azshara, the vault door was opened. Inside, adventurers will found a transmitter using technology the likes of which no one has ever seen, sending a radio signal for help. The gnomes andgoblins jumped at the chance to discover where the signal pointed at and in turn discovered Mechagon. In theJunker Wastes, both the Alliance andHorde were beset by death robots but also befriend the wastes'mechagnomes, from whom they learned more about their culture. Ultimately, the Alliance and Horde helped the mechagnomes break back into their city and fight their way intoKing Mechagon's palace to face the ruler himself.[19]
InVisions of N'zoth, the mechagnomes, grateful for the aid given to their people for reclaiming Mechagon, have rejoined with their non-mechanized brethren, thus becoming a part of theGrand Alliance as anallied race.
Culture[]
|
Gnomes are a race of ambitious folk that celebrate creativity and craft and whose lives are validated by a masterful command of the scientific laws of the universe. This outlook on life makes them feel that to be pitied is unbearable, even insulting, though they know their allies do not do this intentionally. They have been more of a race of scholars throughout their history, generally focused onescaping and avoiding conflict,[20] being also known to offset their lack of physical strength with ingenuity and daring.[21] However, the loss of Gnomeregan and years of hardship and survival amongst increased association with thedwarves have made the gnomes stronger and more comfortable with their physical prowess, giving them a combatant edge. Gnome melee fighters have become more common, and are in general more willing to talk back to Tall Folk than ever before.[20]
Unlike many other races such as the dwarves,orcs, andhumans, the gnomes had no history of internecine violence prior to the fall of Gnomeregan. Generally speaking, gnomes simply do not fight gnomes. In a world of hostile creatures and Tall Folk, it goes without saying that gnomes have to rely on each other. This is why gnomes don't need primogeniture and why they abandoned monarchy centuries ago, instead electing their leaders by common consent based on their work's benefit to the race as a whole. It is unthinkable for a gnome to act in a selfish manner in spite of the cost to their people, which madeSicco Thermaplugg's betrayal all the more shocking.[20]
As noted above, much of gnomish philosophy is focused on forward-thinking, inventive concepts, and little thought has ever been given to history or non-scientific records.[4] According toMuradin Bronzebeard, no gnome can turn down a puzzle.[22]
Little is actually known about gnomish culture. Though what gnomish life really revolves around is unclear, it is perceived by most to be about striving towards the next levels oftechnology and knowledge through experimentation and tinkering (this is corroborated by the comments and clothing of gnome NPCs).
From that is known, gnomes do value and follow the hierarchy, but they also understand the hierarchy as the masters' duty over the servants, to care for them and help them. Some senior gnomish engineers may actually have less parts, metals and similar resources than an ordinary engineer, as they tend to share them with the followers. Also, the higher rank is most easy to earn by teaching others, while this, of course, requires to be a master on a subject. When goblins say they hate hierarchy as the master first cares about himself (so who would want to be the servant), they seem talking in two completely different languages. Gnome groups are small and form with difficulty over a long time. However when once established, they usually last for life, and a gnome reasonably expects much more support and cooperation from the team-mates than a goblin would. When goblin children leave the family at maturity and go their own ways, gnome families tend to stay together over generations and usually run some shared business.[citation needed]
It is not known what social norms may exist for gnomish marriages, thoughMarvin andTamara Wobblesprocket provide at least one example ofhumans and gnomes intermarrying. Whether or not half-gnomes might be produced from such unions is unknown. If once created, gnomish family usually lasts for life as gnomes feel duty to stay together not just after the love goes away but even if they already totally dislike each other.[citation needed]
Brewing[]
Gnomes have recently started to venture into the field of brewing. Examples includeGnomenbrau, "a light beer with a big head",[23] and the upstartShort and Stout Brewery inBrewnall Village.[24]
Faith[]
The gnomes have had an interest in the Light since they joined the Alliance, but they were so focused on technology and, later, the retaking ofGnomeregan that studying the Light didn't feel necessary to them; the dwarven priests and paladins ofIronforge served as the only connection to the Light they needed. Now that the gnomes have reclaimed a foothold in Gnomeregan and begun rebuilding their culture outside of Ironforge, however, they've recognized the importance of having followers of the Light in their own ranks. In addition, researching new methods of purifying irradiated gnomes has led to radical advances in Light-based technology![25]
Just like the dwarves of Ironforge, some gnomes have now adopted the values and philosophy of theChurch of the Light, becoming followers and practitioners of theHoly Light. They are able to becomepriests, and while priests among the other races may play the roles ofclerics and prophets, gnome priests refer to themselves as doctors, medics and surgeons.[26] In fact, the gnomes practice holy magic as a form offirst aid.
Many gnomes are oppositely dark enough to becomerogues or evenwarlocks, having no problem with ordering around minions which are several times larger than themselves.
Relations[]
A gnome priest resurrecting her comrades.
Ever since their first meeting, gnomes and dwarves have been strong friends and allies, with dwarves having taught construction and stoneworking to the gnomes, helping them to lay the foundations ofGnomeregan, while gnomes taught them sciences and engineering in return.[4] During theSecond War, the two races worked together to defend themselves against theOld Horde's invasion, with the gnomes offering new weapons and technologies to their cousins, until the Horde forced them to take refuge in their respective capitals.[27] LaterKing Magni Bronzebeard would welcome the gnomes in Ironforge after the loss of Gnomeregan,[28] and the dwarves have been the gnomes' main support into taking their capital back.
They had however an antagonistic relationship withDark Iron dwarves who were enemies of theirBronzebeard allies, and who seem to have been allies withSicco Thermaplugg at some point with an ambassador and several agents being found in the irradiated Gnomeregan. Even after the Dark Iron's reunion with their Bronzebeard andWildhammer cousins relations still seemed to be tense asGelbin Mekkatorque and his men had a fight withDrukan and other Dark Iron envoys during anAlliance submit atDarnassus though things seem to have cooled off since.[29]
With the Second War gnomes became close allies withhumans who liberated them from the Hordesiege of Gnomeregan, with the gnomes vowing a debt of gratitude toward theAlliance of Lordaeron for their liberation, with them equipping human forces with their inventions and weapons such as cannons, gunships, tanks or gyrocopters.[30] Gnome mages have also worked with humans for a very long time with many gnomish mages having come to live inDalaran, they always had a presence in theKirin Tor.[31] Several gnomes having been members of theCouncil of Tirisfal, includingIndus who was one of the founding members of the council.[32]
Gnomes innight elf territories are tolerated, despite the high number of gnomes who work with arcane forces and their use of and love for technology which clashes with the Night Elves' distrust of arcane and technology. The gnomes believe that with their use of arcane magics andtechnology they offer something that night elves lack in defense. Following thecataclysmic arrival ofDeathwing, gnome engineers and sappers fromTinker Town came in inAshenvale to help create cannons and bombs for the night elves in their fight against theHorde.[33]
While they tend to finddraenei strange, gnomes usually get along well with them. Gnomes have also expressed great interest in and fascination with the technology of the draenei.
Like their human and dwarven allies, gnomes have been victims of the Old Horde's invasion ofAzeroth and as such still strongly distrust theorcs and their allies to this day, though they are generally more forgiving than their allies.
Ever since the Second War gnomes have had a rivalry withgoblins who supplied the Horde with their technology and weapons similarly to the gnomes with the Alliance, a rivalry that has been only refueled by the joining of the Horde by theBilgewater Cartel and the renewed conflicts between the Alliance and the Horde. The two races are in competition with each other over which race is the smartest and most advanced technologically, with gnomes generally seeing goblin technology as crude and inferior, though the degree of seriousness of this competition varies according to the individual, with some gnomes being hostile to goblins while others are friendlier to them.
Languages[]
Gnomes speakGnomish andCommon.
Gnomish names[]
- Main article:Gnomish (language)#Naming
Mechagon mechagnome[]
- Main article:Mechagon mechagnome
Mechagon mechagnomes
The gnomes ofMechagon Island andMechagon City are now calling themselves mechagnomes,[19][34] like theirtitan-forged counterparts, because of their mechanical augmentations.
Mechagon mechagnomes are descended from the regular gnomes ofGnomeregan. They span a variety of different types. The higher-caste gnomes lived in an advanced, aristocratic society inside a huge vault, where they had dedicated themselves to their rulerKing Mechagon and his vision to turn anyone of flesh into more pure robotic parts. In this society, the more robot parts one had, the higher one's social standing was.
However, another group of mechagnomes rejected this and dwelled in the outsideJunker Wastes where they were beset by death robots. These mechagnomes had fewer mechanical parts and tended to be partially deteriorating. As theAlliance andHorde arrived on Mechagon, they befriended the latter group in an effort to break into the mechagnomes' city and stop King Mechagon.[19][34] These mechagnomes seemed to have amechanocat racing and customizing[35][36] subculture inspired by the Americangreasers, complete with sweet pompadours.
Appearance[]
A male gnome inHearthstone.
A female gnome inHearthstone.
On average, female gnomes are 3'4" tall while males aren't much larger, typically standing at close to 3'6" in height.[37] Some gnomes do not grow to more than a "shortish" height of 2'6".[38] They have four fingers (three fingers, one thumb) on each hand,[39] and five-toed feet. Although it can and has been a bit nebulous in Warcraft art throughout the years, inWorld of Warcraft, the gnome model is noted to have large, rounded ears in proportion to their head.
While it's unknown exactly how long gnomes can live, the 22-year oldKinndy Sparkshine was considered to be a teenager by her people's reckoning of age.[40] While preparing to enter theRusted Vault at theAbandoned Junkheap,Tinkmaster Overspark imagined that he might end up rescuing King Mechagon himself, indicating that he expected there was a good chance that the last king of the gnomes was still alive 400 years later.[41]
Gnomes have a high metabolism.[42]
Despite the gnomes' size, they exude great resilience and survivability both in and out of combat.[43]
Before theGnomeregan incident, some gnomes (suchGnoarn) had earned a reputation for themselves by wearing an eccentric hairstyle known as a "gnomefro".[44]
Thanks to their extremely small size, inWorld of Warcraft gnomes can be a hard target to click, making it harder for enemies to target you using their mouse. This is especially helpful in the event the gnome is awarrior orrogue. Gnomes who specialize in melee weapons are also particularly hard to target due to their acrobatic fighting styles combined with their small size. Their small size can also be advantageous to people who like to explore; gnomes are the shortest race and can go to certain places where character height keeps other races from going.
Notable[]
Other gnome races[]
Mechagnomes -Titan-forged ancestors of modern gnomes, those mechagnomes afflicted with theCurse of Flesh resulted in the modern gnomish race.- Mechagon mechagnomes - Partially mechanical gnomes, that were normal gnomes but have replaced much of their original body parts. Their ancestors left Gnomeregan and founded a new society on Mechagon Island.
- Leper gnomes - Normal gnomes that has been corrupted by the irradiation of Gnomeregan. Most of them have lost their sanity.
- Sand gnomes - An elusive race of gnomes only seen in single location inOutland. Many even doubt their existence.
In the RPG[]
This section contains information from theWarcraft RPG which is considerednon-canon.
A gnomesapper as seen in theAlliance Player's Guide.
Gnomes are a diminutive, wiry race oftinkers who live underground. In the Second War, they built gadgets and vehicles, such assubmarines andflying machines, for the Alliance to combat theHorde. They are great mechanics and inventors, renowned for their knowledge and eccentric natures. The gnomes had a city, Gnomeregan, built into Ironforge Mountain, but invadingtroggs destroyed it and slaughtered its citizens. Many survivors now live with theIronforge dwarves, a few traveling with their dwarven friends toKalimdor. The gnomes are still reeling from the destruction of their home city and are loath to leave the safety of the dwarven tunnels.[46]
History[]
A gnomebombardier as seen inMagic & Mayhem.
Upon the destruction ofGnomeregan, they traveled toTheramore and were invited toBael Modan by theIronforge dwarves.[47]
Most gnomes on Kalimdor remain secluded inBael Modan. Even after the decimation of their race and the destruction of their city, gnomes are an amiable and kindhearted lot. They make and keep friends easily; other races often find disliking a gnome to be difficult. Gnomes are long-lived and take a fatherly approach to other races, particularly humans. Gnome society is loosely organized, with most living in Khaz Modan and mixing freely with the dwarves, sending representatives to speak to the dwarven king on their behalf. Those few gnomes who traveled to Kalimdor live in a similar fashion inBael Modan. Gnomes are gifted tinkers, and have a penchant for creating radical technology and innovative designs. They often work together with Ironforge dwarves, developing the blueprints and concepts from which the dwarf smiths draw their inspiration.[48]
No one knows much about the gnomes' history beforedwarves discovered them; not even the gnomes know much of their own history prior to theSecond War.[49]
The first widely recorded interaction between gnomes and dwarves occurred a little over 200 years prior toThe Burning Crusade. As the story goes, a dwarven explorer came across a small gnomish village. He was shocked to discover that while dwarves had just discovered gunpowder, the gnomes already had a fully automated village with such novelties as mechanical chickens. Contact between the two races grew, and soon, they became quick allies, and the dwarves allowed the gnomes to build their capital city,Gnomeregan, in the foothills of Dun Morogh, near the Dwarven capital,Ironforge.[49]
Appearance[]
Gnomes are small, slight and nifty. They somewhat resemble dwarves, but are even shorter, not as stocky, and have large heads in proportion to their bodies. They have large noses and ruddy skin, their ears are large and rounded, and their hair color varies wildly, some even having pink or green hair. They are often seen with goggles, tool belts, and other items related to their technological inclinations.[48]
Relations[]
A group of heroes that includes a gnome, apandaren, afurbolg, and aWildhammer dwarf.
Gnomes are great friends of the Ironforge dwarves. They have been allies for generations and often exchange ideas and inventions. Their bond is so great that they live in many dwarven settlements includingIronforge itself. Gnomes have fought and died alongside human soldiers and have been readily welcomed inStormwind City with open arms. They are wary of the high elves, but so is everyone else, so they don’t feel too bad about that. They battled the Horde in the Second War and have a bit of a grudge against orcs, but gnomes are a kindly and forgiving lot and are willing to give the orcs a second chance. Gnomes and goblins have always been rivals — though whether this rivalry is friendly or brutal depends on the individuals involved. Gnomes have not been on Kalimdor long enough to form proper opinions about its denizens. Tauren and night elves both seem rather rustic for gnome sensibilities — but they can make friends with anyone.[48][50]
Gnomes know the languages of their friends and their goblin rivals.[51]
Faith[]
Gnomes place their loyalty in themselves, in their friends, and in their inventions. A few follow a loftier path and pay their respects to theHoly Light. Since the Ironforge dwarves' recent discovery of their titanic origins, the gnomes think that they too may be products of the Titans.[52] Some female gnomes have been known as members of theSisters of Steel that have shown abilities to turn their flesh to stone or steel.
Gnome magic[]
- Main article:Horde & Alliance magic#Gnomes
Technology[]
A gnomesteam warrior.
Gnomes tend to design fairly complicated devices that are relatively safe.[53] Gnomes are in many ways commensurate organizers: a gnome can spend as much time (or more) organizing and planning a project as they do actually working on it. If the design fails, they try to learn why, and fix it if they can. If they meet with success, they will continue to tinker with it and improve the design, often for years afterward. Thus, many gnomish designs feature a high degree of complexity and a low chance of failure, the exceptions being those that dabble with chaos energy — but even then, they take steps to ensure the worst that could happen is a brief, non-fatal failure.[54]
Gnomes overplan new projects, producing blueprints and schematics that can take longer to make than the device itself. While this cautious attitude results in higher quality products and a greater success rate, it often takes so long that cost overruns creep in. While a goblin would scream and flee at the mere thought of a cost overrun, a gnome simply shrugs and presses on. If a project fails to work correctly the first time, a gnome will continue to tinker with it, while a goblin would usually give up and move to something else. Thus, gnomish items have very low failure rates compared to goblin items.[55]
Gnomes are innovative thinkers and are responsible for a vast variety of inventions, including more than a few that are commonly attributed to dwarves. Although a diminutive people, gnomes think big, often producing designs far too complex to ever be realized. To gnomes, technology is a way of life. Even gnomes who take on other trades often tinker in their spare time. Because of their innate curiosity, they produce a wide variety of devices that are interesting or amusing but otherwise useless or impractical. While others might shake their heads at such folly, the gnomes value all invention, no matter how unimportant it might seem. Among the well-known gnomish devices are the world enlarger, net-o-matic projector, and harm prevention belt.[56]
Many gnome machines last for a long time, making a significant capital for generations. Even after new, better machines are built for replacement, the older versions are usually good enough to be stored in the mountain caves, reactivating them when necessary.[citation needed] While goblin can build a more complex and powerful machine for the same price, a really complex machine may break for him before it could be finished. Hence the most advanced systems likeDeeprun Tram are still of gnomish origin. Gnome schematics are such that machines and devices can be build as initially thought hundreds of years ago. However, this does not mean they are easy to read or easy to use. Goblin engineers keep saying they suffer strong headaches while reading the stolen gnomish schematics and tend to break out of the middle of specification by finishing the device how they themselves see fit.[citation needed]
Notes and trivia[]
Acard back themed after gnomes inHearthstone: Goblins vs Gnomes.
- Gnome hair is great forblood elf wigs.[57]
- Gnomes sometimes broadly refer to the other sentient races that are not close to their own stature as "Tall Folk".[58][59]
- It appears the position of High Tinker can be held by one person indefinitely, so long as they are re-elected each time their term ends. This is best seen in Gelbin, who has led the Gnomes since he was young and well before theSecond War. While unknown how long this is exactly, the Second War was about 20 years before the beginning of World of Warcraft, and Gelbin is an older gnome; meaning he has held the position most of his life.
- Interestingly enough, becauseMimiron is still very much active and alive in Ulduar, gnomes are one of the few races who can actually meet and interact with their own creator.
- At first it was said that half of the gnomish race was killed during thetrogg invasion,[60] but later it was specified that it was actually eighty percent.[14]
- In theSecond War, gnomes are allied with the Alliance of Lordaeron, but they aren't mentioned in the bookTides of Darkness. However,High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque plays a role in the follow up (Beyond the Dark Portal), as he is in charge of building the transportation system betweenStormwind City andIronforge.
- Gnomes are the only playable race where males and females share the same animation skeleton.
- Most male gnome NPCs are voiced byDino Andrade. The "young" voice set is voiced byJohnny Cash.[61]
- Gnomes were, until March 2014, the only original race not to appear in aWorld of Warcraft cinematic or in any trailer.Tom Chilton had explained that gnomes were added toWorld of Warcraft "pretty late in its development, when the cinematic was already ... in full production" stating that "since then, there hasn't really been a great opportunity to showcase gnomes," due to factors such as storylines.[62] This was finally rectified when a male gnome was chosen as the main character for Blizzard's"Wish You Were Here" Warlords of Draenor character boost trailer. As well as the gnomes' noted absence in trailers until that point, this model may have been chosen due to being one of the most advanced at the time the trailer was created.
- The uniquemodel for undead gnomesSurgical Assistants andLeprous Servants is a leperreskin of the gnome player character model used in theWoW Alpha.[citation needed]
- There are a number of undead gnomes that use the same skin asleper gnomes.
- Several in-game charactersGanoosh,Apprentice Crispin andJennings work with the Forsaken, but it's unclear if they are leper gnomes or possibly undead gnomes.
- The gnomes were originally planned to be their own faction inWarcraft III, but were later rolled into the Alliance[63] (though no actual gnomes appear in the game).
- InHearthstone, the gnomescard back was rewarded for achieving Rank 20 in Ranked Season 9, which took place during December 2014. The flavor text reads:"This multifunctional device also works as a gnomish army knife, a shoe horn and a pass to theDeeprun Tram. Gnomish ingenuity!"
- InHearthstone: Rise of ShadowsCommander Rhyssa appears to be a gnomepaladin even sporting a unique mechanostrider mount.
- Referring to the non-canonRPG race life spans chart, a gnome can actually live for quite some time, becoming mature at the age of 40, middle-aged at 100 and old aged only at 150 and higher. (This is most likely just in speculation, and not completely by Lore.) Alternately, in the bookTides of War,Kinndy Sparkshine is mentioned to be a teenager at 22.[40]
- TheRPG-onlySister of Steel class hinted two years before the actual release ofWrath of the Lich King that humans,dwarves and gnomes shared acommon "metallic" ancestry.
- In the canceledWarcraft Adventures, the gnomes were responsible for creating theblack ale that kept the orcs pacified.
Inspirations[]
- Gnome cultural inspirations draw from Medieval folklore that led to their Renaissance invention, motifs from some semitic tropes, Romani elements, and terms and concepts borrowed from various branches of science.
- Gnome, word invented by medieval natural philsopher and physicianParacelsus, possible derived from the Greekgenomos that he misspelled.
- Gelbin Mekkatorque's post Battle for Dazar'Alor mechanization based onIron Man.
- Inland Northern American English accent.
- Them serving as an Alliance parallel to Goblins, in turn based on "Goblin banker" tropes (seeGoblin#Notes and trivia), with parallel engineering, may relate to the overlapping stereotype seen inGnomes of Zürich that in turn developed into antisemitic tropes; this is also reinforced due to historically Jewish peoples being forced to wear special clothing (including pointed hats in some of Europe) during the Middle Ages.
- The above is reinforced by the gnome king being named "Gelbin", similar to "Goblin".
- The use of the phrasetinker within gnome culture in their engineering capacity is similar to its real-world use as a traveling mender of tools through metalworking, especially among Romani and Irish Travelers, that today survives but applying to more technological repair efforts.
- The radiation poisoning ofGnomeregan in combination with the Balkan motifs of the gnomes resembles theChernobyl disaster
- Many gnomish names are references to concepts in physics or gestures to technology or engineering, such as Mekkatorque (Torque) or Overspark. Others are Irish or Germanic, such as Crusade Engineer Spitzpatrick (Ftizpatrick (surname)). Some are references to famous inventors, scientists, and thinkers, as Prince Erazmin (Erasmus).
Gallery[]
- World of Warcraft
- Original gnome male model.
- Original gnome female model.
- Gnome male model after 6.0.
- Gnome female model after 6.0.
- Female mechagnome
- Male mechagnome
- Fully mechanical mechagnome.
- NPC undead model.
- Undead gnome with the same skin as a leper gnome.
- Gnomeskeleton
- Gnomebaby
- Early gnome player models as seen from the official website.
- Art
- Gnome artwork from theWorld of Warcraft manual.
- Male gnome art.
- Female gnome warlock art.
- Male gnome mage art.
- Female gnome death knight concept art.
- Gnome male concept art forWarlords of Draenor.
- Trading Card Game
- Abbie Whizzleblade, a gnome rogue.
- Apprentice Teep, a gnome mage.
- Babagahnoosh the Grumpy, a gnome mage.
- "Black Ice" Fizzlefreeze, a gnome mage.
- Bladehands Spigotgulp, a gnome rogue.
- Blaize Brightspark, a gnome mage.
- Chloe Mithrilbolt, a gnome warrior.
- Dimzer the Prestidigitator, a gnome warlock.
- Errzig Cogflicker, a gnome mage.
- Hazlow Mudshuggle, a gnome rogue.
- Izza Spindleflame, a gnome warlock.
- Krunkle Deathspark, a gnome death knight.
- Mazar, a gnome warlock.
- Narmak Doomratchet, a gnome warlock.
- Parvink, a gnome warrior.
- Tinker Art Seaclock, a gnome tinker.
- Tinker Bixy Blue, a gnome rogue.
- Tinker Casey Springlock, a gnome warrior.
- Tonks the Tenacious, a gnome mage.
- Weeble, a female gnome warrior.
- Hearthstone
- Bertie inHearthstone animated shorts.
- Rin, Orchestrator of Doom inFestival of Legends cinematic
- Key art of theGoblins vs Gnomes expansion.
- Other
- Gnomish inventors from the canceledWarcraft Adventures.
- Sketches created for a book prop for theWarcraft movie, including a depiction of a gnome.
- DragonChromie in her gnome form inHeroes of the Storm.
- Creepie Chromie skin inHeroes of the Storm.
- Dream Genie Chromie skin inHeroes of the Storm.
- Fel Queen Chromie skin inHeroes of the Storm.
- Timewalker Chromie skin (formerly Master Chromie) inHeroes of the Storm.
Gnomish technology[]
- Gelbin Mekkatorque's unique steam armor
- Alliancegunship
- Gnomishsubmarine
- AllianceAzerite war machine
- Diver costume
See also[]
References[]
- ^Before the Storm, chapter 25
- ^ [5-30] He's That Age
- ^ [40-70] Him?
- ^abcdeRaces of World of Warcraft - Gnome
- ^World of Warcraft: The Magazine Volume II Issue I
- ^ [Clockwork Gnome]
- ^abWorld of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 125
- ^The Old Wizard's Almanac
- ^The First Guardian
- ^abWorld of Warcraftmanual, pg. 175
- ^ [50] The Legend of Mechagon
- ^abWorld of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 150
- ^World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 64
- ^abhttp://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/underdev/3p9/gnomeregan.xml
- ^ [75] Operation: Gnomeregan
- ^Mechagon
- ^ [10-60] Inspection Gadget
- ^ [10-60] Reverse Tinkering
- ^abcMedievaldragon 2018-11-04. BlizzCon 2018 World of Warcraft: What’s Next Panel Transcript - Page 4 of 4. Blizzplanet. Retrieved on 2019-04-09.
- ^abcCut Short
- ^Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual,Alliance Air Units, Gnomish Flying Machine
- ^Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 103
- ^ [Cask of Gnomenbrau]
- ^ [1-30] Bound for Kharanos
- ^Ask CDev #2
- ^"Doc" Cogspin,Holdout Medic,North Fleet Medic,Chief Surgeon Gashweld
- ^World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 150
- ^World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 114
- ^Wolfheart, chapter 9
- ^World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 172
- ^The Old Wizard's Almanac
- ^The First Guardian
- ^ [10-30] Do Yourself a Favor
- ^abBlizzard Entertainment 2018-11-02. World of Warcraft: What's Next Panel Recap. Retrieved on 2019-04-09.
- ^Cork Stuttguard#Quotes
- ^Marvelous Martini#Quotes
- ^Height#Playable races
- ^Traveler: The Spiral Path, pg. 224
- ^Before the Storm, chapter 18
- ^abJaina Proudmoore: Tides of War, chapter 4
- ^ [50] The Legend of Mechagon
- ^Rosey Axlerod
- ^ [60P] Ally of the Tauren
- ^ [27D] The Day After
- ^Clint#Quotes
- ^World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 40
- ^Alliance & Horde Compendium, pg. 60
- ^abcWorld of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 40
- ^abAlliance Player's Guide, pg. 145
- ^Alliance & Horde Compendium, pg. 18
- ^World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 41
- ^World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 40 - 41
- ^Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 107
- ^Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 12
- ^Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 101
- ^Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 100
- ^ [Tuft of Gnome Hair]
- ^Cut Short, pg. 6, 7
- ^Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War, chapter 12
- ^http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/faq/races.html
- ^Johnny Cash on Twitter (2023-02-03). Retrieved on 2023-02-04. “I voice the 'Male Gnome Young', so like a solid 1/8th of all gnome characters in the game across all of WoW. Which makes me very happy because gnomes always have been and always will be the best race and I am so proud to continue to be a part of their legacy via my bad acting.”
- ^WoW Source: Patch 5.4 Developer Round Table
- ^Game Informer #308: Reforging Real-time Strategy, pg. 57
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