operation-gnomeregan
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Leader short stories continue with Gelbin Mekkatorque: Cut Short
The gnomes have not had it good over the last 6 years of World of Warcraft. Their home was irradiated and infested with Troggs at the hands of the traitorous Thermaplug. Gnomes were forced into hiding and shelter in the dwarven capital of Ironforge. Even during Operation: Gnomeregan, the plot to reclaim the city for its rightful denizens, gnomes only met with a modicum of success. Gnomes have had it rough. The newest leader short story in Blizzard's series of behind-the-leader lore details Gelbin Mekkatorque, the High Tinker of the gnomes of Gnomeregan. Written by Cameron Dayton, Gelbin Mekkatorque: Cut Short details the High Tinker's fight for Gnomeregan against traitor Sicco Thermaplug, as well as Mekkatorque's coming to terms with his anger and frustration over his people's plight. We are finally treated to some back story about the gnomish leader and his emotional response to his city falling and his people dying, his place in the Alliance of the Eastern Kingdoms, and the resolution to Operation: Gnomeregan. As the battle for Gnomeregan continues to be fought, Mekkatorque finds his way back to his old study, where his memories and introspection begin. His thoughts hit topics ranging from the election of gnomish leaders, Gelbin's first Alliance operation in the Second War against the Horde, and the inconceivable notion that Thermaplug, a gnome himself, would bring about such horrible destruction on his own people.
WoW Moviewatch: Operation Gnomeregan
With the release of patch 4.0.1, Operation Gnomeregan is no longer with us. But you can remember the event forever with Operation Gnomeregan by Cryssy and featuring Wick. The graphics in this video were pretty impressive to me. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but they flowed much more smoothly than I had anticipated. The lens flare seemed a little strong to me in places, but the effect definitely conveyed a sense of technology and struggle. The vocals were also strong and showcased some nice expansion in Cryssy's skills. I look forward to seeing what comes next. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an email at machinima@wow.com.
Operation: Gnomeregan and Zalazane's Fall events over
Blizzard just ended speculation that the two pre-Cataclysm world events for the gnomes and trolls, Operation: Gnomeregan and Zalazane's Fall respectively, have entered "stage 2" and are no longer available for players to complete. Here is the official blue response: Re: Operation: Gnomeregan Quote: I don't see it in the 4.0.1 patch notes, but it's been in the 4.0.1 PTR. Is the next phase of Operation: Gnomeregan going live today as well? The next phase does start today, but it's a passive phase. There will not be anything for players to do outside of Gnomeregan, or on the Echo Isles, until the new bases of operation for gnomes and trolls are complete, and the new level 1-5 starting experience is added in patch 4.0.3. source If you missed either of these two events, it looks like you're out of luck. As mentioned, the new leveling experiences for trolls and gnomes is coming with patch 4.0.3. This is it! Patch 4.0.1 begins the slide into December's upcoming expansion. It's a whole new game from here on out. Get oriented with our roundup of everything there is to know about patch 4.0.1 and how it changes the game until the launch of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm.
The OverAchiever: Do them now!
Every Thursday, The Overachiever shows you how to work toward those sweet achievement points. This week, it's time to get a move on. We've had some recent news concerning achievements in categories we've already covered, and my original intent this week was to play catch-up with that in addition to finishing off the new reputation, world event, and feat of strength achievements in Cataclysm. However, given equally recent news concerning achievements that are set to become feats (and may do so as early as patch 4.0.1), I thought it would be more sensible to cover the stuff that you'd want to do as soon as possible before it disappears. I've cross-checked the list of known Cataclysm feats of strength against the feats already present in game, and as far as I know, this should be a comprehensive set of current Wrath of the Lich King achievements that will become inaccessible as of patch 4.0.1, patch 4.0.3, or Cataclysm's release (or at least, a comprehensive list as of the current beta and PTR builds). I've written this list assuming the following: Although it hasn't been officially confirmed that all of these will disappear in patch 4.0.1 or 4.0.3 rather than the expansion itself, for the time being, I'm guessing it's one of the two patches you need to worry about. With the recent announcement of arena Season 8 ending on Oct. 12, 4.0.1 may hit in less than two weeks. Zarhym's post just made it clear that the season could end as early as the 12th, not that it definitely would, and there's still a lot of stuff to fix on the PTR and beta -- but every Tuesday from hereon is a potential patch day. Accepting Oct. 5 or 12 as possible patch dates, I've included an opinion on the feasibility of getting the following achievements done as quickly as possible.
Cataclysm Beta: Welcome to New Tinkertown
Fresh off the heels of Operation: Gnomeregan, Blizzard has published a web reveal of New Tinkertown. High Tinker Mekkatorque and the gnomish forces have seized control of an area on the surface just outside of Gnomeregan and have started efforts in retaking their city. Mekkatorque will ask you to complete new missions like rescuing gnomes and routing troggs, with the main goal of stopping Razlo Crushcog. New Tinkertown is the new level 1-5 leveling zone for gnomes. While the quests and the content have been on beta for a while now, you can read more about the official details after the jump.
Know Your Lore: Gnome priests and the failure of the flesh
The World of Warcraft is an expansive universe. You're playing the game, you're fighting the bosses, you know the how -- but do you know the why? Each week, Matthew Rossi and Anne Stickney make sure you Know Your Lore by covering the history of the story behind World of Warcraft. In the however many years I've been playing World of Warcraft, there has always been one constant that has stayed popular opinion since the games launch: Gnomes. People hate gnomes, for whatever reason they use to justify it. I've heard every excuse in the book from "They're short" to "They're so cheery and annoying," but none of the reasons have any real meaning behind them -- it's just popular opinion. The other side of the equation are the people that love gnomes and think they're the best thing since sliced bread, and will not tolerate any disparaging remarks about this tiny and affable race. With Cataclysm's launch comes a new class for the gnomish race -- gnomes will now be able to roll the priest class and heal right along with their Alliance brethren that have been doing this for years. By and large, gnome priests have already existed in some fashion -- Gnomeregan had the presence of a group of gnome "medics" that were healers. When you're dealing with a society that is constantly mid-invention that may or may not accidentally detonate, it's probably a good idea to have a medic or two on hand to patch people up. But these medics didn't really seem to follow the path of the Light, something that dwarves and humans have been using for years as a tool for healing. Gnomes, however, are very good at inventing -- so it may be that they simply found a way to utilize their creations to heal people, hence the medics. The gnome priest of Cataclysm is an entirely different creature, however -- these gnomes appear to use the Light just like their dwarven friends. There are two ways you can look at the gnome priest in Cataclysm -- the easy way, and the more difficult (yet in my mind, more entertaining) way. Since gnome medics already existed in Gnomeregan, and even now players on live servers are working to retake their irradiated home, you could simply assume that the gnome priests are medics that were rescued. Or we can look at gnomes and their past -- and how recent discoveries may be altering how they view their future in a big way.
Operation Gnomeregan and Zalazane's Fall events now available
Players who're able to log on after maintenance is over today will discover that the Operation Gnomeregan and Zalazane's Fall world events are now available! These are two of the introductory Cataclysm world events. Head to Kharanos in Dun Morogh or the Echo Isles in Durotar to take advantage of these limited-time experiences. To start the Echo Isles quests, you want to talk to Vanira, who is right next to Voljin in the Sen'jin village in Durotar. To start the Operation Gnomeregan quests, you want to talk to High Tinker Mekkatorque, who is located in the Tinker Town district of Ironforge. These quests are counting towards the Loremaster achievement. More information on the event: Official Gnomeregan and Echo Isles announcement and information Operation Echo Isles / Zalazane's Fall: Transcripts and details Operation Gnomeregan: Transcripts and details Echo Isles / Zalazane's Fall quest summary and gallery PrintWarcraft.com offers original WoW posters %Gallery-93811%
For Gnomeregan! Who's your daddy?
For Gnomeregan! is where the members of <B.L.O.G.> on Shadow Council (US-RP-A) roleplay guild meetings as part of an in-blog and in-game RP campaign. The rules for this campaign are no ERP (Erotic RolePlay) and no vampires (though death knights are welcome). Everyone is invited to participate. Assume that to get into the guild, you at least pretended to be in full use of your faculties and are willing to fight for the cause. You are all welcome to join us here in the comments and those who wish to play with us in-game should friend Peenk and ask for an invite on Shadow Council (US-RP-A). Hey! It's Peenk! Remember me? I'm toning down my dialect again so that I am more easily understood. I have been informed that leaders should try to ... ah whatever. BORING. Anyway, I'd like to know a bit about your families. Who are your parents? Are they alive? Do they support the cause? Do they support you? Where are they? Are these enough questions? Do you want more? How about beer? Yeah, I know you want that.
Zalazane's Fall official preview released
Many weeks ago we were given an Azeroth Bulletin about Operation Gnomeregan, the gnomes' imminent attempt to recapture their fallen city. Today, from the European community site, comes a preview for Zalazane's Fall. Vol'jin has put out a call to every man and woman capable of lifting a sword (or fireball) to assist him in retaking the Echo Isles. Embedded on the coast of Durotar, the tiny troll Village of Sen'jin is bursting with recent activity. In what some claim is a retort to the overblown assertions of the vertically-challenged High Tinker Mekkatorque, Troll Chieftain Vol'jin has announced his intention to "honor de ancestors 'n' take back da 'omeland, mon." The call has been given, and the scattered Darkspear tribe has begun to gather at the once-sleepy location. Now the primal rhythm of beating drums and strange clouds of acrid smoke drift aloft deep into the night, arguably a sign of celebration and preparation for an impending offensive. source Head on over to the official site for the full preview and the full, high-res version of the propaganda promotional poster above. It really is enormous. Fit to print, perhaps? In the inspiring words of glorious Vol'jin: "Zalazane will fall!"
Operation Gnomeregan and Zalazane's Fall available now on the PTR
Blizzard has big plans for gnomes and trolls, with brand new starting areas and questing experiences available for those races when Cataclysm launches. But before that can happen, they need your help! There are some awful baddies that've been crashing on their couches, and they've been kickin' around for far too long. But all that's about to change! With the upcoming Patch 3.3.5, new world events and quests will kick off that will allow players from their respective factions to help their allies reclaim Gnomeregan's surface and the Echo Isles. Players who want to test out the new quest lines and events need only log into the Public Test Realm starting today, Blizzard has announced. They want tons of participation and feedback to make these events fun and memorable, so copy your character over and hop to it! It's just embarrassing to let low-level mobs control your territory for four years. Help your buddies save face.
Know Your Lore: Current Alliance politics -- the gnomes
The World of Warcraft is an expansive universe. You're playing the game, you're fighting the bosses, you know the how, but do you know the why? Each week, Matthew Rossi and Anne Stickney make sure you Know Your Lore by covering the history of the story behind World of Warcraft. WARNING: The following post contains small spoilers for Wrath of the Lich King. Players who are still playing through the expansion and wish to avoid spoilers may want to avoid this post. In addition, theories behind the new Cataclysm race/class combinations will be discussed. Last time on Alliance politics we looked at the night elves, who have had arguably the largest impact on Azeroth of any race currently living, and a lengthy history, as their current leader has been in power for approximately 10,000 years. The night elves have an extensive amount of history to back up their current political stance, but today we're going to look at a race that doesn't really have a lot of history to speak of (or at least they didn't until the launch of Wrath of the Lich King): the gnomes. The gnomish race has been relatively low profile in World of Warcraft and in the Alliance in general. Friendly to everyone, regardless of faction, the gnomes are quite happy to teach engineering to anyone who will listen. They generally avoid conflict where they can and honestly the main reason they joined the Alliance wasn't due to their beliefs or any strong feelings, it was due to circumstances at the time. Let's take a quick look at the background of the gnomes and how the events in Wrath could potentially affect future political entanglements.
For Gnomeregan! Welcome to the first meeting of B.L.O.G.
For Gnomeregan! is where the members of <B.L.O.G.> on US Shadow Council-A roleplay guild meetings as part of an in-blog and in-game RP campaign. The rules for this campaign are: no ERP (Erotic RolePlay) and no vampires (though death knights are welcome). Everyone is invited to participate. Assume that to get into the guild, you at least pretended to be in full use of your faculties and are willing to fight for the cause. You are all welcome to join us here in the comments and those who wish to play with us in-game should friend Peenk and ask for an invite on US Shadow Council-A. Peenkerella "Peenk" Sparklebolt presides over our first meeting via the magic of guild chat. Hear ye! Hear ye! Or whatever. I don't know how to start these things. Ahem. Anyway. Welcome to B.L.O.G.! I'm glad you all could join us. As you know, we have created this guild specifically to train for Operation: Gnomeregan. The High Tinker himself authorized his representative to authorize us to form this training army. All races are invited to join, as long as they are willing to work for the cause of the gnome exiles. /sigh I'm not going to pretend. We all came here hoping to help and were told we weren't ready to join the official army. So we are training together in the hopes of being used in the coming offensive. Our personal goals right now should be to train our skills and work for people willing to help equip our army. Later, we will have organized drills to learn to fight together as a team. Our agenda for this, our first meeting, is to go around and introduce ourselves. I'll begin:
PTR character copy service active (Updated)
While we're unsure exactly for what, the Public Test Realm character copy function is currently up and running, but not yet active. Could be for the upcoming Echo Isles and Gnomeregan content, could be for the new Ruby Sanctum raid. We have no idea. It may not even mean anything at all. Of note: my particular character copies haven't been reset since the last PTR testing phase, giving me a grand total of one possible character copy to the PTR servers. You may be in a similar or worse boat. As always, when Blizzard provides more information about the status of the PTR, as well as its contents, we'll be sure to let you know. Until then, feel free to hammer the character copy server -- you were going to anyway. Update: MMO-Champion points out that instead of our normal Anasterian and Broxigar realms on the PTR realm list, we have Broxigar and BlizzCon Event. As Boubouille notes: "When was the last time Blizzard needed a server for BlizzCon?"
Operation: Gnomeregan Imminent
An Azeroth Bulletin has just been released announcing that Operation: Gnomeregan is imminent. High Tinker Mekkatorque wants you to join him in his fight to finally conquer Mekgineer Thermaplugg and his irradiated minions. "Victory begins in Tinker Town" and "every man, woman and child" is called upon to serve! The staging ground for the offensive will be at SteelGrill's Depot under the command of Captain Sparknozzle. There you will undergo Drill Sergeant Steamcrank's training. You will also be testing the Mechano-Tanks before they go to the front line. Then you will bomb the irradiation vents under the command of Pilot Muzzlesprock. All levels will be able to participate, whether by donating boar skins for siege pilot seats or helping to write the battle cry. But the actual offensive, when ready, will be limited to levels 75 and up, led by the High Tinker himself. For full details, read the Azeroth Bulletin.
Operation Gnomeregan: Transcripts and details
WARNING: This post is chock full of spoilers. Spoilers like you would not believe. If you'd like to be surprised about the Operation Gnomeregan and what is contained within, I wouldn't recommend continuing onward. If, however, you are clamoring for more information, read on! A lot of new sound bites have popped up in the latest PTR patch build for 3.3.3. After some digging, listening, and arranging, we've figured out the basic script of the Operation Gnomeregan event. There's a lot of good gnomish humor in there as well as an explanation of events to come. Please note that this is just an assembly of transcripts from all of the sound files put in what appears to be a proper order.
