The eccentric, often-brilliant Gnomes are one of the most underestimated races of the world. Their size, small even to a dwarf, has only fueled their obsession for experimentation with radical new technologies and constructing marvels of mind-bending engineering. Considering just how dangerous their work is, it's a wonder that any Gnomes have survived to proliferate.
Thriving within the wondrous techno-city of Gnomeregan, the Gnomes shared the resources of the forested Dun Morogh Peaks with their Dwarven cousins. The metal working skill of the Dwarves and the inventiveness of the Gnomes have worked hand in hand to aid the Alliance for years. The combined effort of the two races helped produce some of the most devastating weapons known today, including steam tanks and the ever popular (though a bit suicidal) gyrocopters.
The Gnomes served the Alliance well during the Second War, but strangely, they refused to send any personnel to aid their allies during the Burning Legion's recent invasion. Though their designs helped turn the tide against the Legion, the Dwarves and Humans were shocked by the Gnomes' decision to withhold their courageous troops and pilots.
When the war ended, the Alliance discovered the reason for the Gnomes' sudden withdrawal. Apparently, an ancient, barbaric menace 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. Though they fought valiantly to save their beloved city, but the city was lost.
Nearly half of the Gnomish race was wiped out during the fall of Gnomeregan. Those that survived fled to the safety of the Dwarves' stronghold of Ironforge. Committed once again to the Alliance's cause, the Gnomes spend their time devising strategies and weapons that will help them retake their ravaged city and build a brighter future for their people.
Gnomish Timeline
Though Humans and even Elves seem to headline most of the history within the Warcraft Universe, it was the on the back of gnomish engineering and creativity that they were able to achieve their victories.
Millions of Years Ago: The Titans bring order to Azeroth by defeating and imprisoning the Old Gods who inhabit the primordial world. The Titans then proceed to form Azeroth's physical features.
Hundreds of Thousands of Years Ago: The Titans create the species of life that will inhabit Azeroth. First among them are the dragons, followed later by the Kaldorei, dwarves, and others.
Thousands of Years Ago: Gnomes began to seperate from their Dwarven cousins, striking out to form their own communities.
-9,415: Much of the continent of Kalimdor is broken apart and smashed beneath the sea.
598: Warcraft: Orcs and Humans
599: Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness
601: WarCraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal
617: WarCraft III: Reign of Chaos - While not directly aiding the Alliance, gnomish flying machines and steam tanks help level the battle feild.
618: WarCraft III: The Frozen Throne - Unknown to the Alliance, the Gnomes were busy battling an invasion to their home city, Gnomeregan, which they eventually lost. The surviving Gnomes retreated to Ironforge vowing to reclaim their lost homeland.
621: World of WarCraft
