The Catastrophic Failure of Gnomes in Warcraft 

Mekkatorque's voice is a brillint artistic decision.

“Here’s a statement from arthas menethil on the matter” “P U R G E”

My head canon is now that Gnomes and Dwarves forged perhaps the strongest bond on Azeroth because of a mutual love of big badonk-a-donk.

When Mekkatorque spoke in the true chad voice, I just laughed at how good it was

Reminder we beat Sargeras before we dealt with the troggs in Gnomeregan.

I recall from one of the books that the Gnome made a fully automatic crossbow that could shoot a ridiculous amount of arrows of minute in every direction. The only problems were that they couldn't stop it when it started and it went in EVERY direction.

Ha. The shortstory sure made it look way more badass.

8:13 That goblin with gnomish mask had me dying.

The lore I didn't know I needed

I have to admit. Most the time the lore is improved with your retellings. WoW really needs a shakeup from the direction it went with shadowlands.

0:46 the music of Warcraft 3 and early World of Warcraft was so epic it was like a rush of epicness and lore, just made the world feel so epic and ancient.

"Gnomish Culture is about forward thinking, but this is just a fancy way of saying the Gnomes don't really have any backstories." Still a better backstory than the playable Mecha-Gnomes.

That voice acting was actually super good wtf

The more lore I see on the history of many races etc Im saying my usual "What wasted potential... if only somebody took the time to flesh this out"

5:43 Not sure, if this scene is a tribute to MadSeasonShow, but it is much appreciated.^^

6:24 This is easily the funniest part of Chronicle. It cuts from Arthas Menethil killing his own father in cold blood and unleashing the Scourge onto the kingdom he swore to protect to, "Meanwhile the gnomes are dealing with a Trogg infestation"

That keyboard turn to the second camera at 6:28 cracks me up. It's not even reasonable how funny that is

3:09 this frame is the best thing you have ever made

I was blown away by the sections in Chronicle that detail the Trogg Invasion/ Thermaplugg Betrayal. I had the same reaction as you upon finding out that 80% of Gnomanity was wiped out. Another interesting part for me was how Mekkatorque refused to ask Stormwind/Ironforge for help, or even tell them about the trogg problem. He recognized that humans/dwarves were also in a pretty desperate position fighting the Horde in the Second War. With this act, Mekkatorque puts the honor, humility, pride and arrogance of Gnomanity on full display. His outright refusal to be perceived as a burden to the newly formed Alliance causes a previously obscured duality in his character to emerge. On one hand, this strong sense of conviction results in tragedy. When faced with several options, Mekkatorque’s dogmatic adherence to his principles leads to a decision wherein he chooses his own personal values, goals and vision over gnomish lives. Who knows … maybe the Alliance could have made a real difference - or perhaps, already stretched too thin by the war with the Horde, and more still, distracted by new whispers of a mysterious plague of undeath, the Alliance would have proved incapable of turning the tide in favor of the gnomes. We typically observe the use of similar kinds of thought experiments, or "what if …" discussions, in educational contexts. For example, let's say a history teacher assigns a persuasive essay assignment. In order to receive a high grade, students are tasked with applying their existing content knowledge to an entirely new hypothetical scenario. The prompt is deliberately designed to reinforce students' understanding of the actual history itself, but in addition, give them an opportunity to engage with history in a creative and meaningful way. This form of assessment is a compelling alternative to the traditional approach. In that model, there usually is a heavy emphasis on the memorization and regurgitation - not the application - of information. But I digress, as many WoW adversaries would say when they get to 10% HP … "ENOUGH!" I simply bring this up with the pure intention of showing how insightful or resourceful these sorts of mental exercises can be. However, in this particular instance, they're completely worthless and your prediction of how the Invasion of Gnomergan would have played out is entirely irrelevant! The crossroads of destiny were thrust upon Mekkatorque, and without the option to quick-save or go to Thottbot, he didn't have the luxury of knowing how both scenarios would end. Ultimately, he chose to forgo the exercise entirely - not only just refusing to ask the Alliance for reinforcements, food, medical supplies or anything else that could have saved gnomish lives - Mekkatorque doesn't even notify them of what is happening. Other Alliance leaders don't truly know the full extent of the Trogg Invasion/Thermaplugg Betrayal (Platinum is absolutely right - can it still even be considered a betrayal coming from a guy named Sicco?) till many years later. Highlighting the fruitlessness of applying this specific hypothetical experiment during this time/place in the High Tinkerer's life can be useful when attempting to defend his actions, as most would assume that a leader such as Gelbin shouldn't act in service of interests that lead to more civilian lives lost. Alas, the first side of Mekkatorque's duality is thus revealed. In a manner eerily reminiscent of a certain young Prince of Lordaeron, Mekkatorque places the survival of Gnomanity square on his shoulders. The weight of the dead - heavy, unmoving and cannibalizing - feast off his own troubled conscious and prey upon his doubts, fears, guilts and insecurities. Pride and arrogance, in combination with an unbreakable sense of purpose and responsibility to save his people, inevitably lead Mekkatorque to brazenly and deliberately ignore a potential solution to the crisis and further increase the chances that the gnomes become just another statistic. The latest culture to fall victim to the Azerothian Common Cold - also known as genocide. To learn more about this growing epidemic, please see night elves, blood elves, draenei, etc. for more information. Yet, in spite of the above analysis, when you look at Mekkatorque’s behavior through the lens of his motivations and intent, rather than through the consequences of his actions, the story suddenly becomes less about a callous leader, and more about an inspiring one. Mekkatorque offers a vision - a sense of direction and hope - that restores a semblance of confidence and optimism to his people. While gnomes are naturally blessed with a preponderance of jovial tendencies, Mekkatorque’s ability to inspire and lead are still pretty impressive here. Considering the onslaught of violence, death and betrayal the gnomes had just recently suffered, this turn back towards their trademark enthusiasm and positivity lends credence to Mekkatorque’s competencies as High Tinkerer. In addition, Mekkatorque’s stalwart rejection of pervasive stereotypes - namely the assumptions that gnomes are weak, cowardly or just simply too ridiculous to be taken seriously - highlights his desire to secure the future well-being, reputation, power and position of gnomish society in a world soon to be dominated by the necessity of having strong allies in the face of rampant factionalism and of course … Warcraft. Like Frodo, Mekkatorque makes us believe that anyone is capable of heroism. His unrivaled genius, creativity and determination make his lack of physical strength, as well as the glaringly obvious vertical limitations, complete non-factors. You might think twice about messing with a gnome if you witnessed Mekkatorque and his famous mech-suit on the battlefield! Gelbin’s inventions were so far beyond what any contemporary was doing at the time that many mistook his science for magic. Through tinkering, Mekkatorque challenged the very nature of reality itself and forced people to expand their previous conceptions of what science and technology were capable of. Lastly, I would be remiss to not mention the context underlying the construction of the Deeprun Tram. Mekkatorque somehow manages to build and complete this thing at the same time Gnomergan is being overrun by irradiated troggs and a genocidal maniac. So, Mekkatorque and the gnomes gift dwarves/humans an incredibly advanced public/military transportation system that becomes a vital component of the Alliance war effort in the Second War. Further, we all know how to enjoy the benefits of the Deeprun Tram today. Considering this background information, did Mekkatorque think he was owed anything in return for this fantastic favor? Also, keep in mind why the troggs suddenly appeared out of nowhere in the first place - I suppose they should have known that dwarves love to delve too greedily and too deep. The answer to the question? Of course not, the guy didn't demand anything nor did he assume a return on investment once the Alliance had recovered from the Second War. Free of charge, pro-bono, just another example of Gelbin being Gelbin! The completion of the Deeprun Tram was downright inspirational in light of this context/circumstances. Time and again, Mekkatorque was proving that even in Gnomanity’s darkest hour, the rays of its brightest son could still pierce through the veil of depravity and suffering that had suffocated gnomish existence for far too long. With eyes ever forward, Mekkatorque boldly forges a new path forward for his people. P.S. Wow, suppose I get why they say the tale often grows in the telling … Jesus Christ … P.S.S. For the reasons enumerated above, Mekkatorque is an all-time Warcraft character for me. I’ve observed that Gnomes sort of have a mixed perception in the community , it seems like people either love them or they hate them. I think if everyone knew the story provided above, they’d come to appreciate gnomes at least a little bit more. P.S.S.S. Love the channel, always get excited when a new vid comes out. #Gnomergan4LYF3 #MekkaGOAT

"Enjoy your remaining time in jail, my friend. Your sentence is almost over." Wow, I didn't know the Blizzard team could still write good dialogue.

I started playing retail again, doing all the zones and reading all the quests, just listening to the music. Its a really good singleplayer game.

Can you imagine if Platinum ends making story telling of anything in his style? Man, I would learn the "Lore" of the Rome Empire better if Platinum was the one teaching me. Just using WoW models as representation. Make Julius Caesar be a troll model, then surrounded and murderized by 10 murlocs.

2:30 *Perfect BROMANCE Doesn't Exi---- !*

The Tauren and the Gnomes are my two favorite races in WoW. Getting to watch their lore videos back to back has been a joy

5:42 I KNOW THAT SULFURAS-WEILDING WARRIOR !!

Mekkatorque's voice literally killed me. 11/10 top shelf kek

I love how the orcs were massacring humans across the world but then they get absolutely rekked by the gnomes

The memories I got when the camera pans over dun morogh at 0:55 lmao. I use to exclusively make gnomes and dwarves on my old trial account just because i loved questing through there so much

Love how you’ve been making lore videos for each of the races. Keep up the good work man!

A fine addition to my platinum WoW video collection

Gnomes just focusing on the future and ignoring the past makes Chromie choosing a gnome appearance kind of ironic now. Also I never played gnome but I think they are adorable and, as a fellow shorty (149 cm), I would never EVER punt them. A nice perfect good AWESOME video as always. Love from Argentina, Plat 🇦🇷

Literally can't describe how excited I get when I see you upload. Quit WoW for the state it's in but still love the lore, this account keeps it going!

I feel like gnomes havent gotten much love from WOW since it started. Several expansions and world ending bosses later, the gnomes still hasnt retaken Gnomeragan. The devs should at least give them an expansion to make up for it!

Gnomes, that race who if they were alone at a Dwemer City known as the Halls of the Colossus at elsweyr, they would delete themselves trying to recreate the Numidium.

I don't even play wow, and still went "god fucking dammit" when it cut to the maw. I don't even know why.

The Gnomes and Dwarves of Warcraft having one of the tightest *"bromances"* (do in part because of a mutual love of "booty"..) in the setting is just so wholesome and great. It is a shame that side of the lore (gnome and dwarves relations) gets woefully neglected in favor of some *'new' (ha!),* repainted apocalyptic threats trying to doom everything to destruction and or eternal torment!

"Pretend this is Azeroth" haha that got me so good. Your vids is allways so well made and super edited. that such a lazy/unfortunate mistake just seams like an obvious joke. Atleast to me

That news report bit got me crying from laughter. I couldn't stop laughing when Arthas just flashed on the screen and shouted "PURGE!". Thank you for the laughs, your sense of comedic timing is golden and I love your WoW videos so much!

Dude...that Mekkatorque line is fucking cold... Why don't we get more writing like that?

13:46 Sigma Rule #673: Leave your arch nemesis to suffer in eternal torment

love you plat, thanks for another video. got a 5 hour swim meet later today so this will help me relax before it.

There is one important lore missed here. It is actual a female gnome that can be considered the "mother" of the dwarves. Ulduman use to house the Earthen(who were affected by the curse of flesh and was put in statics with the hope of being cured later). Mechagnomes took care of them(who all ended up dead/broken due to age) only one female mechagnome(affected by the curse) survived. When she got old she decided to release the Earthen as oppose to letting then up with no one to care for them/end up dead. Thus the first dwarves came into Azeroth.

Lepper Gnomes = Forsaken's Mini-Me

Ok i lost it at the gnomes firing the automatic machine guns to the horde great video man

PURGE!

Everytime I see a gnome I just picture Moocluck and Nixxiom sending it flying through the air in some kind of best gnome kicking tournament xD

They really should expand more on Gnomish history and lore, as well as enrich some of it's more lacking existing parts. Though admittedly, Blizzard and the dev team behind WoW have much bigger problems to deal with right now than the lackluster gnomish lore and history.

12:55 Fun fact: Sicco is one "c" extra from "Sico", which is a condoms brand in certain countries in the world. Much love indeed.

I quit playing WoW, but I still love your content, keep doing great work. Love the history of the gnomes!

Would it be possible for you to do a video about the ancient Arakkoan 'Apexis' civilisation of Outland (Draenor)? Would love for people to see the story of their old empire, it's culture, history and brilliance in the awesome format that you always do your lore videos in! The Anhar, the Skalax and the downfall of the empire, post Breakers vs. Primals war. Awesome vid, as always, Plat! Keep up the awesome work!

That *PURGE* from prince Arthas broke me. 😂

What a curs- I mean, *blessed* thumbnail.

This actually makes me want to play a gnome

You should totally do one of these style videos for the real humans of earth

And the Alliance haven't helped the poor gnomes in reclaiming their city yet after all these years.

dude i FRICKING love your videos, keep the excellent work!

The Goblin wearing a Gnome mask is a beautiful touch.

So players kill Thermaplugg once, gets retconned. Players try again in a big event, it fails. Then an NPC kills him in some random short story nobody read. Sounds like WoW storytelling alright.

I find it funny that one of the advisors, was a goblin with a gnome mask in the video.

The production effort put into your videos, is honest truth, the highest I have witnessed, great job!

im watching all your lore vids, and i really like the way you present them, its entertaining!

5:42 Is that... Is that MadSeason?

Goblin on the council! I repeat, goblin on the council! Get em outta here!

0:46 Bellular flashbacks

11:10 and everybody cheered together

I am legally required to say that I can’t wait for bald man to react to this. But seriously, great video as always! The animations, voice work, everything are excellent!

8:16 Hey, that’s a green gnome!

I've been looking forward to this.

This channel is single handedly reviving my will to play this game. God bless you. I finally-FINALLY- UNDERSTAND THE LORE.

But have you ever played a gnome monk? Hilarious and super fun. This coming from a horde player

Every video you make surpasses the previous one. I especially love all the history and lore. Thanks for all the work and love you put into these. It shows, and makes each video a treasure.

I dont know why but I laughed for a solid hour from that Arthus bit.

Platinum Wow lore videos > any other Wow lore videos

The Goofy scream is just timeless! 😆

11:15 this is what i call great pest control. good work

I would have liked to know who Omegaplugg is. You know, the hidden boss when you press the little button after killing Thermaplugg

Dwarven Siege Tank Made by Gnomes Didn't see that coming.

For anyone confused as to why Thermaplugg points at his legs and says "My legs are in that half", he's supposed to be in a big mech and Mekkatorque cuts him in two with (what I assume to be) a high-speed spring.

You've been gnomed

You had me at "very puntable."

Mechagnomes -> Gnomes -> Mechagnomes (BfA) Gnomes: *Ah Sh1T, Here We Go Again!* ( Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, 2004 )

How come youtube's algo took so long to recommend this channel ! Awesome work, thank you for the quality content

This was hilarious. People never get why I play gnomes-this is it. Their lore is so intriguing.

11:06 basically me on every math test

You are the best wow youtuber out there right now, hands down. Nobbel, I'm sorry but no king rules forever my son

"Calm down, i'm a doctor...everyone panic!!" LUL

Only started getting into WoW lore now and from what I'm hearing the Trolls and the Gnomes have the exact same backstory of their leader's friend going insane and driving them from their lands just so classic Blizzard could justify giving them the same start zone as another race.

8:10 Sicco: "That bird looks suspicious. We should observe him."

Wow, last time I was this early to a platinum video, the US was still in Afghanistan.

"Here's a statement from Arthas Menethil on the matter." "PURGE"

With the end of Wow content from folks like MadseasonShow & Carbot, I'm glad to see Platinum going strong. Not much interest in WoW these days, but your content always rekindles an interest in a universe I once called home!

The masked goblin got me good

My toppets race to play, have one of them in every class. Even Blizzard know they’re the best. Literally any time they arrive on the scene, they just win. From their arrival in the Siege of Orgrimmar where a mere 11 of them incapacitated a legion of Kor’kron without a single casualty on either side, to Mekkatorque fighting alongside Varian on the Broken Shore with his mech suit letting him multitask calling in a gunship while simultaneously shooting a demon in the face and laughing about it, to the raid on the Undercity where the Horde forces were ready to hold the line before Void Elves just summoned in a bunch of Gnomes and their artillery which was the absolute turning point of the battle that forced the Horde into a full retreat. They knew Gnomes were so overpowered that they had to cripple them mentally by making Mekkatorque a boss in the Siege of Dazar’alor that didn’t even kill him, just took him out of action for a long while. Suddenly collective Gnomes are too demoralised to take part in major events afterwards. I can’t wait for Yrel’s Lightforged to make an appearance and force submission to the light on people with all that Lightforged weaponry and technology they apparently have. Then the Gnomes can whip out superior Gnomish technology and win. Or bullshit can happen to just not have them on the scene, despite technical superiority.

"The plan to save Gnomeragan was just crazy enough to work" "Step one....Collect Underpants"

2:21 That rhymed.

200k subs?! Wow, well deserved, been following you since classic was announced! Congratulations!

“They’re a comic relief race with little development since” oof, my Pandaren feels that too

Damn exellent to watch inb4 going into the SoD raid

I am a troll who learns goblin engineering but I still find the tech and the lore of the gnomes interesting. I remember the first time when me and my family completed Gnomeregan, it was weird how every gnome here had leprosy and mechanical limbs.

Loved the sequence with the series of opening doors, well-done transition.