This past week Tyrman “Mad Dog” Bladebreaker hosted a team of gnomes in preparation for the coming Roleplay sessions involving “Subject 17”: a rogue robot within the Deeprun Tram. G4 Members Fireloose, Even, Tiffel, and Candykettle attended and helped Tyrman test a new dice rolling system for use in future roleplay events! Read on to enjoy the tale:
“Subject 17” Training Session
Written by Tyrman Bladebreaker
Midday in New Tinkertown is always a bustle of activity. The small and energetic gnomes of Gnomeregan come and go from the various homes and shops settled outside the shadow of the slowly recovering mechanical wondrous city. Each one doing their part to help cleanse in hopes to return. Tyrman Bladebreaker donated his time multiple times helping the Gnomeregan Infantry with patrols and of course protecting their borders. The bawler met up with Drill Sergeant Steamcrank to set up a few self-defensive training targets to test his team. Later, he would speak with Nevin Twistwrench, S.A.F.E. Commander, for a surprise encounter.
After reading the escalating reports coming from the Deeprun Tram, the brawler decided to open an investigation on a possible mechanical threat called, “Subject 17”. The earliest reports state it was created to quickly deal with the rodents who threatened the gnomish workers building the tramway from Ironforge to Stormwind. After an unfortunate incident, Subject 17’s directive switched to eliminate every living thing but rats. An entire team of excavators and engineers were wiped out and the rogue robot was never recovered.
For years missing persons grew as more bravely or foolishly explored the tunnels. Could it be Subject 17? Tyrman wished to know. But before he would go into the tunnels, he needs to be sure his team is ready for anything and to test their might and wits.
The first to arrive to the training session was Zeppit Fireloose. Half gnome, half imp; the hybrid was easily spotted with his bright orange and red contrasting against the white backdrop of Dun Morogh. Along with his large imposing flaming horns and eyes, he carried a large exotic scythe on his back engulfed in a grim red flame. Snowflakes would quietly sizzle as they lazily drift onto the elemental hunter. Many of the nearby gnomes would give him a wide berth, out of uncertainty or fear was unclear. To Tyrman however, he welcomed warmly. There was a time the demonic side of the hunter would have been met with hostility, no thanks to the Legion. But Zeppit meant well and wished to learn more of his gnomish heritage.
Next were Even Sharpspring and Tiffel Tincollar. A recovering gambler, Even arrived with a sweet smile and determination to help. At her side was a newcomer to these lands. The mechagnome was curious about her cousins and their strange un-mechanized ways. Their technology similar yet different in applications. Tyrman, as did many of the gnomes around New Tinkertown, was very interested in how she operated. Tiffel’s rotating blades at her sides and mechanical parts were impressive looking. He wasn’t concerned with her performance as he was with her companion, Even. The brunette didn’t have any weapons on her as far as he could tell.
Gathering the group together, Tyrman led them to a small clearing with several targets lined up, side by side. Three of them wield a standard wooden sword and shield while one however didn’t.
Tiffel would take a moment to scan each threat while waiting for the others to take a turn. Even, to Tyrman’s surprise, quickly dispatches the first target. Shattering a blade wielding dummy with nothing but her tiny fist. Zeppit would approach and make a wide sweeping strike, slicing a clean cut and burning the wood.
Feeling pumped, the brawler would ready his twin short swords and charge in. However, the reckless gnome made a miscalculation and trips! Falling into a heap of snow just short of the odd training target. The dummy flared to life and unleashed a flaming torrent onto the fallen Tyrman! He rolls in the snow to reduce the burns. In response, the team mobilized and quickly dispatches the flame spouting threat along with the remaining target.
After helping him up and dusting off the snow, Agent Sophia Candykettle arrived. The bubbly monk was discouraged she missed the training session. Completely geared in her combat leathers, the raven-haired gnome wore a blindfold to match. However, Tyrman had another scenario and surprise for the group. Already familiar with Sophia’s abilities from her time within his organization of gnomish defenders, Omega Squad, Tyr knew she would be needed for the conflict to come.
Leading them to a clearing nearby, the team could feel a rumble beneath their feet. A mound of ominous snow moved near the edge of the tree line a few hundred yards from them. Their curiosity was satisfied as an experimental digger bot bursts from the snow.
A broad grin spreads across Tyrman’s face as he gives the order to take it out. There was no hesitation and the gnomes immediately jump to action. Sophia flew as her Chi bound her with force toward it, Zeppit’s burning strikes easily melt through its tough armor plates. Tiffel made calculated cuts and stabs through weakened points. Tyr leaps onto the back of the robot and rips out any exposed wiring to shut it down. The digger bot tried to hit any of them with its large twin spinning drills.
As Even tried to cripple the machine with her devastating punches, it responds with a powerful kick. Sending the gnome soaring away from the fight. Meanwhile as it took more damage, a smaller bot ejected from it’s back. The small helmet like machine quickly scurried away and readies a small barrel to unleash a torrent of bullets onto the team! Even and Zeppit unfortunately were hit, causing a chain reaction within the group.
Sophia quickly rushed to the hybrid’s aid, channeling her Chi to soothe and close his wounds. Tiffel bounds to her companion’s side to bind her injuries as Even also used her magics to heal herself. While the digger machine was attempting to tunnel away, Tyrman leaps off to quickly dispatch the small bot firing upon the group. Crunching the frail yet deadly bot with nothing but the force of his weight.
Following the trail of seeping black oil, Sophia once again called upon her Chi to make a final strike on the digger machine before it would breach from the snow. Punching the ground above it, the robot finally shut down from the invisible force. A rotating drill slowly stops rotating as it jutted from the mound.
The team was victorious and Tyrman was impressed. He knew he could count on these gnomes to delve into the dark Deeprun Tram ways to find Subject 17. For now, the group would look after one another before departing. Tyr had much to explain to the S.A.F.E. Commander as G4 effectively demolished their machine.