Operation: Initiative

Operation: Initiative is the Gnomeregan Military operation kickstarted by the Shadows of Ashenvale Conflict. Its goal is to show the presence of the Nation of Gnomeregan in the eyes of the Alliance forces. The aim not only to give the gnomes greater representation among the Grand Alliance, but to secure the lands of their allies, and of their own Nation.

Prologue
When hearing of the conflict in Ashenvale, High Tinker Mekkatorque's cabinet was skeptical. The logistics of a conflict were strange. The people of Azeroth had just conquered the Legion, why would this strange new mineral start the Alliance-Horde War again?

With this, Gnomeregan sent a small task force to Ashenvale. About a dozen gnomes were teleported to Darnassus via Gnomeregan's magi, and made their way south to the forest.

The situation was worse than Gnomeregan could have expected. Upon arrival on June 5th, the task force saw the Alliance and Horde come to blows near Splintertree Post. The Gnomeregan Covert Operative Tixi Toxitorque grew fearful. Since arriving in Ashenvale, a chill went down her spine. Perhaps this was not a mere skirmish? Perhaps this was the start of a long, bloody war.

With the help of the void elf, Ranger Captain Arash Swordbane, a letter was teleported to the High Tinker's office. The imploration was clear: the task force needed the might of the Gnomeregan military in Ashenvale.

Upon the arrival of the letter, debate began immediately. The Council argued if their forces would be spread too thin in Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms. Nevertheless, the vote from the Council was on the side of the war effort in Kalimdor.

"Take the initiative!"
On June 6th, 405 G.C., High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque signed Operation: Initiative into action. Posters were plastered in New Tinkertown, telling the people of Gnomeregan to "Take the initiative!" and show the presence of the gnomes in the Alliance affairs.

With this Operation, the national budget was raised for military expenditures, and a force of three-hundred gnomes were sent to cross the Great Sea, and land in Ashenvale on June 8th.