World of Warcraft
Goblins in World of Warcraft can often be described as being prone to causing explosions, scams, and ruthless greed instincts. The legacy of Trade Prince Gallywix left a permanent stain on the Bilgewater Cartel. Not all goblins are completely blinded by gold. Enter Monte Gazlowe.
He is a master engineer, a brilliant tactician, and a businessman who understands the value of a loyal workforce. From managing a small neutral port town to becoming the Trade Prince (leader) of the Bilgewater Cartel, Gazlowe’s rise to power proves that a goblin can be profitable without being a total douche.
The Blueprint of an Honorable Goblin
Gazlowe’s story starts in the dirt and the heat of the Barrens. Veteran players will remember him as the Chief Engineer of Ratchet, a neutral Steamwheedle Cartel port city.
His relationship with the Horde goes all the way back to Warcraft III. When Thrall led the Orcs to Kalimdor to establish a new home, it was Gazlowe who provided the engineering expertise and resources to help build the mighty city of Orgrimmar. He remained officially neutral, charging Thrall for his services, but a deep, mutual respect was formed. Gazlowe was a businessman, but he was one who actually delivered on his promises and stood by those he did business with.
A Reliable Contractor: Gazlowe Builds Garrisons
Whenever the Horde needed serious infrastructure, Gazlowe was the man they called. When Deathwing shattered the world during the Cataclysm, it was Gazlowe who rebuilt Orgrimmar, reinforcing its walls with heavy black iron and steel, turning the city into an impenetrable fortress.
His true moment to shine as a military contractor came during the Warlords of Draenor expansion. When the Horde expedition came into the savage alternate universe of Draenor, Gazlowe was appointed as the chief architect of the Frostwall Garrison for the players. He worked right alongside the troops as a foreman. Unlike other goblin bosses who treated their workers as disposable meat shields, Gazlowe actively paid for rescue operations when his crew was captured, stating that dead workers can’t finish a job.
Mechagon Expedition and Rise of the Trade Prince, Gazlowe
Gazlowe’s reputation as Azeroth’s premier engineer was fully cemented during the Battle for Azeroth expansion. While Gallywix was busy profiting off a world war, Gazlowe led the Horde’s expedition to the lost mechanical island of Mechagon. He proved that his intellect could rival even the hyper-advanced mechagnomes. Interestingly, he formed a respectful rivalry with the Alliance’s Tinkmaster Overspark. Instead of pure bloodshed, their conflict was a competition of minds and machinery. This expedition proved once again that Gazlowe valued innovation, hard work, and discovery over petty faction wars.
Gazlowe watched from the sidelines during his expedition on the island of Mechagon as Jastor Gallywix dragged the Bilgewater Cartel into unnecessary wars and horrific exploitation. When Sylvanas Windrunner betrayed the Horde and Gallywix cowardly fled the city, the goblins were left leaderless and fractured.
The Horde leadership, particularly Thrall, knew exactly who to call. They needed someone the goblins respected, but also someone the Horde could trust. Gazlowe stepped up and officially left the neutrality of the Steamwheedle Cartel and became the new Trade Prince of the Bilgewater goblins. He immediately began introducing radical concepts to goblin society: fair contracts, hazard pay, and actual worker rights.
The War Within and Honor Among Goblins
Gazlowe’s leadership was put to the test during The War Within expansion. When it was revealed that the disgraced ex-Trade Prince Gallywix was trying to violently take over the subterranean goblin capital of Undermine with the Venture Company, Gazlowe quickly took matters into his own hands.
He led the Bilgewater forces down into the depths, spearheading the Liberation of Undermine, fighting for the soul of the goblin race. He proved himself as the leader of the Cartel once and for all, and that true power comes from building things up, not tearing people down.
Personal Thoughts on Gazlowe
I hadn’t given much thought about Gazlowe at all as he was always a faint side character in the story, appearing here and there. I know him mostly from Heroes of the Storm MOBA Blizzard released and let go of (what a waste). I used to play it a lot when it came out and Gazlowe was one of my favorite heroes.
Thinking about it, Gazlowe operates outside of generic Goblin mentality. In my opinion, he possesses the wit of a Goblin combined with the honor of an Orc. This makes him a unique blend and a suitable leader among the Horde council. His past going back to the roots of Warcraft III also makes him trustworthy unlike most of his brethren. I can safely say that the Horde is honored to have such a good and well built character among its ranks.
