Gaige and Deathtrap: Unraveling the Anarchy of a Borderlands Bond
Gaige, the Mechromancer from Borderlands 2, is known for her chaotic personality, technological prowess, and her inseparable bond with her robotic companion, Deathtrap. One of the most iconic aspects of playing Gaige is witnessing the sheer destructive power unleashed when she summons Deathtrap onto the battlefield. But what exactly does she say when she calls upon her metallic guardian? The most commonly quoted lines are:
- “Summoning Deathtrap by my command!”
- “Exterminate!”
- “To hell with the First Law!”
These phrases perfectly encapsulate Gaige’s rebellious spirit and her somewhat reckless approach to technology. The disregard for Isaac Asimov’s “First Law of Robotics” (a fictional rule preventing robots from harming humans) showcases her unique bond with Deathtrap, one where loyalty and destructive capabilities trump any programmed constraints. Other variations can occur depending on the specific circumstances and upgrades Gaige has equipped, but those are the core summoning phrases.
Decoding the Deathtrap Dynamic: A Closer Look
Gaige and Deathtrap are more than just a character and her pet; they represent a complex relationship built on shared experiences, mutual dependence, and a healthy dose of anarchy. Gaige’s dialogue when summoning Deathtrap is a window into this dynamic, revealing layers of her personality and her perspective on the world. The urgency and excitement in her voice during the summoning emphasize the reliance she has on Deathtrap to inflict damage and take enemies down.
The “First Law” and Gaige’s Philosophy
Gaige’s specific disregard for the “First Law” demonstrates her chaotic approach to technology. She isn’t interested in adhering to conventional rules or limitations, which is reflected in her Anarchy skill tree, which rewards risky and aggressive playstyles. Deathtrap is an extension of her personality, and she’s designed the robot to be as chaotic and unpredictable as she is.
More Than Just a Machine
The relationship isn’t purely utilitarian either. Gaige calls Deathtrap “Babe” and displays genuine affection, particularly in the Commander Lilith DLC for Borderlands 2. While the nature of their connection may be open to interpretation, it’s undeniable that they share a profound bond that goes beyond simple programming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gaige and Deathtrap
Here are some frequently asked questions about Gaige, Deathtrap, and their place in the Borderlands universe.
1. Why did Gaige cut off her arm?
Gaige cut off her arm and replaced it with a robotic arm of her own design because she believed it would improve her work efficiency and help her surpass her rival, Marcie Holloway. She thought it would be more productive to just build something to make her better, rather than studying and getting better the conventional route.
2. Is Gaige in love with Hammerlock?
According to some dialogue in the game, including lines from Mad Moxxi and during the Wedding Day Massacre DLC, Gaige seems to harbor a slight crush on Sir Hammerlock. However, it appears to be more of an admiration for his intelligence and gentlemanly demeanor rather than a deep romantic connection. She also has a close relationship with Axton, calling him “unparalleled stud”.
3. How old is Gaige in Borderlands 2?
Gaige is 18 years old in Borderlands 2, as confirmed by the developers. She is a high school student who lives with her divorced father.
4. How tall is Gaige in Borderlands 2?
Gaige is 5’3″ tall and weighs 92 lbs.
5. Is Gaige in love with Deathtrap?
While the nature of their relationship is up for interpretation, Gaige definitely displays a deep affection for Deathtrap. She calls him “Babe” and treats him as a close companion. It’s more of a familial love, and it is undeniable throughout much of the DLC.
6. How does Gaige’s Anarchy skill work?
The Anarchy skill tree is Gaige’s signature gameplay mechanic. It is a high-risk, high-reward playstyle where gaining stacks of “Anarchy” increases her gun damage at the cost of accuracy. This forces players to adapt to a more chaotic and unpredictable style of combat, emphasizing close-range engagements.
7. What are some of Deathtrap’s abilities?
Deathtrap has a variety of offensive and defensive abilities, including:
- Claw attacks: Basic melee attacks.
- Laser beams: Ranged energy attacks.
- Shields: Protective energy barriers.
- Nova blasts: Area-of-effect energy explosions.
- Upgrades: Can be upgraded with different skills to inflict fire, corrosive, shock, or slag damage.
8. What is the significance of Gaige being a Mechromancer?
The term “Mechromancer” refers to Gaige’s ability to control and manipulate machinery, specifically robots. It’s her unique skill set that allows her to summon and command Deathtrap, making her a formidable force on the battlefield.
9. What is the “First Law of Robotics”?
The “First Law of Robotics” is a set of fictional rules created by science fiction author Isaac Asimov. It states that a robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. Gaige’s disregard for this law highlights her rebellious nature and the unconventional relationship she has with Deathtrap.
10. What are some of Gaige’s other notable quotes?
Besides her Deathtrap summoning lines, Gaige has many memorable quotes, including:
- “Science isn’t about why, it’s about why not!”
- “I love robots! They’re, like, shiny and stuff.”
- “Eugh, people.”
11. How does Deathtrap scale in Borderlands 2?
Deathtrap’s stats and abilities scale with Gaige’s level and skill tree choices. As Gaige levels up, Deathtrap becomes more powerful and gains access to new skills, making him an increasingly effective combat companion.
12. Does Gaige appear in any other Borderlands games?
While Gaige is a playable character only in Borderlands 2, she does make appearances in other Borderlands media, including the Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary DLC for Borderlands 2 and as an NPC in Tales from the Borderlands.
13. What is the best way to build Gaige in Borderlands 2?
There are many different ways to build Gaige, depending on your playstyle. However, popular builds often focus on maximizing the Anarchy skill tree for high damage output or utilizing the Best Friends Forever tree to enhance Deathtrap’s abilities and survivability.
14. Is Gaige a difficult character to play in Borderlands 2?
Gaige can be a challenging character to master, especially when utilizing the Anarchy skill tree. However, her unique playstyle and powerful abilities make her a rewarding choice for players looking for a different Borderlands experience.
15. Does Gaige’s design have any real-world inspirations?
Gaige’s design is inspired by anime characters, steampunk aesthetics, and cyberpunk themes. Her robotic arm and chaotic personality reflect the themes of technological augmentation and societal rebellion that are common in these genres. The Games Learning Society, explores how these games and others can be used for learning and engagement. You can explore their research and resources at GamesLearningSociety.org.
In conclusion, Gaige’s summoning lines and her relationship with Deathtrap are integral to her character and gameplay experience. They represent her rebellious spirit, her technological prowess, and her unique bond with her robotic companion, making her one of the most memorable Vault Hunters in the Borderlands universe. Her personality comes alive every time she yells, “Summoning Deathtrap By my command! Exterminate! To hell with the First Law!”