Summary of Mandalorian History and Culture

Origins and Early Beginnings

The Mandalorian culture is descended from the Taung, a near-human species hailing from Coruscant. The Taung were in the midst of intense fighting with the thirteen human nations of Coruscant known as the Battalions of Zhell, when a volcano erupted, wiping most of the humans out and blanketing Coruscant in a blanket of ash.

This war is document in the Dha Werda Verda, an epic poem detailing these events. Eventually, the hostile conditions drove the Taung to conquer and settle the planet that became the Mandalorian homeworld known as Mandalore around 7,000 years Before the Battle of Yavin (BBY) - all done by a warlord known as Mandalore the First. Mandalore the First established the Mandalorian Crusaders, who led these early campaigns as "crusades" in pursuit of honor and glory.

Establishing themselves under the name of Mandalorians, this group went on to conquer the neighboring worlds of Ordo, Gargon, and Shogun over a period of several thousand years. When they came to the world of Mandallia, the native Mandallian Giants repelled the invasion, and impressed by the Mandalorians' skill and finding common ground in their militaristic heritage, many joined and assimilated into the Mandalorian culture, going on to fight with the Taungs for many centuries following.

At around 4,000 BBY, the Mandalorians embarked on a new campaign of expansion. They fought a brutal war with the insectoid Nevoota, completely exterminating the species. This conflict led to the Mandalorian deification of war personified in the destroyer god Kad Ha'rangir who was engaged in constant battle with the sloth-god Arasuum, the personification of stagnation who tempted the clans to idle. The act of warfare became an act of worship to the destroyer god, and this religion/mythology would become the basis for the Mandalorian crusaders.

Great Sith War

Just before 4,000 BBY, the Mandalorian leader Mandalore the Indomitable led his crusaders to capture the world of Basilisk, defeating the natives and their Jedi relief force. As fruits of this campaign, the Mandalorians came into possession of the iconic Basilisk war droids of this time period.

The crusaders pressed on to the Deep Core, and prepared to invade the world of Empress Teta. The leader of the Krath, the group that controlled Empress Teta, was Sith Lord Ulic Qel-Droma. Qel-Droma challenged Mandalore to a duel, which the Mandalore lost - resulting him pledging fealty to him and his Master, Exar Kun - thus forming the first Mandalorian-Sith alliance. Several of Mandalore's supporters refused to recognize the Sith's authority.

Mandalore led his forces with the Sith in a quick capture of the Republic shipyards at Foroest. Using the captured fleet there, they launched a joint invasion of Coruscant. During the battle, Qel-Droma was betrayed by the Krath witch Aleema Keto and abandoned to the Jed - the battle was also a Republic victory. Mandalore journeyed to Yavin 4 and enlisted Exar Kun's help to free Qel-Droma, who then dealt with the traitor Keeto.

Then ordered to invade the world Onderon in which the Mandalorian Crusaders, mounted on their Basilisk War Droids, went toe to toe with the Onderon Beast Riders in a vicious aerial battle. The arrival of the Republic fleet in support of the Onderons, and the subsequent destruction of the Mandalorian carriers in orbit, forced Mandalore the Indomitable to order a retreat to the moon of Dxun, who's atmosphere was connected to Onderon's. Mandalore the Indomitable was shot down in transit, and crash-landed, stranded, on the hostile surface of Dxun. He fought against the wild beasts that intended to make prey of him, but lost. The rest of the Crusaders searched the jungles for their Mand'alor, but only found his mask - thus securing the succession for the next Mand'alor.

Mandalorians originated from the ancient Taung race. The early "Crusades" of the Mandalorians were derived from a worship for war deitified in the destroyer god Kad Ha'rangir. As time went on, and the original Taung dwindled in number, the Mandalorians swelled to include species from all over the galaxy, bound by a common culture centered around the Resol'nare - The Six Tenets all Mandalorians live by.

• Ba'jur - raising your children in the Mandalorian tradition, teaching them the Resol'nare and leading by example
  
• Beskar'gam - Wearing Mandalorian armor and maintaining its condition - beneath a buy'ce, or helmet, all Mandalorians appear the same, unifying the people despite physiological differences
  
• Ara'nov - All Mandalorians are required to know how to defend themselves, and receive combat training. Regardless of profession, philosophy, or gender, all Mandalorians must be capable of fighting.
  
• Aliit - Society is centered around the family unit - the clan. However, this is not just an emphasis on blood relations, as adoption is common and accepted. Merely, the clan is used as a base for all Mandalorians.
  
• Mando'a - Mandalorians come together by speaking Mando'a, a language that all members of the culture speak to unify themselves and express Mandalorian sentiments.
  
• Mand'alor - When a capable leader appears to lead the clans, it is all Mando'ade's sworn duty, the sons and daughters of Mandalore, to swear loyalty to the Mand'alor and place themselves under his leadership. A Mand'alor leads for life, or unless he otherwise loses his position.
  
  Mandalorians rigorously follow the Resol'nare, and the Six Tenets define the Mandalorian identity. One need only to follow these Six Tenets to be considered a Mandalorian. There is no importance in birthplace or "citizenship."
  
  Mandalorian society has traditionally been a meritocracy, in which a Mando'ad was gauged by his achievements. This has been skewed in recent times (see Sub-Factions).
  
  Mandalorians belong to clans, called aliits, headed by a chieftain called an Aliit'alor, who are chosen based on their wisdom. Loose cooperation between chieftains is usually the standard form of "government."
  
  All chieftains swear loyalty to the Mand'alor, the sole ruler who is the closest Mandalorian equivalent to a head of state. There is no palace or or offices, with meetings occurring in tapcafs such as the Oyu'baat.
  
  Gender differences are distinctly absent in Mandalorian culture, shown in the lack of masculine or feminine words in the Mando'a language. However, gender roles are still a part of life, shown in the tradition in which males train the sons and were full-time warriors, with the females training the daughters and maintaining the home all the while maintaining the same level of combat training. Females without children fight alongside the men on the battlefield. Mandalorian females are considered attractive based on their strength and endurance, and calling a Mandalorian female delicate, a poor mother, or a bad fighter is deeply insulting. In recent times, the Darasuum have reshaped this tradition, relegating females to more domesticated roles like foreigners.
  
  Mandalorians always look out for their own, and assist whether they are acquainted or not - their common Mandalorian identity is prerequisite for help.
  
  Mandalorians are a conservative people, and it was not uncommon for individuals to amass sizable fortunes in older times (in these times of turmoil, personal wealth is considered a negative connotation). While most put their faith in modern banking practices, putting their credits into savings accounts and stock market shares, a large portion is still invested on armor and weapons.
  
  Jewelry is rarely worn, and is to be plain and functional. Even betrothal tokens from Mandalorian suitors are recommended to be easily portable, easily converted into credits in case of emergency, and unimpeding in combat. Any worn rings with gemstones are set in a shallow, rub-over setting so as to be easily worn under gauntlets. Earrings and long chains are avoided, due to the possibility of being caught on something or, in the case of earrings, being violently pulled out. It was said that if an individual were ever to come upon a Mandalorian who was removing their ear piercings, it was a good idea to move away as they are likely about to fight. Tattoos are popular forms of body modification and can increase a Mandalorian's attractiveness - especially tattooed knuckles.
  
  Mandalorian architecture varies. Straight roads were traditionally a rarity on Mandalore, in order to make it easier to pin down and ambush any foreign invaders. Underground tunnels were also quite common, and entire networks of tunnels would be formed between groups of surface buildings. They made for good places to hide, and secure means of secondary escape should a location come under attack. Only traditionalists adhere to these customs now, with the Darasuum choosing the more navigable and streamlined cities of foreigners over the combat and "primitive" oriented architecture of old.
  
  Many Mandalorians are avid fans of bolo-ball, known in their language as meshgeroya or "the beautiful game". This love for the sport extended to both spectating—occasionally in a social setting such as a local cantina, or even while in the field —and participating, sometimes played in full armor. Jokingly referred to as "our other national pastime" and "our game" by members of the culture, Mandalorians of all ages seemed to enjoy the sport.
  
  Another Mandalorian favorite was the game of cu'bikad. Unlike meshgeroya, cu'bikad was an indoor game, played using short-handled blades that were stabbed into a checkered game board. Capable of being played by up to at least four players simultaneously, cu'bikad was thought to be unsuited for non-Mandalorians
  
  

Mandalorians are nomadic by nature, a product of their mobile military traditions and also as a defensive measure to not present an easy target. Homes are not expected to be permanent, and are spread out throughout the galaxy - some Mandalorians have never even been to Mandalore. The traditional Mandalorian home, the vheh'yaim, is shown above.

Mandalorians elect to celebrate the cycles of life over the harvest/season-related cycles of more settled cultures.

Mandalorians are usually cremated or given mass burials, and a piece of their possessions kept in remembrance by their family members.

It is also Mandalorian custom to recite the names of loved ones and friends who have passed each night before sleep, as a means of keeping their memory alive. The uncertainty of life means that most Mandalorians celebrate the time they have at every opportunity, taking part in communal singing, drinking, and enjoying time with family. The concept of aay'han is a Mandalorian term that encompasses the joy of time spent with loved ones while remembering those who were no longer among the living, relatively similar to the Basic term "bittersweet".

Mandalorian occupations come secondary to their combat training, but fill every level of need in any modern society, including doctors, cantina owners, mechanics, and smiths.

As long as individuals spoke their mind and said what they meant, accepted a meal when offered—as an offered meal was a great compliment for a nomadic society that ofttimes lived hand to mouth—looked them straight in the eye or the horizontal section of their visor when wearing a helmet, took off their boots when entering their home, paid their debts, fussed over their children, never made a pass at a Mandalorian of the opposite sex unless the individual planned to become part of the culture, and respected the elderly—as any Mandalorian who has reached such an age would be an exceptional warrior—anyone who encountered a Mandalorian outside of combat was unlikely to come to harm.

Like most other ethnic groups, Mandalorians have their own distinctive cuisine, unique to their culture. As a society of nomadic soldiers, many Mandalorian dishes developed out of the necessity for their food to be both portable and requiring little cooking, while still offering nourishment. Haarshun bread is a staple in Mandalorian field rations; made into sheets thin enough to nearly see through, the dough is rolled and baked hard, then wet with water to soften it again before eating. Gihaal is a dried fishmeal that could last several years without refrigeration, and is a nutritious mix of fat and protein. However, it possesses a pungent, clinging aroma that most find unpleasant.

More pleasing to the masses include uj'alayi, or "uj cake". Made from ground or crushed nuts, dried fruits, spices, and sticky uj'jayl syrup, uj cake was dense, flat, and extremely sweet. A dish better suited for a sit-down meal is tiingilar, a spicy casserole made of meat and vegetables.

When most beings think of Mandalorian alcoholic drinks, it's Mandallian Narcolethe that comes to mind. However, tihaar is a potent, and often colorless spirit, distilled from a variety of fruits, often whatever was available at the time. Many Mandalorians also preferred to partake of a pint of ne'tra gal, a black-colored sweet ale. The Mandalorians also possess several drinking songs, including Buy'ce gal, buy'ce tal, and Naasad'guur mhi – Mhi n'ulu.

In the case of non-alcoholic beverages, shig is a hot drink made from any infusion of herbs or spices much like tea, and is often made from behot, a fast-growing, citrus-flavored herb.

In direct contrast to their infamy as a ruthless enemy, Mandalorians cherish family and shower affection upon those they love and care for. In Mandalorian society, marriage is expected to be life-long and usually takes place shortly after a Mandalorian turns sixteen-years-old. A marriage itself is usually a private ceremony between only the two involved, where the two enter into a legal commitment by reciting the following pledge: "Mhi solus tome, mhi solus dar'tome, mhi me'dinui an, mhi ba'juri verde."—translating as "We are one when together, we are one when parted, we share all, we will raise warriors."

These vows can be exchanged in person, in a text communication, or over a comlink from anywhere across the galaxy. Though the ceremony itself is private, following the wedding, it is customary to celebrate the new couple's union with drinks and festivities among family and friends. In certain rare circumstances, such as abandonment or a failure to live up to responsibilities, partners could divorce one another with a declaration that they were shuk'la riduurok, "a broken love."

Homosexuality and same-sex marriages are accepted in Mandalorian culture.

Adoption is extremely common in Mandalorian culture, even adoption of adults. Because of the Mandalorians' constant connection to war, widows and orphans became an inescapable fact of life and adult males became not only welcome, but necessary.

Like marriage, the Mandalorian ritual for adoption is rather simple. Known as the gai bal manda—"name and soul"—the adoption is carried out by the adopting parent stating "ni kyr'tayl gai sa'ad" to the intended child—"I know your name as my child." In addition to following the Resol'nare, this simple adoption ritual is all that it takes to make an individual a Mandalorian. Adoption of war orphans is quite common, even children of a defeated enemy whereas other species might kill them.

However a couple chooses to have children, they are an integral part of Mandalorian families. When naturally conceiving, if the first born is a son, parents will typically wait until the boy's eighth birthday before having another child. This is so that by that point the boy will be old enough to accompany his father and begin his five years of military and survival training that will last until the age of thirteen.

If the first born is instead a girl, the couple will often try for a son soon after. While girls tended to stay with their mothers until marriage, a family with only daughters will train them in the same manner as they would a son.

Both girls and boys learn their earliest lessons from their mother, meaning that her own fighting prowess is critical; the pledge to raise warriors in the Mandalorian marriage vow is a joint commitment. It is the job of a parent to prepare their children to train the next generation of Mandalorians.

Elders educate Mandalorian children with the Mandalorian ideals of loyalty to clan, discipline, courage, and respect for their heritage. At the age of thirteen, children of both genders face the rite of passage known as the verd'goten, where their skills are tested and they are declared adults in Mandalorian society.

In Mando'a, armor is known as beskar'gam, or "iron skin." Armor is greatly valued, especially if made from the near indestructible metal beskar, and was often passed down through generations.

Aside from its defensive capabilities, armor served another function: in a group formed from so many different species, often times it is only the armor that displayed an outward sign of the culture that bound these individuals together.

The paint scheme of a Mandalorian's armor occasionally represents a soldier's state of mind, or their personal mission. For instance, sand-gold represented a quest for vengeance, while black indicated a desire for justice. This is not always the case, however, and Mandalorians would sometimes decorate their armor in colors they simply held a preference for; blue and green were common choices. Whereas many soldiers preferred the inconspicuousness afforded by camouflage, Mandalorians believed in the saying, "It's one thing to see us coming, it's another to do something about it."

Some colors and some of their meanings:

• Gray=Mourning a Lost Love
  
• Red=Honoring a Father
  
• Black=Justice
  
• Gold=Vengeance
  
• Green=Duty
  
• Blue=Reliability
  
• Orange=A Lust for Life

Throughout Mandalorian history, three major features remained constant in Mandalorian armor design:

• The wearer was protected from the majority of all blaster fire. Armor made of actual Mandalorian iron, which could also deflect blaster bolts, made it lightsaber-resistant.
  
• The helmets almost always possessed a T-shaped visor and a sophisticated heads-up display (HUD).
  
• Mandalorian warriors decorated their armor to reflect personal accomplishments, clan affiliation, or simply personal preference. They often repainted their armor to reflect rank, clan, and possibly the current terrain.

Mandalorian armor was traditionally made out of almost indestructible Mandalorian Iron (beskar), but this was rare and expensive, so many Mandalorians, such as Jango and Boba Fett, opted for less durable materials instead, such as durasteel or duraplast. The Galactic Empire mined much of the beskar off of the surface of Mandalore, so for a time it was nearly impossible to get any. However, the Yuuzhan Vong blasted craters deep into Mandalore that were later found to have opened up several new beskar mines.

IMPORTANT: Read this thread for rules on beskar swtotg.freeforums.net/index.cgi?board=facmando&action=display&thread=36

The secret of producing armor made from Mandalorian iron was kept within the Mandalorian clans for years. Some Mandalorians would also wear cloaks on the outside of their armor.

A general outline for armor systems and some modifications is as follows: The helmet served as the control center for most of the suit's abilities. A rangefinder attached to the armored helmet was a common upgrade and could track up to thirty targets, while a battle computer inside the helmet allowed the wearer to control the suit's weapons, sensors, and jet pack through verbal commands. The dark macrobinocular viewplate offered a variety of vision modes, including infrared. A pineal eye sensor on the helmet combined with an internal overlay display to provide tracking information within a 360-degree radius. Motion sensors, an encrypted internal comlink, and a broad-band antenna completed the helmet's devices, all of which could be linked to the wearer's weapons or their personal starship. The helmet could also act as an environmental filter system, with a two hour reserve tank providing breathable air to the Mandalorian warrior.

Language Resources: swtotg.freeforums.net/index.cgi?action=display&board=facmando&thread=30&page=1

As is the case with many defined cultures, the Mandalorians have a language distinct from Basic, known as Mando'a. The origins of the language are unclear, possibly drawing roots from the ancient Taung dialects, though it possesses aspects not found in other galactic languages.

Mando'a is not all that complex and is easy to learn, a great benefit to a group that often took in adults from other races. Although this is their main language, the Mandalorians are often acquainted with several others, including Huttese and Basic, and more that had been picked up while fighting on countless planets.

In spite of this influence from other languages, Mandalorians preferred to draw new words for outside concepts from Mando'a's inherently flexibly vocabulary; the Mandalorian term for "Sith" was dar'jetii, translating as "no longer a Jedi".

The Mandalorians also have no word for "hero", believing that being ready to die for your loved ones and your beliefs is required for a Mandalorian and not worth a separate word.

The word for coward, or hut'uun, is derived from the Mandalorian distaste for Hutts.

The term aruetiise is used to refer to non Mandalorian and is perceived as a term of distaste.

Mandalorians also referred to their family with the first two or three letters of their name preceded by the term of endearment "ika". This was similar for children referring to their fathers, with the two or three first letters of the fathers name preceded by "Buir".

Informally known as "Mandalorian Mercs", there is a long tradition of Mandalorian soldiers who sold their services to individuals and factions alike, working for whoever could offer the most money. This mercenary tradition would last for thousands of years, and as time went on, the ethics of these mercenaries steadily declined until the time when Jaster Mereel ascended to the position of Mand'alor. A man of strong morals, Mereel reformed the Mandalorian clans and instituted the Supercommando Codex, a set of rules that would turn the Mandalorians away from savage raiders and into highly paid soldiers who conducted themselves as honorable mercenaries. Though this would eventually lead to the formation of the Death Watch and the outbreak of the Mandalorian Civil War, Mereel reforms would have a lasting impact on the Mandalorians, defining the way Mandalorian mercenaries would act for decades to come.

Most Mandalorian mercenaries acted independently, although during his reign as Mand'alor, Jaster Mereel would lead his True Mandalorians as a mercenary army when not battling the Death Watch. Also, the Mandalorian Protectors acted as a mercenary army after Boba Fett assumed leadership of the Mandalorians. Fett, a bounty hunter himself, overturned former Mand'alor Fenn Shysa's idea that the Protectors be a force for the defense of Mandalore.

This mercenary tradition continues today, although these mercs are returning home in the thousands to throw themselves and their battle experience behind either the Darasuum or Vencuyanir. Most join the Vencuyanir based on principle and compete for a position in the renowned and revived Supercommandos or Protectors (See Organizations).