K I N G
SO YOU WANT TO BE A MANDALORIAN?
"The Resol’nare is our creed. But how we live it? That’s where the stories begin."
In Star Wars, three forces have shaped the galaxy’s history:
- The Jedi, defenders of democracy.
- The Sith, masters of empire.
- And the Mandalorians: warriors of honor, discipline, and strength.
If you’re looking to write a Mandalorian, you’re not just picking a new outfit. You’re stepping into a culture that values action over talk, honor over status, and loyalty over politics.
Below, you’ll find essential lore, cultural insights, and frequently asked questions to help you write compelling Mandalorian characters; whether you’re brand new or just looking to sharpen your edge.
Table of Contents:
- Mandalore, the Mandalore, and the Cultural Spectrum
- The Resol'nare
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Are All Mandalorians Expected to be Warriors?
- What are politics like inside Mandalorian society?
- What are Mandalorian Clans and Houses?
- How does making or joining a Clan or House work?
- Clans or Houses can feud?
- How does the galaxy view Mandalorians?
- How does one become Mand’alor?
- What happens if a Clan disagrees with the Mand’alor?
- What is the significance of the Mythosaur skull symbol?
- How does a Mandalorian acquire beskar'gam?
- What happens if a Mandalorian breaks the Resol’nare?
- What does Mandalorian "retirement" look like?
- How do Mandalorians view the Force?
- Do Mandalorians have religious beliefs?
- Can I Play a Foundling?
- Can Mandalorians take off their helmets/armor?
- Final Thoughts
Mandalore is the ancestral homeworld of our people, shaped by struggle and endurance. The Mand’alor (a title meaning “Sole Ruler” in Mando’a) is the one who leads us. Their leadership sets the tone and direction of Mandalorian society across that era.
Different Mand’alors, different eras. But across all of them, Mandalorian identity tends to fall somewhere on a spectrum. On one end: Mandalorian Crusaders. On the other: Mandalorian Mercenaries.
Mandalorian Crusaders:
Mandalorian Mercenaries:
Most Mandalorians exist somewhere in between. Our current Mandalorian Empire strikes a careful balance. We honor tradition, pursue strength, and support a living culture that includes both war and story.
Different Mand’alors, different eras. But across all of them, Mandalorian identity tends to fall somewhere on a spectrum. On one end: Mandalorian Crusaders. On the other: Mandalorian Mercenaries.
Mandalorian Crusaders:
Crusaders are war-born and war-driven. They thrive in conquest, test themselves through battle, and see warfare as a proving ground. Inspired by the ancient Mandalorian Wars and the Neo-Crusaders of Legends, these Mandalorians tend to live for the fight. In RP, this often manifests as PvP-forward characters who shine in battle threads, campaigns, and combat-driven narratives.
Mandalorian Mercenaries:
Mercenaries are disciplined, independent, and bound by honor. These are your Boba Fetts, Jango Fetts, and Din Djarins. They take contracts, uphold personal codes, and carry Mandalorian identity with them wherever they go. In RP, Mercenary characters often lean into bounty hunting, PvE, character development, and personal storytelling, with PvP woven in when the mission demands it.
Most Mandalorians exist somewhere in between. Our current Mandalorian Empire strikes a careful balance. We honor tradition, pursue strength, and support a living culture that includes both war and story.
The Resol'nare: Six Actions That Define Us
At the center of it all is the Resol’nare: the Six Actions that define what it means to be Mandalorian. It doesn’t matter if you were born on Mandalore or adopted into the culture. If you follow these Actions, you’re Mando. If you don’t, you’re not.
Here’s what each one means and how it looks in practice.
Wear Your Armor:
Speak the Language:
Defend Yourself and Your Kin:
Raise Your Children as Mandalorians:
Contribute to Your Clan:
Answer the Call of the Mand’alor:
Here’s what each one means and how it looks in practice.
Wear Your Armor:
Beskar’gam is more than protection. It’s your identity and your commitment to being Mandalorian. In RP: Your character should wear their armor with purpose. Ceremonies, patrols, missions, war councils, and even at home. It’s not just for battle. It’s a symbol of who you are.
Speak the Language:
Mando’a is part of the culture. You don’t have to be fluent, but showing connection through common words like vod (sibling), oya (cheer/battlecry), or su cuy’gar (hello) goes a long way. In RP: Sprinkle it into conversation, use it in rituals, or tie it to your character’s upbringing. It adds depth and flavor.
Common Mando'a Words and Phrases:
For more Mando'a words & phrases, visit the Wookiepedia page or the RPG Translator.
- Vod – Brother/Sister/Comrade
- Beskar – Iron/Armor
- Verd – Warrior
- Ori' – Big/Great (prefix)
- Kandosii – Ruthless/Impressive/Badass
- Su cuy’gar – Hello / You’re still alive
- Oya – Let’s go / Cheers / Rallying cry
- Ret’urcye mhi – Goodbye / Until we meet again
- Aliit ori’shya tal’din – Family is more than blood (adoption vow)
- Ni kar'tayli gar darasuum – I love you / I will know you forever.
For more Mando'a words & phrases, visit the Wookiepedia page or the RPG Translator.
Defend Yourself and Your Kin:
Mandalorians do not wait for help. You stand. You fight. You protect what’s yours. In RP: Whether it’s a battle, a political standoff, or someone threatening your clan, your character is expected to take action.
Raise Your Children as Mandalorians:
Foundlings are a sacred responsibility. Mandalorians pass down their culture to the next generation through action, example, and care. In RP: If you choose to have children, whether through adoption or otherwise, your character is expected to raise them in the traditions of Mandalorian society. This could be mentorship, formal adoption, or building family bonds through shared missions and training.
Contribute to Your Clan:
Clans are the backbone of Mandalorian society. Your character is expected to represent theirs with strength, skill, and action. If you don’t belong to a formal clan, that’s fine! The Mandalorians as a whole are your family. Either way, everything your character does reflects on their people, whether it’s their House or Mandalore itself. Carry that responsibility with pride.
Answer the Call of the Mand’alor:
Mandalorians walk many different paths. Some serve the Empire directly, taking on persistent roles in government, military, or leadership. Others roam the stars as mercenaries, bounty hunters, or freelancers. The Mand’alor does not dictate how you live your day-to-day life.
But when they call upon all of Mandalore? You answer.
Whether it’s a galaxy-spanning crusade, the reunification of our worlds, or anything in between, Mandalorians are expected to rise to the occasion and take up the cause as their own. This is how we move as one people, no matter how far apart we may live.
But when they call upon all of Mandalore? You answer.
Whether it’s a galaxy-spanning crusade, the reunification of our worlds, or anything in between, Mandalorians are expected to rise to the occasion and take up the cause as their own. This is how we move as one people, no matter how far apart we may live.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about Mandalorian culture, society, and RP on Chaos. This section will be updated regularly as new questions come up.
Q: Are All Mandalorians Expected to be Warriors?
A: All Mandalorians are expected to be able to defend themselves and their clan, as per the Resol’nare. Training typically begins around age eight, and by thirteen, those raised in the culture undergo the Verd’goten: a combat rite of passage marking their transition into adulthood. (It is to be noted that those adopted later in life can undertake the Verd’goten whenever they are ready.) While every Mandalorian has a warrior’s foundation, not all choose a life centered on warfare. Mandalorian society includes doctors, smiths, engineers, artists, and more! In short: all Mandalorians know how to fight, but that doesn’t have to be their profession.
Q: What are politics like inside Mandalorian society?
A: Mandalorians don’t engage in politics the way most galactic governments do. The Mand’alor represents the entire society on the international stage and handles treaties, wars, trade, and diplomacy. Internally, clans may meet and deliberate on local matters, but the Mand’alor has final say. While clans are free to debate or feud within reason, politics isn’t a dominant or public part of daily life like it is in a typical democracy or empire.
Q: What are Mandalorian Clans and Houses?
A: Clans are families, and whether by blood or adoption, all members are treated equally. In Mandalorian society, family is family. Houses are larger alliances made up of multiple Clans that follow the leadership of a dominant one. They function almost like sub-factions within the culture. For example, House Vizsla in canon and House Verd in Chaos are both Houses made up of loyal Clans.
Q: How does making or joining a Clan or House work?
A: Anyone can create their own custom Clan, or join any existing Clan from canon. Canon Clans are open to all. They are not owned by individual writers. It’s common to see more than one character acting as the Alor (leader) of the same Clan. In character, this is treated as different branches of an ancient lineage. Conversely, joining a custom Clan may require permission from its creator.
As for Houses, they’re in-character alliances formed through roleplay. When multiple Clans rally behind a leading one, it becomes a House (for example, Clan Vizsla became House Vizsla). There’s no set number of Clans required, that’s up to the writers.
As for Houses, they’re in-character alliances formed through roleplay. When multiple Clans rally behind a leading one, it becomes a House (for example, Clan Vizsla became House Vizsla). There’s no set number of Clans required, that’s up to the writers.
Q: Clans or Houses can feud?
A: Yes, Clans and houses are allowed to feud, as long as it doesn’t weaken Mandalorian society or violate the Resol’nare. Open violence is extremely rare. Most feuds take the form of productive rivalries, where each side pushes to outperform the other in areas like combat skill, craftsmanship, leadership, or honor. These rivalries can last for years, but they’re kept in check by the understanding that Mandalorians still fight for the same people when it counts.
Q: How does the galaxy view Mandalorians?
A: Mandalorians carry a fearsome reputation, earned through generations of Mand’alors who led bloody campaigns across the stars. As a result, many galactic powers fear or distrust them, wary that a new Mand’alor could bring war to their doorstep. Beyond politics, Mandalorians are widely respected as the most skilled warriors in the galaxy. Thus making them highly sought after as soldiers, mercenaries, and bounty hunters.
Q: How does one become Mand’alor?
A: A Mand’alor only rules with the support of Mandalorian Clans. That consent can be earned in several ways, such as by proving oneself in ritual combat during the Alorultai (a gathering of all clans), through nomination and election, or by being named as a successor and approved before the previous Mand’alor’s death. There are other paths as well, but the core truth is this: no one becomes Mand’alor without the backing of the Clans.
Q: What happens if a Clan disagrees with the Mand’alor?
A: While the Resol’nare expects all Mandalorians to rally behind the Mand’alor’s cause, it does not demand blind obedience. Disagreements are normal and often addressed during regular meetings between the Mand’alor and House/Clan Alors (leaders). Mandalorians are free to voice their opinions and hold their own views, as long as they don’t actively interfere with the Mand’alor’s goals, such as disrupting military operations or defying orders in the field. Mandalorian society may follow a singular ruler, but it is not a dictatorship. Respect and strength carry weight, but so does free thought.
Q: What is the significance of the Mythosaur skull symbol?
A: The Mythosaur was a massive, ancient beast native to Mandalore: a creature so powerful that it became a legendary challenge for early Mandalorian warriors. Over time, the skull of the Mythosaur came to represent the strength, pride, and endurance of Mandalorian society as a whole. Today, the symbol is used widely and can be seen on armor, ships, banners, murals, and more. It’s one of the most iconic emblems of Mandalorian identity.
Q: How does a Mandalorian acquire beskar'gam?
A: Beskar, also known as Mandalorian iron, is a rare metal found only on Mandalore. It is highly resistant to damage, including lightsabers, and holds deep cultural and ancestral importance. Mandalorians never sell beskar, and they make it a priority to recover and protect it whenever possible.
Beskar’gam means “iron skin” in Mando’a, and refers to the armor made from beskar. Wearing armor is a central part of Mandalorian identity, and receiving a set is a significant milestone in any warrior’s life.
Each Clan contributes to mining efforts and earns its own store of beskar. Mandalorians without a formal Clan can acquire beskar through the Mand’alor’s reserves. Armor is forged by Naur’alors, which are Mandalorian smiths trained in working with beskar. These smiths are supported either by individual Clans or by the Mand’alor, and they are responsible for crafting and maintaining armor for Mandalorians across society.
Beskar’gam means “iron skin” in Mando’a, and refers to the armor made from beskar. Wearing armor is a central part of Mandalorian identity, and receiving a set is a significant milestone in any warrior’s life.
Each Clan contributes to mining efforts and earns its own store of beskar. Mandalorians without a formal Clan can acquire beskar through the Mand’alor’s reserves. Armor is forged by Naur’alors, which are Mandalorian smiths trained in working with beskar. These smiths are supported either by individual Clans or by the Mand’alor, and they are responsible for crafting and maintaining armor for Mandalorians across society.
Q: What happens if a Mandalorian breaks the Resol’nare?
A: A Mandalorian who abandons the Resol’nare is called Dar’manda, a word that means “soulless.” In ancient times, Mandalorians believed in the Manda, a shared afterlife for their people. To be labeled Dar’manda meant being cut off from that eternal unity. Today, the term still carries weight. Those declared Dar’manda are shunned, barred from Mandalore and its territories, and cut off from the protection and benefits of Mandalorian society.
Becoming Dar’manda is not a casual matter. It typically follows an act of betrayal or open defiance that harms the people or the culture. In some cases, Dar’manda are hunted. However, the Mand’alor may choose mercy. They can offer a path to redemption by assigning a task or quest. If completed (and if the individual returns to faithfully follow the Resol’nare) their status is restored, and the label of Dar’manda is lifted permanently.
Becoming Dar’manda is not a casual matter. It typically follows an act of betrayal or open defiance that harms the people or the culture. In some cases, Dar’manda are hunted. However, the Mand’alor may choose mercy. They can offer a path to redemption by assigning a task or quest. If completed (and if the individual returns to faithfully follow the Resol’nare) their status is restored, and the label of Dar’manda is lifted permanently.
Q: What does Mandalorian "retirement" look like?
A: In Mandalorian culture, the term Gogi refers to elder warriors who have stepped back from frontline combat but still hold deep value within society. These veterans often take on advisory roles, serve as combat instructors, or pass down skills like beskarsmithing. Rather than fading into the background, Mandalore’s elders spend their later years empowering the next generation, ensuring that knowledge and legacy never go to waste.
Q: How do Mandalorians view the Force?
A: Views on the Force can shift depending on who holds the title of Mand’alor, as each ruler sets the tone for their era. Generally, however, Mandalorians do not worship the Force the way the Jedi or Sith do. At best, it is seen as a tool: something that can be wielded for the benefit of Mandalore, rather than revered as divine.
In canon, the relationship between Mandalorians and the Force is rare. The most notable examples are Tarre Vizsla, a Mandalorian Jedi who created the Darksaber, and the Mandalorian Knights, a group of Jedi who defected during the Mandalorian Wars.
On Chaos, the Force is often viewed with suspicion. Most Mand’alors in site history have led societies where Force use was frowned upon, largely due to the damage caused by Jedi and Sith enemies throughout Mandalorian history. That caution runs deep. However, the current Mand’alor takes a more moderate stance. He has established a formal Force-wielding division within the military, referring to the Force as "the greatest weapon in the galaxy", one that, when properly trained, can serve Mandalore rather than threaten it.
There are also rare shamanistic traditions within Mandalorian society, often inspired by positive ties with the Witches of Dathomir. Some follow older beliefs that do not recognize the Force at all, instead attributing supernatural phenomena to the will of the Manda, the collective spirit of the Mandalorian people.
In canon, the relationship between Mandalorians and the Force is rare. The most notable examples are Tarre Vizsla, a Mandalorian Jedi who created the Darksaber, and the Mandalorian Knights, a group of Jedi who defected during the Mandalorian Wars.
On Chaos, the Force is often viewed with suspicion. Most Mand’alors in site history have led societies where Force use was frowned upon, largely due to the damage caused by Jedi and Sith enemies throughout Mandalorian history. That caution runs deep. However, the current Mand’alor takes a more moderate stance. He has established a formal Force-wielding division within the military, referring to the Force as "the greatest weapon in the galaxy", one that, when properly trained, can serve Mandalore rather than threaten it.
There are also rare shamanistic traditions within Mandalorian society, often inspired by positive ties with the Witches of Dathomir. Some follow older beliefs that do not recognize the Force at all, instead attributing supernatural phenomena to the will of the Manda, the collective spirit of the Mandalorian people.
Q: Do Mandalorians have religious beliefs?
A: Mandalore does not have a formal, state-sponsored religion, but ancient spiritual beliefs still influence the culture today. Historically, Mandalorians worshipped Kad Ha’rangir, the god of war, who stood in opposition to the gods of stagnation (Arasuum) and trickery (Hod Ha’ran). Waging war was seen as a form of devotion, and this belief fueled the early Mandalorian crusades.
They also believed in the Manda: the collective consciousness of the Mandalorian people in the afterlife. The Manda was viewed as the will and presence of the ancestors, and Mandalorians would pray to it for strength and guidance.
Though these beliefs have largely faded from mainstream practice, they remain foundational to Mandalorian identity. Upholding the Resol’nare is still seen as the path to securing one's place in the Manda. Some Mandalorians still practice the ancient faith in part or in full, honoring their past alongside the modern way of life.
They also believed in the Manda: the collective consciousness of the Mandalorian people in the afterlife. The Manda was viewed as the will and presence of the ancestors, and Mandalorians would pray to it for strength and guidance.
Though these beliefs have largely faded from mainstream practice, they remain foundational to Mandalorian identity. Upholding the Resol’nare is still seen as the path to securing one's place in the Manda. Some Mandalorians still practice the ancient faith in part or in full, honoring their past alongside the modern way of life.
Q: Can I Play a Foundling?
A: A Foundling is a Mandalorian who has not yet completed their Verd’goten. This term typically refers to children who are either born into the culture or adopted into it; but can also apply to adults who join the culture later in life. Adopted children are often rescued from warzones or displacement, as Mandalorians see it as a matter of honor to protect and raise children without families. Foundlings are raised in the traditions of the Resol’nare and are treated with the same care and importance as any blood relative.
Yes, you can absolutely play a Foundling. It’s a great entry point for characters who are new to Mandalorian society or still finding their place in it.
Yes, you can absolutely play a Foundling. It’s a great entry point for characters who are new to Mandalorian society or still finding their place in it.
Q: Can Mandalorians take off their helmets/armor?
A: That depends on the character’s tradition. Some sects, such as the Children of the Watch seen in The Mandalorian, believe it is forbidden to remove their helmet in front of others. Others view helmet removal as a personal or ceremonial choice. Our culture respects different interpretations of the Resol’nare, so wearing your helmet or armor full-time is a roleplay decision, not a requirement.
Final Thoughts
Being Mandalorian is a choice made every day through action. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Force-user or not. It doesn’t matter if you’re a foundling who is adopted or born into a clan. What matters is whether you live by the Resol’nare, stand for something greater than yourself, and bring your full self to the fight.
So ask yourself:
Want to dive deeper into our lore? Check out the faction's lore articles for more on our history, politics, traditions, and more!
So ask yourself:
- Does your character wear the armor with pride?
- Do they contribute, protect, teach, and answer the call?
Want to dive deeper into our lore? Check out the faction's lore articles for more on our history, politics, traditions, and more!
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