Discussion Help me make a Mando

[BattleChefBravo]

I’ve got so many different character ideas that sometimes it’s hard to choose which to work on next. One I would like to focus on now is my first Mandalorian.

I am admittedly not too familiar with the lore (canon/legenda or Chaos) apart from KOTOR and the series, and I don’t want to end up either making someone super cliche or way tf out there.

I’m hoping to hear from veteran Mando players or anyone who knows more than I do about them (which is likely most of you) to help me in the right direction.

My initial idea was someone who was exiled/excommunicated from their clan/society for some reason or another and forced to take random work to survive, but who desperately wants to redeem themself and return to his people. In this vein, what sorts of transgressions might cause a Mando to be expelled? Once out, what kinds of work would suit a Mandalorian warrior in the current Chaos timeline? I know bounty hunting and mercenary work is an easy choice, but I wonder what else this person might find themself doing.

I’m genuinely curious what ya’ll have to say here

 

[Saul Whesai]

Make something you like and that has a personality that stands out. If you don't like the character, no one else will either.

 

[BattleChefBravo]

Make something you like and that has a personality that stands out. If you don't like the character, no one else will either.

I’m with you 100% here. I’m just hitting a wall when it comes to the initial concept. Not looking for someone to write it for me, just looking for some lore-centered inspiration.

 

[Saul Whesai]

Examples of transgressions:

• Betrayal of Strength – Treason, conspiracy, or disobedience to Mandalore's authority www.swc-mandalore.net.
• Loss of Honor – Theft, fraud, perjury, or trespassing www.swc-mandalore.net.
• Loss of Loyalty – Desertion, embezzlement, bribery, or abandoning clan duties www.swc-mandalore.net.
• Loss of Death – Murder, kidnapping, or cowardice in battle www.swc-mandalore.net.

Maybe he has failed to protect a family member from a betrayal. Up to you to figure it out.

Backstory description generator

Backstory description generator. Find a backstory for your characters.

www.fantasynamegenerators.com

Try this, just think about what personality you want to give your character and what you want his voice to be.

 

[Saul Whesai]

https://mandocreator.com/tools/creator.html

 

[Carduul Akahl]

Hi!! First off, I already love the idea you picked out, and it's a solid one to write a Mando for! I think you've already got good ideas being thought of.

There are a lot of different Mandalorian sects with their own beliefs, so any typical reason from betrayal to actions viewed as 'honorless' that you think of can likely be a reason.

• In Crusader or War-leaning societies, maybe a lack of conviction could be the reason. A simple act of mercy seen as collusion, or their honor was lost in an unacceptable way for their kin. 'Honor' has a very broad, vague definition that changes case-by-case in Mandalorian society, so it could be as simple as ensuring a fair fight to more complex nuances like the seeking of combat in general.
• The opposing end, reformist or 'New Mandalorian'-esque ideologies, could have actions be seen as too violent, perhaps what the character believed was the only course of action was a step too far for the rest.
• Other, more unorthodox clans, hold entirely different ideals and support entirely different causes, such as the Sith-Mandalorian Clans that was present in the forum's history, who believed those they followed represented a true 'way' forwards. Betrayal of those ideals was seen as a betrayal of the Clan.
• Esoteric clans detached from others might have policies considered 'strange' by most Mandalorians' standards. The Children of the Watch believed removing their helmets and having their face witnessed constituted exile, with an arduous trial necessary to earn a place back among the Mandalorian people.
• Certain clans strictly follow the many differing codes of Mandalorian conduct, including the Supercommando Codex, the Resol'nare, Neo-Crusader Doctrine, and even forum-based ones like the Enclave's Mandalorian Catechisms. Some even worship the traditional Mandalorian Gods from ages past. You could always use them for inspiration! A lot of said policies are defined differently between individuals and clans, so there is plenty of room for interpretation at your own discretion.

Like Saul said above, it really depends on your character, and how you imagine them. Figuring out how they act and who they are might retroactively find the reason for their exile. What sort of ideals did their clan hold? Did the Clan keep to itself or interact with outsiders often? What sort of interactions could have resulted in the exile? Those sorts of questions can help guide thoughts along.

And indeed, Mercenary work suits many Mandalorians, from those in exile to those who simply never felt like they 'fit in' with the rest. Some have taken to seedy underworlds on the payroll of Crime Lords, others have taken to different routes and consorted with genocidal sith or sleezy politicians.

But, some have simply abandoned the battles and glory altogether, seeking solitude or alternative ways to put their skills to use. If you're looking for alternative options, that again depends on the character and what they would opt for. Some Mandalorians have formally signed on to serve with different causes they believe in, bringing or eschewing all of their culture into an unfamiliar place in hopes they'll contribute to something new. Some have settled down as local folk heroes and vigilantes for a town or city they may be fond of. Others could want to leave behind any semblance of combat altogether, and simply drift with the goal to survive in the galaxy without having to raise a blaster again. The amount of possibilities are, ultimately, the limit of imagination.

Once again, I think you've already got a solid train of thought going, so I hope this (lengthy) ramble help give some context and inspiration that could help the process along!

 

[Perseus]

I’ve got so many different character ideas that sometimes it’s hard to choose which to work on next. One I would like to focus on now is my first Mandalorian.

I am admittedly not too familiar with the lore (canon/legenda or Chaos) apart from KOTOR and the series, and I don’t want to end up either making someone super cliche or way tf out there.

I’m hoping to hear from veteran Mando players or anyone who knows more than I do about them (which is likely most of you) to help me in the right direction.

My initial idea was someone who was exiled/excommunicated from their clan/society for some reason or another and forced to take random work to survive, but who desperately wants to redeem themself and return to his people. In this vein, what sorts of transgressions might cause a Mando to be expelled? Once out, what kinds of work would suit a Mandalorian warrior in the current Chaos timeline? I know bounty hunting and mercenary work is an easy choice, but I wonder what else this person might find themself doing.

I’m genuinely curious what ya’ll have to say here

One of the best ways I always recommend playing a Mandalorian, is to start with a character who is a Founding. (Someone brought into the fold, can be part of a clan or not part of one.) So then your character had to go through the evolution of learning about Mando culture just as much as you will be.

The idea of being an outcast could easily be, character was part of a "bad mando clan" and character went to join a different clan to learn to be better. Thus, you still get the "earn your right" while also being considered a Founding.

The Mandalorian culture has just as many, if not more nuances as the Jedi and Sith variations, so starting from scratch as a "brand new face." Is likely the best and easiest option.

 

[Kitter Bitters]

I was just coming here to recommend a foundling. I tried to do a full Mando before and it didn’t work because I don’t know enough.

A foundling is the way to go for sure. You learn as the character does.

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Echoing a bit what Saul Whesai said: make the character first and then add Mando flavoring to it. What inspires you to write this character, what story about them do you want to write? Take that character and then add Mandalorian heritage or have them find the Mandalorians. Mandalorian clans are very individualistic so what one may be okay with, another may view as unforgivable.

As far as the Mandalorian Empire goes, we have people who know The Lore inside and out and we have people that go "Lol, this is the way?" You don't have to know all the lore to write a Mandalorian. Does it help? If your character was born Mando, maybe a little.

Glad to see someone else considering a Mando. <3

 

[Ferrin Dorn]

Special thanks to everyone who contributed in this thread. All of your input was very insightful and really did help spark the idea I had been struggling to lock down for my first-ever Mando character.

For anyone interested, you can check him out here: Ferrin's Bio