Perhaps one of the most mysterious organizations in the galaxy, the Mandalorians have mystified many throughout the ages. Many a youngster on numerous worlds has found themselves awed at tales of these armored, nigh-unstoppable warriors. Many's the lad or occasional lass who dreamed of joining the clans and discovering high adventure. However, despite their fame, very little is actually known about the Clans of Mandalore. Where are they from? Who are they really? Where are they now? This article will briefly summarize what we know of the Mandalorians, and will attempt to answer such questions.

Origins

The actual origins of the Mandalores have been lost to the mists of time. Even their original name appears nowhere in written history. You'll note that this article refers to them by the various names they have found throughout the millenia - Mandalorians, Mandalores, the Clans of Mandalore, the Mandalorian Warrior Clans. All usher in thoughts of armor-clad warriors and warfare, yet none of these are more than simple nicknames given them by their admirers... or victims.

What is known is that as of several thousand years ago, the Clans moved from world to world. Despite their reputation of military proficiency, they apparently chose uninhabited worlds on which to live, often worlds of such harshness as to be nearly incapable of supporting life. Some theorize that these worlds and environments bred tougher warriors, adding to the indomitable spirit of a Mandalorian. The state or location of their original homeworld is known to none outside the Clans, or perhaps even the Clans themselves are ignorant of their birthplace.

Society

Written accounts are scarce, but we have managed to glean some information regarding the society and culture of the Mandalorian Clans. The leader of the Clans was a single man called "the Mandalore." This man, more like a general than a king or emperor, led the Clans and handled all major decisions regarding the welfare of the warriors. Each Mandalore led until someone stronger came along and usurped the title of Mandalore. This competitive lifestyle likely enhanced the Mandalorian will to dominate through military might.

Very little is known about the day-to-day affairs of the Clans. Women and men alike were considered warriors, and children were taught military skills at a very early age. All members of the society were expected to maintain their own weapons and equipment, as there were apparently no specializations such as food preparation, weapon design, or technology maintenance. Like the society as a whole, each Mandalorian was a model of self-sufficiency. Those who could not fend for themselves, such as the weak or sickly, were usually disposed of in a neat and orderly fashion. Despite this seemingly cruel culture, however, some documents suggest that Mandalorians held a special place in society for the retired and elderly. It is likely that only a member of the clans can explain this contradiction.

History

Although self-sufficient, the Mandalorians became reknowned as mercenaries, selling their martial prowess to the highest bidder, though only if the cause suited them. If one wished to hire the armies of Mandalore, they first had to find their current whereabouts. If such a one was able to locate this roving society, they then found that the price was more than a simple exchange of credits - any potential buyer would have to accept, and pass, a challenge. You see, unusual for those of their profession, the Mandalores appear to adhere to a rigid code of honor or conduct. The challenge varied according to buyer, but usually involved a test of mettle or skill. Perhaps the most famous challenge was during the Sith War, when Ulic Qel-Droma himself was given the unenviable task of defeating the Mandalore himself in personal combat. It was only after winning the challenge was Qel-Droma able to use the Clans as his army during the remainder of the Sith War. The outcome of that particular conflict, however, is for another to tell.

After the Sith War, the Mandalorians made an unprecedented move to conquer the galaxy. Nearly a year after the war, a large group of several thousand Mandalores appeared in the Mid Rim systems and began to conquer one planet after another. Still rebuilding from the destructive Sith War, the Jedi and the Republic nevertheless managed to meet the Clans with a sizeable force of their own. Over the next several months, the Mandalorians were worn down and scattered by the Force-assisted Jedi. This series of conflicts became known as the Mandalorian War. Afterwards, it became commonplace to find individual Mandalorian warriors acting as mercenaries or bounty hunters, but the Clans as a whole seemed to vanish from the galaxy.

Nearly four thousand years later, the few remaining Mandalorians could be found on the remote world of Concord Dawn. At that time, Mandalorians were rare in the galaxy. Why exactly is another mystery. There are almost no records of the time after the Mandalorian War, no indication of how their numbers depleted or what activities they undertook for four thousand years.

In fact, in the years prior to the Clone Wars, only one Mandalorian was known throughout the galaxy - Jango Fett, a bounty hunter of some reputation. Known for discretion and efficiency, Fett was known by his silver armor, a classic example of Mandalorian craftsmanship. He apparently had some role in the Wars, but what exactly is a mystery. The onl### $%SYSTEM EXCEPTION(*)-899097100002_894398560101010101001101010010101001101...

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