Mandalorian Mercs Custom Mandalorian Costume Club.

Some of us with the interest of forming a costuming group have come together and started Mandalorian Mercs. We are basically a group of people who would like to see any people interested in costuming, trooping, and attending events come together and do that. We have links to TDH and HV&M as well as resources and vendors (and if your a vendor and would like me to put a link up on our site to you then please PM me.) as well as an interactive calender that users can submit cons and other events to.

Give us a visit!

http://mercs.firespray.net

You guys should really check this place out! It's looking to be quite awsome!

I found it by googling, and It looks pretty sweet. I'm Mandoman overthre BTW. See you guys there!

We've had a ton of visitors over the last few days. I know many of you are interested in something like this, so come join up!

pretty cool site!

Thanks! I have a skeleton site up until version 2.0 is ready to roll out (should be by Friday or the weekend).

Come sign up! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I expect to see everyone who posts in the Dented Variants forum to sign up!

We just put up our final version of the website. Still working on a membership form and member database/gallery, but everything else is up to day. Any interested in membership or if you just wanna ask some questions about Mandalorian Mercs, please feel free to PM me or email me at novall@mercs.firespray.net

Our online membership application is active as of today! Any custom mando's who want to hop onboard with us, please fill out the application.

We are finally ready to begin taking members via the online application. Mandalorian Mercs is a custom mandalorian only costume club. Our goal is to give customs an official home that they can be part of. We have a very detailed charter (We call it our Codex) that covers pretty much every aspect of what we are about. We promote regional clans much like the 501st uses regional garrisons, and we also use mandalorian ranks to reward members at the clan level.

We also take a very limited number of Aruetsiie or non-mandalorian members who arn't affiliated with the empire, rebellion, or force users.

You can find pretty much any answer to questions you may have about us on our website. Please drop by and give us a visit. You'll find a link to our site in my sig.

We are definitely NOT trying to take anyone away from TDH. We are for custom mandalorians only, and you'll find a link to TDH on our front page as well as links to other great boards, resources, and sites that deal with Mandalorians.

Originally Posted by The Asylum

...but it looks like you're trying to set up a group just as elitist and nazi-like as the 501st.

Geez man - open up and tell us how you REALLY feel about them.

LOL

I'm feel you man. I feel you.

BTW - did I miss the link to this new org?
I wouldn't mind seeing how my position is comparatively speaking on the subject. My verbocity in the aftermath I'm sure will know no bounds!

Cylrul, I PM'd you.

Good luck with the group NovallTalon.

Were going to be at AdventureCon and DragonCon this year also.

Originally Posted by MandalorFett

Good luck with the group NovallTalon.

Thanks vod.

If anyone is trying to access the membership application and is having problems, make sure you turn your pop-up blocker off or set it to allow pop-ups from mercs.firespray.net

If anyone is trying to access the membership application and is having problems, make sure you turn your pop-up blocker off or set it to allow pop-ups from mercs.firespray.net

Originally Posted by slavefive

...you have to remember that the 501st is about costumes in the existing SW realm not what we dream up or create on our own...sadly I wish mine would have made it except that I chose to make a custom and rules are rules...

...there are guidlines that should be followed to allow access to 501st status...as a group there are high profile gigs and the last thing you need is a marginal TK,a totally imperfect Boba, or a 5ft Vader...for most of the general public they are unable to tell the difference...however, there are those SW fans that can and that is one reason why guidelines and standards should be set...without that you have too many subpar costumes...that may hold true to your group as well...what do you do when you have the 'paper cardboard fett' apply???...

...that being said I am glad that you are creating something that hopefully helps to fill a void for those that otherwise are unable to create a canon costume (due to funds or inability to make something) or simply do not wish to have one...and hopefully your group can lend a helping hand to those that need direction to create a quality Custom Mando

...as ShockWave said its all about 'fun'...even with or without the guidelines we are all brought together due to our common interest in SW and the want to costume...that should be enough

Thanks for your words of encouragement!

Application fixed, had scroll bars turned off. Go figure =D

Application page is fixed. Had scroll bars turned off on that window for some reason.

Some time ago (before I learned the lesson) I brought up the idea about creating a group such as this and it got a similar reaction. For the life of me I can't comprehend why that topic elicits such a strong reaction from folks...Any ideas why???

Concerning your site-great effort, it looks like a good start. However, my only problem is that I don't have a completed costume and probably won't for some time. That means it'll be a long while before I'd be able to join. That's about my only issue. As far as the group being elitist or nazi-like, I don't see that at all. It just seems as if they want a group with some standards-personal opinion...Good luck in your groups future efforts.

I never meant any flaming to occur in this post, and I definitely appreciate the words of encouragement. I think many people at some point have had or know someone that has had a problem with this or that organization. It always leaves a bad taste in someone's mouth, and thats only human.

The main goal with this or any other costuming organization is that it's all about the fun. If you can't have fun doing it then don't do it. Mandalorian Mercs is about having fun, sharing our accomplishments, teaching it to others, and fellowship through events. I don't think any of those 4 things are bad at all.

We got a new member, now I'm getting excited about this.

Steering back to the OT. We will be at AdventureCon and DragonCon this year. Anyone who wants to meet us face to face can do so and ask whatever questions you want.

I also answer PM's, emails, and we have a members forum anyone can join and ask questions. We are more then happy to work with anyone who gives us a chance.

Staying on topic...I think a lot of the problem that people have is this...

501st costume requirements are based on the costumes looking EXACTLY or AS CLOSE TO the movie versions as possible. Which is understandable.

For a custom group, who makes the decision as to what to base if you are IN or OUT on? I think people are just afraid that because you've gone as far as making an approval process for joining, that the decisions are being made solely off of personal bias.

I don't know if that make sense or not... Now, I know that so far you haven't denied anyone admission. I think it's just the fear that someone may get denied.

Most people create custom mandalorians for either self-expression or because they don't have the time/skills/money/etc to create a movie replica costume. I mean, the 501st can deny someone because their costume doesn't look like the movie...that makes sense. But who is a single person to decide whether or not a custom mandalorian is "good enough"?

Would it hurt anything to allow "open admissions" on this group so that people don't feel that they are being judged on their work? I mean, if someone's costume doesn't seem up to par...let them join and then work with them to help making it better.

Again, I'm not saying that this sort of thing is happening. So far I haven't heard of a single denial of admission. But things like this can and will come up in the future. How will these be addressed?

There will be no more discussion of the 501st in this thread. Keep it on topic and respectful or keep it off the forum.

Originally Posted by BigJon

Staying on topic...I think a lot of the problem that people have is this...

501st costume requirements are based on the costumes looking EXACTLY or AS CLOSE TO the movie versions as possible. Which is understandable.

For a custom group, who makes the decision as to what to base if you are IN or OUT on? I think people are just afraid that because you've gone as far as making an approval process for joining, that the decisions are being made solely off of personal bias.

I don't know if that make sense or not... Now, I know that so far you haven't denied anyone admission. I think it's just the fear that someone may get denied.

Most people create custom mandalorians for either self-expression or because they don't have the time/skills/money/etc to create a movie replica costume. I mean, the 501st can deny someone because their costume doesn't look like the movie...that makes sense. But who is a single person to decide whether or not a custom mandalorian is "good enough"?

Would it hurt anything to allow "open admissions" on this group so that people don't feel that they are being judged on their work? I mean, if someone's costume doesn't seem up to par...let them join and then work with them to help making it better.

Again, I'm not saying that this sort of thing is happening. So far I haven't heard of a single denial of admission. But things like this can and will come up in the future. How will these be addressed?

Like I said earlier, if you have armor and you have a pic of it to send in...then your not gonna be denied period. The pics are used for your member/character profile that will be showcased on our website, but we at least want you to be able to prove that you do have armor or are pretty close to having a set finished. If someone wanted to join that had armor that needed help, then thats what we would do...help them =)

Here is my interpretation on what we mean by "approved".

Article V. Costume Requirements
Last Updated - Friday, March 23rd, 2007
The Mandalorian Mercs celebrates creating, owning, and wearing the costume armor of the Mandalorians as fetures in the Star Wars films, books, comics, and art. To capture the magic of these characters, our goal will always be the professional presentation and protrayal of these costumes. We recognize that the primary goal of this club is to be a home for custom mandalorian characters, and in doing so we recognize the need for creativity and individuality within the confines of decency. Mandalorian Mercs will allow approved costumes based on the following basic standards.
1.) Light Mandalorian Armor: Consisting of a Mandalorian helmet, chest, stomach, back, armor vest, shoulders, gauntlets, cod piece and knees.
2.) Medium Mandalorian Armor: Consisting of a Mandalorian helmet, chest, stomach, back, armor vest, sholders, gauntlets, cod piece, frontal thighs, knees, frontal shins, and boot arch pieces.
3.) Heavy Mandalorian Armor: Consisting of a Mandalorian helmet, chest, stomach, back, armor vest, sholders, lower biceps, gauntlets, cod piece, wrap around thighs, lower thighs, knees, wrap around shins, boot arch pieces.

Now, basically what this means is that if you have anything resembling one of these three very basic builds. None of this stuff has to be traditional, it doesn't ask for that. Anything that could or would pass for Mandalorian armor at some point is what we call "approved". We've even let some people in who don't have completed sets just yet. Were in the growing stage, and at this point were looking for people who are going to help build the organization.

Weather or not I like the person's armor is beside the point of weather or not they deserve to be a member. I don't know if we can let someone in who is in full ST armor and claims it's there mandalorian armor. Is that fair? Does something need to be reworded that may sound less confusing?

I just think maybe there is too much wording...making the codex look like a large constitution of some sort.

All I know is that when I saw the paperwork for my first house mortgage...I freaked out. It's kind of like that.

PM sent to you BigJon.

Hi there just joined your, The Mandalorian Mercs, can't wait to become a member.......... that is hoping i make it in......

Sweet! Glad to have you come aboard.

Perhaps rather than making rules or regulations (which I don't believe were your intentions to do so) or costume qualifications, perhaps word it in a way that suggests that it is up to the member to take pride in his work on his/her armor kit and try and live up to the suggested goals. I might not have explained that as lucidly as possible, but I haven't slept so give me a break... I intend to join but I just haven't online as much of late...Expect me to be there eventually, count on it...Oh, I thought of a way that my pic could be posted on the site faster. I have my bucket nearly done, and I just got my Jango styled vest-and a great deal actually for a simple vinyl/pleather vest. I just bought a roll of industrial velcro and a couple heavy duty snap kits-I just need to learn how to mount my chest armor on the vest properly, put on my bucket and you have at least my upper body that's in costume. How would that work? Well, off to shop Ebay real quick. Your group is a great idea, just don't let any of the naysayers get to you... Maybe I'll have time tonight to swing in. Have you thought about creating a chat room as well? It would be extremely cool to start a chat where those folks who keeps their PC logged online all the time could hang around when they are able and have time to spare so that should folks start coming in with questions, would have an immedeate answer. And if no answer is given, they could still point you towards someone who could help etc, etc, etc...I know there are many times that it'd be nice to ask someone a question in real time. It was just a thought-something to ponder.

Chat room is a good idea. I definitely have the ability to start one of those on my host. Could probably have one up in less then an hour. We've had a lot of positive feedback for the most part. Those that have been against it haven't really given it a chance.

We'll definitely love having you come on board.

A chat room would be kool, as long as people use it often enough so that morethen 1 or 2 peeps are on at a tiem

Just want to thank everyone who has signed up or shown support. I'm looking forward to seeing more people come join up with us!

We've gotten a UK member now, and I'm hoping for some more. Hopefully we'll have some coverage at UK cons.

cool intro to the site, i am in the process of building my suit right now and well, am hoping to have it done my this comicon (san diego)but when it is complete ill join up with you guys

I have since made some changes to my costume since the last picture was taken. I.E. better knees and belts and I am getting a new custom bucket from some body at THD. Should I wait unitll I get my new items and take a new picture or should I submit what I have now??

Your profile picture can be changed at any time after your join up. All you have to do is send it in to the membership officer.

well I just submitted my application...

We got it. =D

We've got a live chat up now also for anyone who wants to shoot the breeze, talk about customs, or whatever as long as it's somewhat civil. =D

sweet! I love the chat room

as soon as i have my armour done i will be signing up for this...i tried but it asked for photos...so i'll have to wait lol

It's all good. Still feel free to come talk to us on the forums or chat. =D Most of the people there are still working on finishing up armor. We're more then happy to help you in any way we can!

thanks...i may well just do that novall..cheers

We have redone our codex somewhat. Gotten rid of Approved wording so that people no longer think we aren't open ended. It's also been shortened and placed in an active flash movie so that you can navigate all articles and sub-parts without your eyes bleeding like the last version.

We are in the process of releasing a new website. The old site will remain up until the new in completed, but we are definitely moving away from the Flash site to something more user friendly. We are also working on opening a clan in the UK within the next month =D

Have you looked into your own hosting? I know of a place that hosts for around $26-32 a year. You can get your own domain name that way. PM me and I'll give you the info.

I already host the site =D firespray.net is our main host and mercs.firespray.net is a subdomain of my host.

It's costing me $50 a year for 5gigs of space and 50gb's of bandwidth. It's $10 more for the next hop, but I don't see that happening for awhiel.

the site doesnt work for me

New site is up and running as of today. Still working some small kinks out, but all in all it's much better then the previous site =D

We are averaging about 1-2 new members a week since we started this at the end of March. I hope that all you customs will come visit us and see what we are about, and doing!

We've put a new chat system up as of yesterday, also have our member database up and going for official members and verd'ika (under 18) members. We are getting pretty close to announcing our new UK based clan =) We are all working hard on that to get it started up right.

We will be at AdventureCon and DragonCon and may make it to a few more cons this year. We are also already planning to have a booth at AdventureCon and DragonCon next year, and what ever cons we can get support at.

If anyone is trying to get onto our site, we seem to be having some technical difficulties with our host.

We are back up again!

3 years of using this host and thats the first down time. I'd say their record is pretty good =D

I'm gunna be joining your Verd'ika program when I'm done with my armor! But that may be a while, 'cause I haven't started yet lol

No prob. When your ready, the sign up sheet is downloadable off the Mercs site. You just have to mail it back filled out =D

If anyone is having problems registering on our forum, please let me know. Had someone who was having some trouble and I just need to make sure that it's an isolated incident.

Thanks!

We've updated the site with a link to our AdventureCon pics. We were lucky to get quite a few of the wedding =D

We've been having host issues again today, so if anyone has been having problems getting to us then that's been the reason. Everything seems ok for the moment though =D

Has anyone tried to sign up to our forum lately and not been able to sign in after you've activated or not been able to activate at all? We've had this happen to a couple people and if it's happened to you please PM me and I'll get you fixed up right away!

Our communications officer has just posted up a Myspace page for us also. Any of you who use Myspace, feel free to add us as friends and we look forward to seeing you all on there as well.

http://myspace.com/mando_mercs

Jeremy asked us to pose with him for his site. Makes me wish I had been sucking it in more =D

That was awesome of Jeremy to do that.

Novall,
I sent you a couple of questions over on your new site....did you get them?
Rob

No I didn't =(

Did you email or PM them?

I emailed them under my address "treborsnikwad@earthlink.net"....if you don't find it, I'll send it again by PM here....
Rob

I've checked all my email addys and I don't have anything from ya. Go ahead and PM me =D

Keep up the good work guys.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by NovallTalon

I've checked all my email addys and I don't have anything from ya. Go ahead and PM me =D

PM sent, my man...
Rob

We've added some more tutorials to our library if anyone is in need =D We try to add them weekly. If anyone has one they would like linked then please send me a PM.

Our forums have taken a big dive. We are working fast to correct this! Those of you who visit the Mercs site I will update this post as soon as we have a new forum up and going. Should be up by later today.

Turns out that the server our host has us on is currently out of space, and its causing our SQL databases to die (and corrupt as far as our forums go).

Unfortunately, I don't know how high up on the priority list we are with our host so I'm in the same boat as the rest of our visitors heh. Anyhow, just have to wait and see how much work I have to do afterwards.

Our site is back up and we are working very hard on getting our forums back up.

Ok, our perminant forum is up and running. We are in the process of pulling over as many posts as possible.

Our new forum is located at:

http://mercs.firespray.net/forum/index.php

I will be happy to pre-register anyone who wishes for the next couple days if you PM me the username and password that you want to use.

Again I'm sorry that those of you who have been part of us have had to go through all this mess! Trust me when I say it's been a real pain my the rear, and some sleepless and stressful couple days getting this fixed. The new forums are much much better then the old have have more functionality then you could imagine.

Thanks again for your support!

Tom H / Novall Talon

Now that we are back on track with the new forum, we are still looking for all you customs out there to come give us a shout =) I think you'll like what we are doing and planning.

Originally Posted by NovallTalon

Now that we are back on track with the new forum, we are still looking for all you customs out there to come give us a shout =) I think you'll like what we are doing and planning.

Yes come check it out. We are grownig fast and always looking for new members.

http://mercs.firespray.net/

The more the merrier

I cant get to the page

same, it won't load, /cry

Host is being a real pain in the *$& over the last month. I'm just about ready to drop them for someone else at this point.

We are back up. Just takes a good top-rope elbow to get things rolling I guess =D

uhm....This thread would have been dead months ago dude, why are you the only one posting?

3 posted above me yesterday?

I also don't believe in posting 10000000 threads about the same topic.

Originally Posted by NovallTalon

3 posted above me yesterday?

I also don't believe in posting 10000000 threads about the same topic.

Well on your website, you tell everyone to bump this thread because you're the only one posting in it.

Hey...I'm posting in it!
Rob

Originally Posted by GCNgamer128

Well on your website, you tell everyone to bump this thread because you're the only one posting in it.

Actually no, I'm not telling...I'm encouraging them to. If they want to post in the thread then that's fine, if not then they arn't made to. Posting the same thing over and over again to me is like spamming, just keeping the thread alive every now and then isn't.

If/when I'm asked to make a new thread then I will.

i thought clay and gcn were both in mercs...why are they bashing a promotional thread for it...not trying to instigate...just been outta the loop for a lil bit...send me a PM someone

I'm not bashing. It's just that this thread doesn't seem to get any interest, so a repeated bump by its creator gets kind of annoying. The creator of the thread also posts on another board of his ownership to, "bump the thread because he is the only one who posts in it."

When my threads are dead and no one visits them, I let them die; not resurrect them.

ive seen new people on the mercs that ive seen posting in TDH for a good while...so advertisement/interest must still be up there...would you recommend to novall to make a brand new thread with the same subject to encourage custom mandalorians to check out his site? or would it be more convenient to just use the same one for the same purpose? either way...its better to tell him in PMs and not make a fuss about it on the forums imho

I think it would be a better idea if he requested that the thread became a sticky so it wouldn't have to be repeatedly bumped.

good idea..i knew you could come with something better

Originally Posted by TantiveIV

i thought clay and gcn were both in mercs...why are they bashing a promotional thread for it...not trying to instigate...just been outta the loop for a lil bit...send me a PM someone

I didn't bash, asking a question isn't bashing.

Originally Posted by TantiveIV

ive seen new people on the mercs that ive seen posting in TDH for a good while...so advertisement/interest must still be up there...would you recommend to novall to make a brand new thread with the same subject to encourage custom mandalorians to check out his site? or would it be more convenient to just use the same one for the same purpose? either way...its better to tell him in PMs and not make a fuss about it on the forums imho

And I didn't, you sparked a fuss, good job.

Sticky requested.

The thread gets little posting interest, but generates quite a bit of interest about the club just like how the TDH banner on our site generates interest for TDH. It should always be encouraged that clubs work together, IMHO that keeps the attitude levels to a minimum.

Anyhow thanks for the sticky idea.

We are currently running an art contest for forum members to come up with our region emblems.

We are offering free Mandalorian Mercs t-shirts and hoodies as prizes! Everyone is invited to participate, but in order to do so you must be a forum member (It's the only way we can track entries at this time). So hop on over and take part in this great contest!

http://mercs.firespray.net/forum/index.php