Mandalorian Mercs Custom Mandalorian Costume Club.

We will have a table at DCon from 2008 onward...so whichever year you plan on, your vode will be waiting. =D

Mandalorian Mercs is proud to announce our first new clan for 2008:

Rancor Clan.

This clan currently covers the state of Ohio and consists of 5 members. Any of you Ohio customs who would like to participate in events with this clan, please feel free to join up. Below is their armor symbol:



Congrats to the hard work of these individuals and to Ohio for having their own charter clan. =)

The Mandalorian Mercs podcast, Episode #4 will be tonight at 7pm EST.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mandalorianmercs

Live podcast #5 airs tonight! Feel free to drop by for a listen.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mandalorianmercs

by all means, feel free to come by. If you take pride in your costume, we will be happy to accept you with open arms. No questions asked.

Here is our promo video for early 2008. It contains our first convention appearance at AdventureCon '07, the mando invasion at DragonCon '07, and various other events up through January '08.

Mandalorian Mercs 2008 Promo

Proud to be a member over there with you Novall, our armor is coming to fruition and soon we will be full mercs.

I SO look forward to DCon this year.


Alexis
*smiles*

Originally Posted by Tack

No questions asked.

Well...we do ask that you wear pants of some type....
Rob

Originally Posted by Ghostsoldier

Well...we do ask that you wear pants of some type....
Rob

Rob's right... Put on some pants!


-Naas

I myself do not wear pants.

I have a very fetching flight suit...thank you very much.

That counts

-Naas

How many people do we have in full army now?8)

Armor* I think you mean, and if you check the gallery..

I know it's quite a few,

-Naas

Problems with the firespray server this evening or is it just me?

It's working for me, though a few days ago, my browsers (Opera and Firefox) weren't accessing a lot of the usual pages I go too, so I got Safari, I'm happy again, hehe

Good luck with your problem Kyram

-Naas

Hm, Firefox just did some update thing so I restarted Windows but it's still not letting me on with either browsers.

it's working for me

It was my wireless network. Weird it only blocked the mercs.firespray.net sites though. Ah well. Works now.

You just weren't mando enough for some reason Kyram. =D

Glad you got it fixed man.

We have had to introduce some standards into Mercs, as we have tons of people apply for membership with anything from Fett Pajamas, Palpatine costumes, and the armor of current Mercs members.

So, to give you an idea of what we now look at when you submit an application:

Mandalorian Mercs Costume Guidelines
Rev. 4/2008

Intro:
In response to the increasing membership and interest in the Mandalorian Mercs, it has become necessary to codify certain minimum costume requirements for admission into the Mercs. As such, the Cuy’val Dar Council has discussed and ratified the following guidelines.

Required Components
Individuals must have ALL required components before official membership will be granted.
1. Helmet with T-shaped visor; visor must be dark enough to obscure eyes/face from other’s vision
2. Chest armor
3. At least TWO armor components below the waist (codpiece, thigh armor, knee armor, shin armor, and/or foot armor)
4. Some form of armor or covering on the lower arms (gauntlets, bracers, gloves, handwraps, etc.)
5. Some form of back covering (jet pack, backpack, back armor, cape, cloak, etc.)
6. Shoulder armor
7. At least one weapon of Star Wars-universe style (not modern-looking)

Suggested Components
These items are not required, but are included as additional suggested costume components.
1. Belt—girth belt, ammo belt, duty belt, sash, etc.
2. Kama
3. Use of mythosaur skull (Jaing or Mercs) in armor design
4. Multiple weapons

The DON’T List
1. No soft armor/Halloween costumes/Mando pajamas
2. No tennis shoes/sneakers
3. No visible zippers or closures on flight suit/under-armor unless considered part of the costume’s look
4. No jeans, t-shirts, sweat suits, etc. used as under-armor
5. No Jedi-Mandos or Sith-Mandos. “Force-adept” or “Force-sensitive” Mandos are acceptable.
6. No stiletto boots. Platform boots are acceptable.

**As always, any costume must meet socially accepted standards of good taste and modesty.**

Acceptable armor material:
Sintra, Kydex, PVC, ABS, Styrene, Fiberglass, Metal

Grandfather Clause
Any current accepted or admission-pending (prior to 5/4/2008) Mercs members will not be required to adhere to these guidelines, and current members are not expected to resubmit their applications.

Admission Process
1. Application completion
2. Submission of costume pictures. Pictures must include front view, back view, left and right side view, close-up of helmet, and helmet-off shots. Any other pictures you wish to submit are appreciated!
3. Discussion and voting by Cuy’val Dar Council members.
4. Acceptance, Probationary acceptance with suggestion of improvements, or Denial.
5. In some cases, the council may ask for a shot of your bucket next to a piece of paper with the Mercs logo just to verify actual ownership of the armor.

We basically had to do this just to continue the validity of the club. The council looks over each applicant's armor and make a vote on it based off of what you submit. We still only ask for good quality armor, and since 99% of armor kits have the required components we are looking for...then membership isn't any different then before.

I'll be happy to discuss these new standards with anyone who would like to discuss them. My PM box is always open. =)

Novall

Nice! I like 'em! As soon as a few other projects are finished up, I'll be putting back into place my custom Mandalorian. After all, can't let that awesome Marrow Sun bucket be lonely!



-Rex

The DON’T List
1. No .....Mando pajamas
........
6. No stiletto boots.....

****.
There goes my kit.

Rob

As long as you guy's don't instigate a "No looking so **** cool and scary looking that you make small children cry" rule, it's all good!

LOL!!!

Honestly I was more afraid that instituting something like this would turn people away...but we have actually had 6 new official member applicants since this all went official. We had to add something to validate the hard work people have been doing in Mercs, and this was really the only way we knew how to do it. It doesn't limit creativity by any means, just solidifies what the world sees as "Mandalorian", and thats our goal in the end really.

This decision also wasn't the idea of one person, but a group of 8 people with a combined 15 years of costuming as Mandalorians. So we did what we thought was best for the club and what it represents to the world, and hopefully Mandalorian costumers around the world.

~Novall

Originally Posted by NovallTalon

So we did what we thought was best for the club and what it represents to the world, and hopefully Mandalorian costumers around the world.

~Novall

And you have done it quite well, my friend!
Rob

All I can say is that you guys must receive some interesting pics from people.

Sounds awesome. I may have to apply once I get my armour completed... Either way, I can fully understand all them new rules - if you're gonna have a collection of people in armour, might as well make it look good, eh?

Kandosii stuff guys, I'm uber excited to join... just one catch.. I'm going on a mission for my church for 2 years, and won't be able to get my custom done before I leave. But I already have a concept in the makeing, with backstory and all that jazz. Hopefully by the time I get back they'll be a clan in Utah, if there isn't already one.

You guys are doing great job wit the site by the way.

I can't access the Mercs site right now, but the rest of my internet is working fine. Anybody else having a problem like this?

Same problem here. I figured it was just our work 'net being wonky.

Yep, it's been down since 7:30 am. Somethings up with the host, can't even access their website to put in a ticket at the moment.

Soon as it's up, I'll let you guys know.

Use the Iron Knee Novall... use the Iron Knee !

Glad it's not just me this time.

actually it was down after midnight here....

So about 3 or 4am EST?

The host servers are located in Florida, so I hope one of those fires down there hasn't caused any issues. You can't even bring up their own webpage currently.

I was on as early as 3AM PST when I got off work with no problems. However, I just woke up and tried to get on and it's still not working (1045PST).

Finally got in to submit a support ticket.

If I had a T1 line running into the house I'd just host our stuff...unfortunately that costs WAY to much. =(

Update:

Hello,

I apologize for the inconvenience. Earlier this morning our Datacenter experienced network issues related to the power in one of the segments of the DC. All of our NOC staff is working on this issue and we are in the final stages of getting everything back up and running as soon as possible.

Although many of our clients have reported sites coming back up, we realize that there are still servers down and we are working very hard in getting those affected servers back up and running. You can view the latest updates via the following Forum Thread:

http://forums.hostdime.com/showthread.php?t=7300

Once again, I apologize for the inconvenience and greatly appreciate your patience.

Regards,

----------
Usman
Senior Analyst, Office
HostDime.com


So give it a few. It could be back up at any moment...or in a couple hours. OUt of my hands unfortunately.

Whew...I thought you had changed the forum name to "This Page Cannot Be Displayed".....
Rob

Oh here I thought the whole time it was my net that was causing the problems, I asked a couple of people over at the Awesome Forum and at MA about it, but then I remembered I could just go straight to the source and ask Novall over here, but I checked here before I sent a PM and voila! I found the answer lol.

Yeah... having no Mercs is an odd feeling... I feel so NAKED!

Kidding, kidding... :P

I'm getting withdrawal's....

I'm sweating profusely, shaking, I'm cold and I have cotton mouth.... I need my fix man! INEEDIT!

Yea, here I sit working on my bucket, wanting to maybe even post pics...aaand it's down again...I want my Mercs!

We're back up...thank god!

Well, looks like we get 2 months of free hosting out of this. Thats $60 in our pocket. =)

yay! my internet is so much more boring without Mercs

2 months free hosting I think someone needs to schedual raids on this place every once and a while then if it turns into free hosting

Anyways glad we are back in business, it's not right forcing us to go look at over site ( ah besides TDH of coarse) or ... spend time with family and friends.

have a good one,
Hagen

P.S. yes it's late and I'm smiley happy

Your site is awesome Novall! How many clans in how many states are you guys up tp?

DS

We have 12 clans currently through out the US, UK, and Canada.

Falco Clan takes up alot of the North East US, Rancor Clan is Ohio, Storm Warrior Clan is Florida, Talon Clan in North Carolina, Sun Raider clan in Southern Cali, Tracyn Verda clan in North Cali, Nolef Clan in Kansas/Oklahoma, Vok'Chi Clan in the UK, Nordic Clan in eastern Canada, Jai Clan in central Canada, Hett'ciri Clan in western Canada.

We're workin on clans in Hawaii and Mexico currently and should have them up and running this year. We're gaining on those pesky Jedi.

=)

Ok guys and girls...we've hit 100 costumed members as of this week! We have a clan of 4 mandos getting started in Hawaii, and a clan of 6 mandos putting things together in Mexico. We have costume members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

Looking back over the first year of Mercs, we have grown in ways I could never have imagined honestly. We had 3 clans turn out for AdventureCon back in mid June...and it was one of the best times of my life honestly. As someone who went from costuming with 2 or 3 custom mandos to 15-20 custom mandos...it's really a big difference to see how everyone has so much in common.

I wanna urge you guys and girls who haven't signed up yet and have your custom armor done or just wanna find out what Mercs is about, to come check us out! Hopefully I get to see some of you at SDCC, and others at DragonCon.

I'm just glad me and mine are a part of it!
Rob

GO MERCS!

I cant wait till I get the cash to start building my mando, looking at everyones works makes me jelious. :P

I know that it sais how to do this on the website, but im having trouble
finding the program for people below the age of 18.
Any help, vode?

Good to finally be on board Tom, the Lone Mando over here in Aus is doing the group proud!

For those of you in GA and AL, we have opened up the new Naast Clan. Any customs in the area who would like to have some trooping/armoring buddies...your wish has been granted. =)

This would be the 15th Mandalorian Mercs clan to form up.

Originally Posted by NovallTalon

For those of you in GA and AL, we have opened up the new Naast Clan. Any customs in the area who would like to have some trooping/armoring buddies...your wish has been granted. =)

This would be the 15th Mandalorian Mercs clan to form up.

Sweet! Now we Storm Warriors can hook up with some closer neighbors to our north!
Rob

Thanks to the lovely Mando who posed for a picture with me at Collectormania in Braehead, Glasgow today, and gave me the clubs card. Your armour was fab and it totally made my day to see you there. My friend and I were just wandering around aimlessly and then we spotted you over the crowd, then lost you again which gave us a lovely 15 minutes of hunt the Mando! YAY! An otherwise unremarkable afternoon brightened immediately. Thanks.

That was Lasurin Toth, our poor lonely Scottish mando. Glad you enjoyed his armor, I know he was really worried if it looked good enough. Now we need to find some more Scottish mandos and get a squad going up there.

As of today, Mandalorian Mercs is now 150 members strong across 15 clans (chapters) and 1 squad around the world. This is huge growth in the last 1.5 years, and we are proud of all our members and custom mandos out there who have helped create a home for themselves. Our doors are always open to our brother and sister mando costumers, you can only make us stronger.

I'd also like to thank TDH for their support and help here on the forums where many of us customs started out. Without this place, customs and canons would still be in the dark age of costuming.

Tom Hutchens
Novall "Beskar'lovik" Talon
Founder/Mand'alor: Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club

Great news!!! I'm in with massive thanks to TDH too! Without this place I'd never have got involved in this or got the chance to talk with many of you.

I think a huge "Ori'vor'e!!" goes to Novall here for his dedication to creating a home for us customs.

May our community only grow stronger!

Originally Posted by Skupilkinson

I think a huge "Ori'vor'e!!" goes to Novall here for his dedication to creating a home for us customs.

Seconded!
Rob

Originally Posted by NovallTalon

As of today, Mandalorian Mercs is now 150 members strong across 15 clans (chapters) and 1 squad around the world. This is huge growth in the last 1.5 years, and we are proud of all our members and custom mandos out there who have helped create a home for themselves. Our doors are always open to our brother and sister mando costumers, you can only make us stronger.

Guess who's here!

Just chipping in to say hello, and yeah, TDH has been a very useful and helpful reference for me personally, before I joined the Mercs. Now that I am a Merc, I feel that it's only natural that I hang out here as well!

Oya!

Mercs would like to formally introduce the formation of Womp Rat Squad (soon to be clan!) out of Sidney Australia.

This marks our 17th chapter now across 6 countries! We've come along way from where we started, and our 18th clan is currently in the works for the Oregon/Washington state area...so those of you in those states keep your eyes open.

Mandalorians are catching up! =)

Oya!!!

Crikey!

That's SWEET!

Rob

What the!! Mandos in Sydney? Where? Info Please!

Here, you'll need to sign up on the forums if you wanna interact with their board.

Womp Rat Squad

Most of them are from Novus Ordo. 2 official member (which is why they are a squad currently) with about 6 more working on armor as we speak. =)

OYA!!!

That's great news!! Strength in numbers and all.

This past weekend, the Vok'Chi Clan presented Jeremy Bulloch with our 3rd honorary membership at Hero's and Legends 3 in Swansea UK. We are proud to be able to Jeremy for his contribution to Star Wars and wearers of Mandalorian armor around the world.

That so cool!!

Indeed! I almost feel ashamed for not being there. I really missed out there. Still, it's great that some of us were there to represent the UK and present Jeremy with his award/honorary membership.

D@mn...that's a handsome group!
Rob

good looking group

Hi, ived try to make my apliance twice, and get no answer, iam from Brazil, can people from other countryes join?
Heres a pic o me in the JediCon ( im in the green armor)
And by the way, how can i post the pics ont the threads?

Here is the link to the new application page:

Mandalorian Mercs Membership Application

Yes, people from other countries can join. I've actually spoken with the mando group down in Brazil to join up as a South America clan. We have chapters in 6 countries currently. Have you signed up on the Mandalorian Mercs forums yet?

Mandalorian Mercs Forums

Yes, one time ived enter a clan region nearest, and the other i just skip this part, and received a msg " your aplication has sended and wait our contact" or some like that, the clan in Brazil u mencioned is the Vode An, from São Paulo? Here in Curitiba we created the Mandalorian Army (www.mandalorianarmy.com.br), i gona try again the aplication, thanks

Hello,

You can also copy and paste the APP and PM it to me on the Mercs board. My name there is A'den Skirata. I am the Personnell Officer for the Mercs. I've received several apps recently, some from South America and have responded with detail regarding the needed photo's. However, perhaps there's a hang up somehere. If that's the case, go ahead and PM on Mercs and we'll set you up.

If you continue to have problems, you can email me your application at the following email address:

novall@mercs.firespray.net

I will make sure it gets into the proper hands from there.

Yes, Vode An are the mandos from Sao Paulo that I've spoken with. They seem to be a good group who are passionate about their armor and mandos.

Jaing beat me to answering your post. =)

Looks awesome

Nice. I'll go check it out!

I know a gal on there.

Like the site. Looks kewl. I'll think about signing up if/when I can get my suit project near completion.

Thanks! We just updated everything, and released a new episode of our podcast. Everyone go have a listen!! =)

Okay, question: is it okay to join, if your under 18, to post on the forums? Or does one need to be over 18 anyways?

You can be under 18 and post on the forums, just make sure your contributing to the community. =)

Originally Posted by NovallTalon

You can be under 18 and post on the forums, just make sure your contributing to the community. =)

*salutes* Sir, yes, Sir!

At the beginning of the year, Mandalorian Mercs officers meet via conference call to discuss and change our costuming standards for the group. This year we had a pretty large debate and discussion about what we would like to see happen with the Mandalorian armor community for 2009.

While we are not a club of canon costumes like the 501st, we are a club BASED off canon costumes. To that end we all decided that we need to do our best to promote and help ensure that every new member joins our ranks with the best suit of armor they can make.

These are our revised costuming standards for new members in 2009. Current members are grandfathered but are expected to be able to meet standards with the rest of the club.

Required Components
Individuals must have ALL required components before official membership will be granted.

ARMOR

1. Helmet:

* Full T-shaped visor dark enough to obscure the wearer's face. (Leaving the stock Rubie's helmet visor in is not acceptable.)
* Must LOOK like a mandalorian helmet from an identifiable Star Wars time period (Taung, KOTOR, Old Republic, Empire, New Republic) .
* Clone helmets must be heavily modified to look more Mandalorian than clone. Clone mod helmets will be judged on a case by case basis.


2. Chest armor

* MUST be fitted and spaced correctly depending on armor/body type. Good rule of thumb, maximum spacing should equal no more than 1 inch between collar/chest/gut plates. No more than 1/2 inch between diamond and chest plates.
* Must be of adequate size in proportion to your chest area. Chest plates should not exceed 1 inch beyond edge of collar maximum.
* Sports armor used must be modified to the point where it is no longer recognizable as sports armor. (we will scrutinize anything that resembles sports armor)


3. At least TWO armor components below the waist (codpiece, thigh, knee, shin, and/or foot armor)

* Sports armor used must be highly modified to no longer look like sports armor. (we will scrutinize anything that resembles sports armor)
* Plates should be sized correctly so that they are proportionate to your bode size.


4. Some form of armor or covering on the lower arms (gauntlets, bracers, gloves, handwraps, etc.).

* Sports armor used must be highly modified to no longer look like sports armor. (we will scrutinize anything that resembles sports armor)


5. Some form of back covering (jet pack, backpack, back armor, cape, cloak, etc.)
6. Shoulder armor
7. At least one weapon of Star Wars-universe style (not modern-looking)

SOFT PARTS

1. Armor/flak vest must be worn under armor plates..

* T-shirt vests are not acceptable as armor vests.
* Vests may be traditional Boba/Jango style or custom style. If you have a question about your vest, ask a council member.
* Ensure vest is properly fitted/tailored for you. Baggy and over-sized vests are not acceptable


2. You must have a properly fitted/tailored flight suit or comparable under-armor clothing.

* One or two piece flight suit designs are acceptable.
* Non-flight suit style under-armor clothing must be comparable to a flight suit (We should not be able to tell the difference.).


3. Soft back coverings can be substituted for back armor pieces as long as they add to the overall look of the applicant's armor.

* Full/half capes are acceptable as long as they cover the entire back area (No armor vest should be showing).
* Soft/hard backpacks/packs are acceptable alternatives.


4. You must have either an ammo/girth/holster belt or waist sash, or any combination of these four items.

5. Combat/Utility boots are considered the primary accepted boot for armor.

* Labels and brand names should be removed or covered.
* Shoe-laces should be covered with armor or some sort of boot/ankle spat.
* High heels/stiletto female boots are not acceptable mandalorian armor attire. Platform boots are acceptable.



**As always, any costume must meet socially accepted standards of good taste and modesty.**

Suggested Components
These items are not required, but are included as commonly acceptable accessory items.

1. Neck Seal (TK neck seals are acceptable also)
2. Kama
3. Pauldron (TK or Clone)
4. Use of mythosaur skull (Jaing or Mercs) in armor design
5. Leg/Hip pouches
6. Military ditty bag
7. Poncho
8. Holster rigs.
9. Over coat/trench coat
10. Armor weathering

The DON’T List
These items/concepts should not be used in your custom Mandalorian costume character and can result in initial denial of membership.

1. No soft armor/Halloween costumes/Mando pajamas
2. No tennis shoes/sneakers
3. No visible zippers or closures on flight suit/under-armor unless considered part of the costume’s look
4. No jeans, t-shirts, sweat suits, etc. used as under-armor
5. No Jedi-Mandos or Sith-Mandos. “Force-adept” or “Force-sensitive” Mandos are acceptable.

Acceptable armor material:
Sintra, Kydex, PVC, ABS, Styrene, Fiberglass, Metal

Questions and pre-screenings can be done by PMing or emailing Council Members or your local Clan Alor'ad. If you have an item you are questioning, then ask before you submit your application.

Sounds good to me NT.

does my armor have to be complete in order to join?
im kinda in the middle... so far i have the helmet(minus the paint havent gotten around to it) and the plates for the body but havent attached them to the flak(or have one)

hi rudy,

i'm the personnel officer over at mando mercs, where my screen name is a'den skirata (can't seem to change it here?), anyway, you can join and participate in the forums as an unofficial member. however, to become an official member, you must have a complete set of armor built within the specs listed.

hmm okay that sounds pretty good, i noticed that in the materials cardboard isnt included, what if its really high grade cardboard that you cant tell its cardboard unless i tell you its cardboard? haha

If your 18 or over, cardboard won't fly as armor alone. Now, you can always bondo over cardboard or even poster board. Lots of people do that. =)

no well thats what im doing, its an illustration board for the shape then i built up on it, thats what i meant by you wont be able to tell... once im done with the rub and buff you wont ever be able to tell what it rele is

as long as it's fiberglassed or bondo'd you're good. if it's just the cardstock, that's not

Hey everyone, just got on the dented Helmet. Hope to see everyone soon.

I came over from the Mercs site as well. The info I found herre to help me with my custom is steller!

Here's alink to a new promovid for the Mercs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BLdpPSQBaE

Mandalorian Mercs is happy to announce the creation of both a new clan and squad in Brazil! Vode'An Clan which is based out of Sao Paulo Brazil and Manda Akaan'ade Squad based out of Cruitiba Brazil!

This marks our first two chapters in South America, and Chile is next in line!

OUTSTANDING!

Two Quick questions. I tried to register on the mercs website but I haven't received a confirmation for a couple of weeks now. I have a yahoo email account so I don't know if that has anything to do with it. And...Is there a clan/squad/dettachment that is here Phoenix AZ that I could hook up with as well?
Thanks for the help in advance.

Did you check your junk mail box or, have you tried to log in using the account you created? Should work. Yeah, one of our finest clans is located in the Phoenix AZ area. Many of the members are with us and with the 501st Dune Sea Garrision.

Hope you're able to get on soon!

My user name should be "user error". I messed up the original registration, but now that I did it correctly I'm a memeber of the mercs site. Thanks for your help. See Ya there.

Vode'An Clan



Welcome to the Mercs family!