October: Art / Sculpture

October – Art / Sculpture

Mandalorian Sabine Wren is a talented artist with art of vibrant explosive colors.  Her armor expresses her love for art with a custom paint job.  She pours her heart and soul into expressing herself through art.  Sabine’s art worked is showcased through out the Rebels Star Wars show from a painted TIE fighter that Zeb and Ezra stole to her signature mark of the phoenix rising from the ashes with wings outstretched.

Grand Admiral Thrawn has a collection of exquisite and fine art including holograms of Lothal ancient glyphs, an old Jedi Temple guard mask, sculptures, a clone commander helmet, and holographic images of mandalorian art from the crusader eras.  Fine art is a forum of visual art which looked at for both intellectual value and aesthetics.  The craftsmanship can vary in techniques and materials like paintings, sculptures, and other crafted expressions of the heart & soul.

Challenge:
Create Your Own Artist Expression

Novice:
Describe to your battalion sergeant the different types of art, the importance of art in your culture, and what art means to you.

Journeyman:
Complete Novice in addition to this difficulty level.  Explain the following uses and elements of art for: line, value, shape, form, space, color, and texture. Show examples of each element.

Expert:
Complete Novice & Journeyman in addition to this difficulty level.  Render a subject of your choice in THREE of these ways:

• pen/ink
• colored pencils
• watercolors
• acrylics or oil paints
• earth elements such as plants, bark, dirt
• pastels
• chalk
• charcoal
• clay

Send what level you completed (Novice, Journeyman, or Expert) with a photo of what you accomplished to mythosaur@verdikacorps.com and remember to include your Verd’ika Mandalorian Name for credit.

September: Mandalorian Craftsmanship

September – Mandalorian Craftsmanship

A Mandalorian and the Armor are legendary. The warrior is identified by the armor, and the armor identifies the warrior. Mandos tinker with, repaint, and modify their armor all the time. It’s  a hobby and thing they’ll do all their life. Mandalorian Costumers share this trait. If you did the “Weathering” and “Learn the CRL” Challenges, here’s a chance to apply what you learned!

Challenge:
Find one part of your armor you don’t like as much as the rest. Figure out a way to improve your armor.

Novice:
With the help of a Parent, use your existing armor piece and modify it in some way to make it better. This may involve attaching new parts or changing the shape. If you damage the paint, be sure you fix it or make it look like weathering.

Journeyman:
With the help of a Parent, craft an entirely new replacement armor piece to replace the item you didn’t like as much as the rest. Paint and weather it to match the rest of your armor kit.

Expert:
Same as the Journeyman Level challenge, except for two or more items. If the item is normally a pair (gauntlets, shoulder bells, knees, etc.) then the matching part counts as a second item. Find a way to add a greebly (some kind of attached part that looks like something from the Star Wars universe) to one or two of the parts. For example, add knee darts to a new pair of knees (like Boba or Jango Fett’s armor) or build new gauntlet tops with buttons, weapons, rockets. etc. or even add glowing lights. Paint and weather it to match the rest of your armor kit.

Send what level you completed (Novice, Journeyman, or Expert) with photos (if you are in the photo(s) please wear your helmet) of what you accomplished to mythosaur@verdikacorps.com and remember to include your Verd’ika Mandalorian Name for credit.

August: Craftsmanship / Fabrication / Armory

August – Craftsmanship / Fabrication / Armory

Warriors take good care of their equipment to ensure it’s always in the best possible working condition. Mandalorians, however, sometimes allow their armor to show wear and tear to intimidate enemies or show how long they’ve been “on the hunt” (for example, Boba Fett). Even metal armor that shines shows some dirt and grime from hard use (if you can find a close-up image of Jango Fett’s metal armor you can see this). As a Mandalorian Costumer, knowing how to represent weathering on your armor is a great skill to have. Whether you decide to go with light or heavy weathering, the techniques are the similar.

Challenge:
Weathering

Novice:
Find a scrap of plastic (Sintra or otherwise), a broken plastic toy gun (Nerf, water gun, etc.), or some other item that it’s okay to repaint.  Use the internet to research “dry brushing,” “weathering,” or “aging.”  Experiment with these techniques on your sample, the goal is to be able to add some basic single color wear and tear (for example: black primer, dry-brush silver on it -or- paint something silver, then spray paint another color over it, and lightly use sandpaper to cause some of the silver to show through).

Journeyman:
This is similar to the Novice Challenge, but slightly more complicated.  Search online for tutorials on using “frisket.” This is also called “liquid latex” or “masking fluid” and sometimes even terms like “weathering with toothpaste” or even crazier fluids like mustard!  Additionally, you can even use table salt and hairspray to do the same effect! The basic idea is that you cover some paint with some kind of covering fluid or paste, do some more painting, then rub/wash off the covering fluid.  At the minimum, have two layers (the metallic or basic under-layer, and the layer that has all the scratches caused by the frisket mask).  Study two or three techniques and then take your project item and apply those techniques to it.

Expert:
Read the descriptions for the Novice and Journeyman Level challenges for ideas on how to search for tutorials on the techniques.  Boba Fett’s helmet has layers of grunge, frisket, and paint.  While we’re not asking for you to show off a Boba Fett helmet level of weathering, try to combine several techniques together for something with at least 4 layers of paint and maybe even ink or painted on “grime” at the top.  You can also try using a layer of carbon dust (ground charcoal), dirt, sawdust, cinnamon (rusty look), or something else to give a better weathering technique for grime and wear.   Remember, we’re using a throw-away piece of plastic for learning so there’s no right or wrong.  Apply the techniques you’ve learn to it until you’re comfortable with the techniques.

Send what level you completed (Novice, Journeyman, or Expert) with a photo of what you accomplished to mythosaur@verdikacorps.com and remember to include your Verd’ika Mandalorian Name for credit.

July: Community

July – Community

The Mandalorian Mercs exist to not only wear cool armor, but also as a charity organization to help our communities. One of the most basic missions when it comes to charity it finding out the good work that is already being done in your hometown or community and finding out if the Star Wars costuming community can help out in any way. This also goes back to one of the most basic missions of a Mando scout tasked with doing “recon” (in other words – gathering information).  “Oya!” – Oya! In the Star Wars Universe fiction, this is the Mandalorian Cheer. Oya means “Let’s Hunt” but it’s used for more than that.

Challenge:
Troop with Your Vod’e

Novice:
Find out about one to two or more charity organizations in or near your hometown or community. Find out if they are part of a national group (all over the country) or are just local (a community group? affiliated with a religious group?). Find out what they do and who they help. Find out if they are aware that they can get Star Wars costumed characters to show up to events (the Mandalorian Mercs, the Rebel Legion, the 501st, etc.). Find out who in that organization is the best point of contact for additional information or to plan events. If they would like to have Star Wars costumed characters show up at their events, send what you’ve learned to your nearest Mandalorian Mercs group or Star Wars costuming group.

Journeyman:
This difficulty level is very similar, except this time, the types of events should be Troops (events where you show up in your armor and fully participate alongside your fellow Star Wars Costumers).  Make sure you have your Parent/Guardian’s permission of course!  Find out from your local leadership about upcoming events where you can participate.

Expert:
Same as the Journeyman Level challenge except do 2-3 Troops!

Send what level you completed (Novice, Journeyman, or Expert) with a photo (with helmet on) of each troop(s) you attended to mythosaur@verdikacorps.com and remember to include your Verd’ika Mandalorian Name for credit.

June: Sports / Outdoor Activity

June – Sports / Outdoor Activity

Staying heathy is an important part of being able to fulfill your duties to the clan – a Mandalorian has to be ready for battle at all times! As a Mandalorian also relies on the teamwork and support of their clan, it’s equally important to make sure your friends, family, clan mates, and competitors are staying healthy and safe as well! As the Mandalorian saying goes: “You are only as strong as the warrior standing next to you”.

Challenge:
Physical Fitness

Novice:
With any type of physical activity, ensuring that you, your teammates, and your competitors stay safe and free from injury is always important. Accidents can happen, of course, but being prepared for the challenges you may face is what any Mandalorian would do! Explain the most likely hazards you may encounter while playing sports, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.

Journeyman:
Complete the Novice Challenge. Several Mandalorians we have seen in Star Wars are bounty hunters, who see all sorts of competitors through the course of their hunts and travels. The Bounty Hunters’ Guild has strict guidelines for it’s members, which includes respecting their competing hunters. As a member of the Verd’ika Corps, you should strive be an exceptional Mandalorian on and off the field.

List the attributes (qualities) of a good sport and explain the importance of sportsmanship in competitions. In addition, list the traits of a good team leader and team player.

Expert:
Complete the Novice and Journeyman Challenges. Pick two sports or physical competitions, and provide us with the following:

– A brief explanation of the general rules and etiquette (how a participant is expected to behave) of the sport/competition.
– A description of the equipment needed to participate in this activity, including any protective equipment or clothing (if applicable) you may need. Provide an explanation of why this equipment and/or clothing is needed.
– Draw out diagrams of the playing area/field for the sports or competition you selected.

Send what level you completed (Novice, Journeyman, or Expert) with a photo (with helmet on) of what you accomplished to mythosaur@verdikacorps.com and remember to include your Verd’ika Mandalorian Name for credit.

May: History / Culture

May – History / Culture

“Aliit ori’shya taldin” – in Star Wars Universe fiction (especially the novels written by Karen Traviss) the phrase “Aliit ori’shya taldin” is used in the Mandalorian language to mean “Family is More Than Blood.” Mandos from diverse backgrounds all share a close bond. Not only do Star Wars Costumers meet at Comic-Book or Sci-Fi Conventions, but also Charity Events, store/shop events, Armor Parties, or simple dinners/get-togethers.  This month it also Star Wars Day on May the Fourth where there will be lots of opportunity to meet others who love Star Wars.  The mandalorian fictional language uses the word “Vod” to mean a friend/battle-brother that’s close like a brother/sister, and “Vod’e” is the plural. This challenge is about meeting your vod’e.

Challenge:
Meet Local Mandalorians or Star Wars Costumers

Novice:
Contact your local Mandalorian Clan, or if there’s another LFL (Lucasfilm Limited) recognized costuming group that’s closer (501st Legion, Rebel Legion, The Dark Empire, R2 Astromech Builders Club, Outer Rim Brigade, etc.). With a Parent/Guardian’s permission, find out if there’s an upcoming event where you can join them just to meet more local members and hang out. Ideally this would be a non-costumed event (dinner, armor party, etc.) but if it’s easier to meet at a convention or local troop, that will work as well. For this challenge you do NOT need to be in your armor (that’s later), just wear your helmet for photos.

Journeyman:
Same as the Novice level challenge, except send pictures from 2 events.

Expert:
Same as the Novice level challenge, except send pictures from 3 events!

Send what level you completed (Novice, Journeyman, or Expert) with a photo (with helmet on) with your new vod’e you’ve met and send to mythosaur@verdikacorps.com and remember to include your Verd’ika Mandalorian Name for credit.

April: Lines of Communication

April – Lines of Communication

bajur. [BAH-jur] education, the raising and nurturing of children – a wider meaning than just school work, includes preparation for life and survival.

In the field, a line of communication is not just for messages, but also supplies. Within the Star Wars costuming and charity community, it’s very important to know what events are going on, to know who’s involved, and to at least have some idea of how or where to find things out. If you’ve already been in contact with your local Mandalorian Clan, this will be a very easy Challenge and that’s a good thing!

Prerequisite:
As a Mythosaur (13+) you may create a forum account, however, you still need to work with your parent(s) or guardian to make sure this is okay with them. While doing some of these challenges will certainly be easier with a forum account, it’s not a requirement. You will, however, need to work with someone who does have access. If you do not have permission to create an MMCC forum account, talk with your parent/guardian and find out when you may create one.

Challenge:
Establish Initial Lines of Communication

Novice:
Find out what clan/stronghold of the Mercs is the closest to where you live. You can use the MMCC main website (http://mandalorianmercs.org/), and click “Our Members” and “Clan Locator.”

Optionally, you can contact a Regional Commander for the region (or Regional Ver’sol) that includes your location and ask questions via email (main website -> Who We Are -> Staff).

Journeyman:
This is like the Novice Level Challenge except in addition to reaching out to the Regional Commander for your region.  Find out the name of the closest Alor’ad (Clan Leader) and (with your Parent/Legal Guardian’s permission of course) reach out and introduce yourself and get a list of all the local officers. If you have MMCC Forum access, you can do this on the Regional or Clan forum (or private message).

Expert:
This is like the Novice & Journeyman Level Challenges except in addition to reaching out to the Regional Commander for your region and the closest Alor’ad near you.  Reach out to 2 or more of those officers via email. If you have MMCC Forum access, you can do this on the Regional or Clan forum (or private message).

Send what level you completed (Novice, Journeyman, or Expert) send what you learned about your local area and a copy of any replies you received from these leaders to mythosaur@verdikacorps.com and remember to include your Verd’ika Mandalorian Name for credit.

March: Cultivating / Farming

March – Cultivating / Farming

Many hunts are short, lasting only a few days or even weeks. However, there are legends of great hunters that tracked and followed their prey to alien worlds and stalked them for months or years waiting for the right chance to strike. Sometimes these worlds were starved for resources and the Hunter has to set up a semi-permanent camp to act as a central base (or place of concealment), and grow their own food to be able to continue their hunt.

Challenge:
Grow edible plants.

Novice:
With the help of a parent, choose 2 different plant seeds that produces something edible. Start the seeds (get them to germinate) and then plant them in soil.

Journeyman:
Building on the Novice Level Challenge, start some seeds and get them to germinate, plant them, and get them to mature into a seedlings that are ready to be planted in the ground or some kind of growing pot.

Expert:
Building on the Journeyman Level Challenge, with the help of a parent – cook (if needed) and eat something that came from one of the surviving seeds you first planted (this can be a fruit, grain, nuts, a tuber, or even the leaves of the plant – whatever is the edible part). This challenge will take some time, probably more than one month to complete. In addition to a photo of your plants from Novice and Journeyman take a picture of the meal created from your plant.

Send what level you completed (Novice, Journeyman, or Expert) with photos of your plants to mythosaur@verdikacorps.com and remember to include your Verd’ika Mandalorian Name for credit.

February: Knowledge of the CRL Eras and Styles

February: Knowledge of the CRL Eras and Styles

Following detailed orders is an important skill for a Mandalorian. There are times that we might get instructions from a client hiring us, or a member of the clan, or even The Mandalore may need to be able to give us detailed instructions. They need to be able to count on us being able to understand them.

Fortunately, we can use the MMCC CRLs to help us train and refine this skill. Additionally, the App Team is always working to keep MMCC Mandalorian costumes in tip-top form or clarify areas of confusion. Because of this, the CRL changes regularly and it’s a great idea to brush up on it from time to time.

Finally, when a Mythosaur turns 18, they have the honor and privilege of going through the same armor Approval process as every other adult member of the MMCC. Now is a good time to start working towards getting your armor kit as good as it can be! To do that, you should know the process for how your armor will be judged.

Prerequisite:
Get on the Internet and browse to the MMCC Main Website: http://mandalorianmercs.org/ (Click “Costume Requirements” tab). Find the CRLs for Crusaders, Modern, and Post-Imperial.

Challenge:
The Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club currently recognizes three distinct “Eras” of Mandalorians from what we know through movies, shows, comics, and novels. Each era has a “Costume Requirements List”, which is commonly referred to as the “CRLs”. The CRLs detail the costume requirements for compliance with the given era or subcategory within the era.  Select which Era and Style (if applicable) best fits the costume listed below in Novice, Journeyman, and/or Expert.

Novice:
Identify numbers 1, 2, & 3 which Era and Style (if applicable).

Journeyman:
Complete the Novice challenge, then also identify numbers 4, 5, 6, & 7, stating which Era and Style (if applicable).

Expert:
Complete the Novice and Journeyman challenges, then also identify numbers 8, 9, 10 & 11, stating which Era and Style (if applicable).

Send what level you completed (Novice, Journeyman, or Expert) answers the photos to mythosaur@verdikacorps.com and remember to include your Verd’ika Mandalorian Name for credit.  Explain what details you noticed about the costumes that helped you select the Era and Style (if applicable) you believe the CRLs match up with.  After reviewing all of these different eras, tell us which one is your favorite!

January: Cuisine

January – Cuisine

On long hunts, eventually pre-packaged food runs out (or you get sick of how it tastes straight out of the package). Mandalorians must know how to prepare their own food. Warriors from the Mando home-world are famous for loving spicy & seasoned food!

Challenge:
Prepare a meal

Novice:
With the help of a parent, prepare a meal for yourself. It should consist of a main item, a side item, and a beverage. This may be a cold (from the refrigerator) or warm (oven, stove-top, or microwave) meal.

Journeyman:
With the help of a parent, prepare a meal for yourself and your family. One or more of the items should be warm (either prepared using an oven, stove-top or microwave).

Expert:
With the help of a parent, plan, purchase the ingredients for, and prepare a meal for yourself and your family. One or more of the items should be warm (either prepared using an oven, stove-top, or microwave).

Send what level you completed (Novice, Journeyman, or Expert) with a photo (with helmet on) of what you accomplished to mythosaur@verdikacorps.com and remember to include your Verd’ika Mandalorian Name for credit.