Best Mandalorian Criteria

Besides generally being Corr, what is there to being Mando'ade?

I like to think there is a great culmination of things, not the least of which is cultural. To be Mandalorian is to embody the Six Actions (Resol'nare) and simultaneously write a character that is both it's own creature and a fierce adherent at the same time. It's a fearsome dichotomy, but when done properly, the results make for a fantastic read.

No two Mandos should ever be the same, not even fanatical zealots or Ori'ramikade. What makes any character deep is that they have their own personality. But more than that, an unassailable sense of pride in their heritage. Or, for someone who was embraced by the Mandalorian way and who is learning, showing the stages of that learning. Seeing how different it is than anything they have previously experienced.

Another huge thing for Mandalorians is technology, and armor. Armor, armor, armor. Forcies have their spiffy plasma blades that they swing around and look cool with, and that's a real sweet gig of its own. But when you came to this show, you came to see tanking monsters who take a beating and lay down the law.

It's not about the way you wear your armor and how awesome it looks. It's about how you use what tech you have. A Mandalorian pimps out their armor like those guys on MTV with the ridiculous cars. He generally decides what upgrades to put in, how the HUD is programmed, what weapon systems to install or toss, and at the end of the day, he does all his own maintenance. So, how does the Mando in question exemplify that armor? How badass is his armor, and how significant is it to who they are?

More than his armor, though, who is he? Does he reflect the things he learned through his life? Does he honor his family, and those that he has lost? Does he seek vengeance, or does he have a healthy lust for life? As a warrior, how does he choose to fight? How does he channel himself in combat?

Mandalorian is such a powerful, vast thing, and to encompass all of that is difficult, especially for a single character. For someone to win an award like this one, it means a lot of things. So, when you look for it, look hard, and take to heart that a warrior is many things, more than hands and sword. A warrior is a man with a purpose, and with his own quirks and flaws.