Mandalore
Homeworld to the Mandalorians and their warrior lifestyle, Mandalore is the only core world unaligned to a major galactic power. Due to their reputation and strong desire for independence, no group has tried to impose their will over the planet - leaving it as one of the few neutral grounds within the inner portions of the galaxy. Due to their warrior code of honor, diplomats of major factions are much more inclined to accept negotiations that occur here - knowing that once hired as a neutral party, no Mandalorian would consider double-crossing either party.
CLIMATE
The environment on Mandalore is one of deceptive tranquility, for while the weather is mild and the scenery beautiful dangerous creatures stalk the undergrowth ready to make mincemeat of the unwary. With mild summers and warm winters, Mandalore has a perpetually temperate climate with a variety of forests dotting its landscape. High mountain ridges curve across the continents, creating numerous fertile valleys where remote Mandalorian villages thrive. Were it not for the excessive number of savage animals, Mandalore could be one of the main agricultural planets in the galaxy.
LIFEFORMS
Non-Sentient
The species across Mandalore are known for being particularly dangerous when compared to those on other planets. Many believe that the constant vigilance and combat required to survive these creatures are what caused Mandalorian culture to develop with a martial-focused ideology.
Mythosaur - The symbol of Mandalorian might, mythosaurs are known far and wide for their aggression and deadliness in close quarters combat. Able to take down even the most seasoned of warriors, the mythosaur is considered the apex predator on Mandalore and, on the occassion one is tamed, make fearsome mounts for Mandalorian lancers. While many big game hunters pride themselves on their trophy kills, many more have met an untimely fate due to underestimating the strength and tenacity of these beasts.
Shriek Hawk - A carnivorous giant bird, shriek hawks are a native species that dominate the mountaintops across Mandalore. They have an ear-piercing cry that they use to stun smaller prey, which can create eerie echoes that ricochet throughout valleys for miles. Not to be taken lightly, a shriek hawk is one of the animals that a young Mandalorian can hunt in order to pass their rite.
Strill - Small yet ferocious, these large rodents posses a keen mind for non-sentient organisms - leading them to often be caught and trained by Mandalorians as pets and companions. Armed with sharp fangs and retractable claws, several strill can easily overwhelm a small village if organized by a particularly cunning pack leader.
Sentient
The sentient species living on Mandalore are categorized into two groups: Mandalorian and Non-Mandalorian. While Mandalore is open for living to those who do not follow the creed, any who have not passed the initiation rituals are considered merely residents rather than citizens. This limits the areas they are allowed to live as well as the governmental rights that are allowed.
Mandalorians - Despite not being an actual race, most - if not all - view themselves as a Mandalorian first with their genetic makeup being an afterthought. Raised in a communal setting, many see them as xenophobic when in actuality there attitudes are based upon perceived strength of those they meet. If one can prove their strength to a Mandalorian, they can often find their conversations become much more amicable. Various cities, towns, and villages can be found across the world with each having their own proud histories and clan names. Major clans may hold sway over multiple regions, giving them more power within the planetary council.
Others - Most individuals that have moved to Mandalore and did not choose to follow the creed are those who are unable to or unwilling to attempt the trials. Many refugees with nowhere else to go choose to live as residents on Mandalore, offering their services and labor in exchange for protection by Mandalorian warriors. Resident towns are overseen by the planetary council, who decide on growth plans and most of the decisions on individual professions.
HISTORY
Once a planet perpetually locked in an pre-industrial age with feudal governance, Mandalore's first experience with the galaxy at large was an invasion by a neighboring race. An overconfident force, their army was not prepared to face a race bred for war and combat - quickly losing their advantage of suprise and losing their initial shock troops before sufficient reinforcements arrived.
Understanding the sheer magnitude of their problem, what once were warring factions of a technologically defunct civilization, they banded together under a revolutionary leader known as Mandalore the First. A warrior with a keen mind and tactical awareness, Mandalore quickly set to reverse-engineering the tech of the downed forces, using Mandalorian endurance and cohesion to retrofit factories and labs to produce their own versions of weapons and their first space vessels.
Although primitive, their advancements in science and improved firepower allowed the Mandalorians to take their fight off their world and onto those who wished them harm. Their destruction was total and succinct, with barely a trace of their culture remaining after the Mandalorian bombardments. With the eradication of their enemy, and the unification of their people Mandalore began a golden age that brought their civilization advancements in all aspects of life.
The war is what eventually brought attention of the planet to
The Republic, who attempted to bring the burgeoning society into their fold. Distrustful of any governing body that wasn't their own, the Mandalorians declared their independence and changed the name of their planet to be named after the leader that saved them from a life of slavery at the hands of another race.
NOTABLE SETTLEMENTS
Keldabe
A mighty citadel-city, Keldabe is both a military structure and the capital of Mandalore. With housing and industry arranged into coordinated districts, the city runs like a well-oiled machine. Many foundries can be seen within its industrial districts, all crafting fine pieces of Beskar armor for those who join their ranks. While residents are allowed to visit, anyone who is not a Mandalorian is strictly watched while within the city due to the endless attempts by thieves to abscond with precious sample of beskar ore.
Enceri
A settlement on the edge of vast grasslands, Enceri is often used as a training ground for the newest recruits to Mandalorian life. The clear landscape offers large swathes of land to support combat training and vehicle lessons, and the abundance of Strill nests nearby give the recruits a chance to tame their own companions or learn how to survive failed bonding attempts.
Bralsin
Largest of the resident towns, Bralsin has a wide variety of races - but mostly contains Twi'lek and Wookie refugees that have sough liberation from the Sith Empire. A large producer of agricultural products, the planetary council allows them to grow whatever they wish as long as they contribute twenty percent of their produce to the Mandalorian clans. This area is one of the more friendly zones for those unaccustomed to Mandalorian behavior, and is often used as a training ground by galactic factions for new diplomats to the planet.
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