IG-100 MagnaGuard

The **IG-100 MagnaGuard**, also known as the **Self-Motivating Heuristically Programmed Combat Droid** or **MagnaGuard**, was an advanced type of battle droid that was used during the Clone Wars as bodyguards of General Grievous, as per Count Dooku's order, as well as being specialized infantry on the battlefield. MagnaGuards were equipped with electrostaffs that could be used against Jedi lightsabers and were capable of continuing a fight even with the loss of one or multiple limbs or even their heads. They were worthy competitors even to the most skilled Jedi; one was even able to back Obi-Wan Kenobi into a corner. While formidable opponents in close-quarters, they were also capable of piloting *Rogue*-class Porax-38 starfighters and using blasters and RPS-6 rocket launchers, and were often seen wearing cloaks. MagnaGuards usually fought in pairs of two, one to occupy the Jedi's lightsaber and one to attack from the unguarded flanks or behind. The presence of MagnaGuards indicated that high-ranking commanders were present, and gave the droids automatic authority over other battle droids deployed.

## Characteristics

The electrostaff was the standard weapon of the MagnaGuard, complementing their training in the seven classic forms of lightsaber combat. The rod, made of phrik metal, could withstand lightsaber attacks, something that initially caught many Jedi off guard, with dire consequences. The IG-100s were notorious for carrying other weapons, particularly for long-range combat, with a preference for spectacular explosives. The large number of MagnaGuard variants, with their different colors, had a wide range of materials, including; missile launchers, tow cables, magnetized or extendable arms, and even personal concealment devices. Grievous inhibited the Magnaguards by assisted Kaleesh capes with mumuu marking and head wraps like a tribute to his destitute Izvoshra bodyguards also harked back to the warrior traditions of the planet Kalee. They also helped to give the IG-100 droids an even more menacing appearance.

Developed by Holowan Mechanicals, part of Holowan Laboratories, ensured that the IG-100 MagnaGuards looked intimidating the dull red glow of their photoreceptor, their expressionless faces, their shear physical built all creating a fearsome impact. The droids had a number of physical attributes to back them up. The guards' operational parameters were chosen by Count Dooku, who wanted a warrior droids that were at the height of Grievous stakes. Previously known to be heuristically programmed combat units, the self-moved tactics of the IG-100s were programmed for many forms of combat. Nevertheless, Grievous ordered that knowledge to be wiped from the droids' memory banks; Dooku trained Grievous in the combat arts of the Jedi Order, while the cyborg in turn taught the guards everything he learned. Even though Grievous' training was hard for the droids, with even those that survived ending up with burns and dents, the training created a terrifyingly effective force of droids.

The cunning cyborg then did not allow his guards to repair their damage, knowing that their combat-tanned aspects could enhance their aura. The MagnaGuards that survived gained numerous nicks and scratches to their body armour and Grievous made sure those were left clearly visible to show their foes that they were facing battle veterans. Ultimately, the fearsome MagnaGuards—with their effectiveness being a clear result of their training and weapons—quickly became as feared as their lord. Rarely working alone, the IG-100 units normally worked in groups of two or three; one or two could therefore battle a Jedi or other opponent, while the third stayed in reserve, waiting for the perfect chance to strike down their foe.

The MagnaGuards remained loyal to their primary directive, they formed a shield around General Grievous that few could pass. Any attacker sneaking to reach Grievous would have to face just such experienced bodyguards as these. Those that did survive were generally too exhausted to prove much more than entertainment for the cyborg general. The droids were such a great success that Count Dooku used a cadre of MagnaGuards as bodyguards.

The IG-100s could lose an arm or both legs and still be a threat. Thanks to a number of redundant systems and a spare photoreceptor in the chest, they could lose their heads and fight on, Jedi and clone troopers eventually learned to target their vital systems but even this wasn’t easy as they were heavily armored with duranium used in their main frame and armor plating. Even hitting one with sufficient force to knock it down or stagger it was hard as their feet could anchor them magnetically and their heels could extend for greater stability. IG-100s appeared to occasionally use an audible form of droid language. When in distress, such as when pinned to the ground, they also make yelping sounds.

## History

Following the massacre of the Separatist Council by Darth Vader, under Darth Sidious's orders, all IG-100 MagnaGuards were deactivated. After the Clone Wars, the great majority of MagnaGuards were retired. Some of them were acquired by collectors and given a new use. The Geonosian Gizor Dellso would later reactivate and use IG-100 MagnaGuards as infantry in his personal army. At least a decade later, two MagnaGuards were reactivated by the Galactic Empire for use as N-K Necrosis's bodyguards, and re-designated as NK-3s. In addition, a delivery was made for a TK-555 bobble-head, a battlefield diorama, and blueprints for the IG-100 MagnaGuards. The bureaucrat Narp Pilyev owned two MagnaGuards and used them as security guards, to protect his apartment on Coruscant. At some point after the Battle of Yavin, a pair of refitted MagnaGuards were on Nar Shaddaa in the service of Grakkus the Hutt. The two droids battled Luke Skywalker during Grakkus' attempt to steal the young Rebel's lightsaber. Later, many of them fought TIE fighter pilots who arrived to capture Skywalker under orders of Sergeant Kreel. In approximately 9 ABY, Daimyo Boba Fett owned two yellow MagnaGuards that were sold to him by Jawas and used them as his personal bodyguards, replacing the two late Gamorrean guards who had previously served under him and were killed during the Battle for Mos Espa. Aside from these examples, other notable individuals occasionally employed them as guards and henchmen. Many IG-100s were commissioned at the end of The Clone Wars, leaving a supply of enough IG-100s to create a private army.