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JK-series Droid

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originally produced as a high-end security droid, these Cestus Cybernetics constructs were among the most advanced droids ever produced in the galaxy. First developed during the build-up to the Clone Wars, the JK-series used a form of "living circuitry" that employed the unique brain of an unfertilized dashta eel as its central processor. This gave the droid an unusual affinity to the Force, allowing it to anticipate the actions of an opponent. The chrome body of the JK-series was shaped like an hourglass, with several rows of narrow legs to to it around. When confronted with a possible intruder, the JK-series could move swiftly and silently to a new location, where it appeared almost benign until it registered a true threat. In that instant, the JK-series could assume any number of configurations, and bring to bear an unusual array of weaponry. Its primary attack mode involved the use of whiplike tentacles that emerged from its top and side. These tentacles were incredibly strong, and could cut through some of the hardest materials. After capturing its target with these tentacles, the JK-series drew the target into its body, holding it until help could arrive. The the target struggled, the tentacles could be drawn tighter, cutting into flesh or metal to force the target to submit. Other weaponry included shock netting, stun darts, and blasters. In addition to these mechanical capabilities, the JK-series was produced with specialized coatings that allowed the JK-series to blend into its surroundings. These droids were produced in small numbers during the height of the Clone Wars, but at incredibly high prices due to the delicate nature of the dashta eel. Mass-production was virtually impossible, since the number of dashta eels was limited. Nevertheless, the demand for these droids easily outpaced the supply. They were originally designed as security droids for the exceptionally wealthy, but with simple programming changes they could be adapted for use as combat droids. Because of their ability to anticipate an opponent's movements, the JK-series proved a formidable opponent for even the Jedi Knights. Due to several documented cases of a JK actually defeating a Jedi Knight in combat, they became known as Jedi Killers. When Count Dooku offered to provide Cestus Cybernetics with cloning technology to help produce more eels, the Separatist army was able to secure the rights to JK-series production. Unfortunately, it proved too difficult to clone the dashta eels, a fact that Dooku kept to himself while he spun an intricate plan to lure the Jedi and the Old Republic to Ord Cestus. The Jedi believed that the JK-series could be mass-produced, and that its innate abilities would make it exceptionally difficult to defeat. In this way, Dooku managed to trap Obi-Wan Kenobi and Kit Fisto on Ord Cestus, when they were dispatched to learn more about the JK-series. However, the Separatists' plans fell through when both Jedi Masters survived the mission, revealing to the Cestians and the rest of the galaxy that the JK-series was no longer a viable alternative for the Separatists. Further investigation revealed that the dashta eels would have gone insane on the battlefield, when ordered to actually kill another being. This information was something that the Five Families never revealed to Count Dooku, since it would have negated the deal before any credits could have been exchanged.