IG-100 MagnaGuard droid

IG-100 MagnaGuard droids, also called MagnaGuards, and referred to as assassin droids by some groups of smugglers, are a type of battle droid designed to be capable of sparring with and defeating Jedi Knights in combat. First constructed during the Clone Wars, MagnaGuards were responsible for the deaths of many Jedi throughout the war, and even experienced Jedi were wary of engaging them in combat without additional support.

In 19 BBY, the smuggling ring Turquoise Horizon acquired at least three MagnaGuard droids, which they referred to as assassin droids, which had never been activated. Three of these droids were loaded on to the transport ship Runner, ostensibly for transport to Coruscant, where a buyer had been arranged. In reality, these droids were intended to incriminate Thomas Verdi and Newt Liryas, to cause their arrest by the Republic for smuggling in dangerous weapons, though the plan ultimately failed.

These three MagnaGuard droids were later the subjects of program-tinkering by Newt, with one being activated later in 19 BBY as a test, though it immediately attacked both Newt and Thomas with an electrostaff, and was destroyed by Newt after being defeated in combat with the Jedi.

The two remaining MagnaGuard droids were later reprogrammed by Newt and Winston Fridur. During additional testing, one of these droids engaged with Teresa Kraifech and Minho Bohoj in combat, but was incapacitated by Newt through use of the Force. The two droids were eventually successfully reprogrammed and served as assault droids for the Glade cell until at least 18 BBY.