B'omarr brain walker

The B'omarr brain walker was a spider-like walker that allowed the disembodied brains of B'omarr monks to move around. Modified from the frame of a BT-16 perimeter droid, the brain walkers were common sights around Jabba's Palace on the planet Tatooine.

Design

The basic frame of a B'omarr brain walker was a the modified frame of a BT-16 perimeter droid. B'omarr attendants assembled a series of armatures using parts from BT-16s. The modifications allowed^[1] a shatterproof glassine jar^[2] containing the brain of a B'omarr monk to be fitted to the frame, giving the monk a form of locomotion. As part of the modifications, the attendants removed the BT-16s repeating blaster and ventral sensor globe to allow the installation of the jar.^[1]

The brain walkers underwent more modifications over the years, straying further from the BT-16's original design. By the time of the Galactic Civil War, the units did not follow a single design pattern. Some units had four durasteel legs, while others were outfitted with up to nine limbs. Some units were fitted with gripper claws. Most units included speakers and audio sensors, allowing the monk to communicate. A row of colored lights was positioned at the base of the jar. During normal conditions, the lights glowed blue and green. If the lights were red, it indicated that the brain inside was "screaming" and not adjusting well to its new state. Each walker had a large storage abdomen, mounted at the read of the servomotor drive assembly that controlled the unit's legs. Retractable neurix tubes were located in the housing, and connected to the brain jar.^[2]

Because of the marriage of mechanical components controlled by an organic brain, B'omarr brain walkers met the minimum accepted standard for being defined as a "cyborg." Each walker had a telepath response unit installed to allow the brain, which was settled in a jar of nutrient fluid, to control the armature.^[1]

History

"A fanatical religious organization that believed they could achieve true enlightenment by having their brains surgically removed and placed into spider droid bodies."

―Mayor Mikdanyell Guh'rantt, about the B'omarr Monks.^[3]

The B'omarr attendants faithfully maintained the armatures. When one of the monks had business to attend to, it telepathically summoned one of the walkers. The armature then picked up the brain jar and affixed it to the unit. An acolyte usually assisted with the procedure.^[2]

One of the modified B'omarr version, seemingly without a brain, was present on Jib Kopatha's home, Void Station, in 0 ABY.^[4] The B'omarr in Jabba's Palace were eager to initiate others into their way of life. Following Jabba the Hutt's death at the Battle of the Great Pit of Carkoon, the monks forcibly removed some of the brains of Jabba's henchmen, including Bib Fortuna.^[2]