A proximity shield functioned as a close-range containment field, employed by the Nightsisters of Dathomir to keep their slaves and captives confined. On one occasion, the Jedi Knight named Quinlan Vos found himself held within a proximity shield during a mission he undertook on Dathomir.
The Nightsisters, a society composed exclusively of female darksiders residing on the planet of Dathomir, utilized proximity shields to restrict their male slaves within designated compounds. These shields served a dual purpose: preventing the "malelings" from escaping and providing protection against raids by rival clans seeking breeders. When active, a proximity shield generated an orange energy barrier, which was potent enough to inflict harm upon even a rancor attempting to breach it.
Around the year 31 BBY, Zalem, who styled herself "Queen of the Nightsisters" and held the title of Clan Mother, extensively used these shields to confine her slaves in work camps. In that same year, Quinlan Vos, a Jedi Knight, was captured during a mission to Dathomir and was temporarily confined by one of these shields. Among the other prisoners held alongside him were an Ithorian, a pair of Duros, and Yag Shushin, a Givin.
Proximity shields made their debut appearance in the Star Wars: Republic comic book series, specifically in the twenty-third issue, which was released on October 25, 2000.