The Shock Drum, a Superweapon, was developed by the Galactic Republic during the Cold War era, which saw conflict with the reconstituted Sith Empire.
This device, massive and shaped like a cavernous egg, generated powerful ultrasonic vibrations upon activation. These vibrations emanated outwards, starting from the Shock Drum, and were capable of disabling droids and other technological systems. As the Shock Drum remained active, the intensity of these vibrations increased, ultimately leading to significant seismic groundquakes, widespread destruction, and even the death of organic beings within its range as their molecules were torn apart by the vibrations.
Initially, the Shock Drum was envisioned as a tool to weaken enemy fortifications and military installations by disrupting their defenses. However, Republic scientists discovered that prolonged use could destabilize a planet's core, causing it to reach a critical state and shatter, resulting in complete planetary annihilation. Upon this realization, General Var Suthra, the head of the Republic's superweapons program, terminated the project, resulting in the construction of only a single prototype located on Tatooine.
Regrettably for the Republic, the Shock Drum's schematics were among the data pilfered by Sith infiltrator and Sith Lord Tarnis. Consequently, the Sith, under the leadership of Darth Angral, seized control of the project and absconded with the prototype. Upon learning that the Jedi responsible for his son's demise was on Tatooine, Darth Angral instructed his subordinate, Lord Praven, to activate the Shock Drum and obliterate Tatooine, thereby eliminating the Jedi and his allies. However, Praven defied his master's command to destroy the new deactivation code, as he desired to face the Jedi Knight in honorable combat. After the Jedi defeated Praven in a duel, the Sith surrendered and was persuaded to join the Jedi Order. With Praven's assistance, the Jedi Knight successfully deactivated the Shock Drum before it could compromise the planet's core.
The fate of the Shock Drum varies based on the player's decisions; it can be buried, its destiny left to Var Suthra, or its continued use can be sanctioned.
The Star Wars: Imperial Handbook: A Commander's Guide references the Shock Drum in its superweapons section, incorrectly attributing its construction to the Sith Empire.