Slayers

The Slayers possessed a muscular physique and a dark complexion, typical of males with a sturdy build. They were generally seen wearing only the traditional waist-wraps, adorned with the symbols that represented their caste and elevation within both the Yuuzhan Vong priests and warriors.

Despite exhibiting characteristics commonly associated with the Yuuzhan Vong, the Slayers were, in essence, human slaves. These Force-sensitives were grown from tissue samples extracted from Jedi, and then transformed by the shaper caste. They were equipped with a range of combat biots and their skin—darkened to resemble dried Yuuzhan Vong blood—was actually a resilient, rapidly healing armor fused to their bodies. Furthermore, they wielded the spiked close-combat implants known as Steng's Talons, along with updated versions of the amphistaff and coufee. They also piloted a new type of heavy fighters referred to as coralskippers, which bore a resemblance to voxyn and were equipped with advanced weapon systems, enhanced defenses, and hyperspace capabilities. Some of these ships even included passenger compartments.

The Slayers were brought into existence by Master Shaper Qelah Kwaad of the Yuuzhan Vong on Yuuzhan'tar—previously known as Coruscant, the galactic capital world—towards the end of the Yuuzhan Vong War in 29 ABY. They were introduced as "Shimrra's Jeedai" and were intended to serve as both bodyguards for Supreme Overlord Shimrra Jamaane and warriors capable of contending with the Jedi in battle. The name "Slayers" was chosen to honor Yun-Yammka, the Yuuzhan Vong god of war.

The unveiling of the Slayers to the Yuuzhan Vong Elite on Yuuzhan'tar sparked controversy due to their appearance. Some condemned their creation as a heretical act and a breach of the caste system. Supreme Commander Chaan even suggested that the Slayers resembled the deformed outcasts known as Shamed Ones. However, after a pair of Slayers successfully eliminated Chaan and his entire group of ten warriors, the criticism quickly ceased. This demonstration of their combat prowess not only solidified their position but also served as a deterrent against any challenges to Shimrra's authority within the Yuuzhan Vong ranks, whether from the Quorealist opposition, the Jeedai heresy, or those who were disturbed by actions such as the creation of the Slayers.

The Slayers were first deployed operationally on the Outer Rim planet of Caluula, where they successfully captured a Galactic Alliance team that included the Jedi Kyp Durron and Leia Organa Solo. However, most of the Slayers succumbed to illness when the experimental Yuuzhan Vong-targeting pathogen Alpha Red caused their implants to be rejected. When Luke Skywalker, Jacen, and Jaina Solo confronted Shimrra in his throne room, they encountered a second group of Slayers who served as his personal bodyguards, and the three Jedi defeated them in a swift but brutal battle.

Nevertheless, one survivor from the Caluula team remained—a warrior whose Alpha Red infection had been halted by the efforts of the Shaper Adept assigned to the mission. During the final stages of the Alliance's recapture of Coruscant, he bravely launched an attack on the living world of Zonama Sekot in his coralskipper. However, Zonama Sekot used the Force to deflect the ship into deep space, thwarting the attack.

Following the conclusion of the war, one Slayer was captured by the Sith faction known as the One Sith and underwent training to become a Sith apprentice, taking on the name Darth Vua.

The Slayers made their debut appearance in James Luceno's 2003 novel, The New Jedi Order: The Unifying Force.