Autons

Autons are life-sized plastic dummies animated by the Nestene Consciousness, an alien intelligence.

Autons conceal deadly weapons in their hands, revealed when their fingers drop away. Autons do not resemble humans entirely; they move in a very robotic manner. However, certain Autons are more sophisticated, made to look more human complete with a synthesised voice; these are known as facsimiles.

History
The Nestenes are believed to be one of the earliest races in the universe. They sought to invade Earth using facsimiles to replace government figures, but they were stopped by the Doctor and UNIT. They again tried to invade the Earth with the help of the Master, where they also controlled seemingly innocent objects such as an armchair or doll, alongside the Autons. The Master was convinced that the Nestenes were too dangerous to be trusted, and helped send them back to space.

The Ninth Doctor encountered the Autons onboard the Vanguard, where they were used as the servants of Dr Sarker, who sought to mass convert people into Autons using a serum known as Plastain. The Autons seen in this plan wore skin masks where appropriate, and used conventional weaponry when undercover. The Plastain serum contained a Nestene mutagen that rewrote the DNA of the person it inhabited, transforming them into an Auton. This plan was also thwarted by the Doctor. Sarker was revealed to be a Nestene/human hybrid, created when he was merged with a Nestene energy unit.

The Autons were also controlled by the Vultures to try and stop the Doctor from reaching the Dark Tower in the Death Zone. They were destroyed by red lightning bolts.

Physical Appearance
The Autons appear as emotionless, waxy dummies made of plastic. Their fingers are able to drop to reveal a weapon capable of either killing or totally destroying the Nestenes' enemies.

Powers and Abilities
The Autons are resistant to bullets and most conventional weapons. They hold a great deal of physical strength as well as being able to shoot their victims. They move with remarkable speed and agility.

Season 1 (2015-2016)

 * 1) The Plastain Operation
 * 2) Army of the Nestenes
 * 3) The Dawn of Time